Snow Day On Mauna Kea: Bird Painting by kto ART

Snow Day On Mauna Kea: Palila Pair with Mamane Flowers and Pu'us on Mauna Kea 9"x12"

At the beginning of the year I met Brooks, long time supporter of the conservation efforts for the native Hawaiian birds and a new fan of my work:) We started this commission from an idea he came up with a while back as he was helping to restore Mauna Kea's habitat for the Palila, a critically endangered indigenous bird.

His idea was to have an upside down Palila reaching for Mamane flowers or pods and collecting snow on his backside in the process. With Mamane shrubs scattered about, Pu'us (cinder cones) set behind the action and an edge of the mountain in the distance.

I was a little worried that not everything would it on our 9"x12" canvas, but made it all fit with lots of snow to cap it off. Our Palila pair look so very happy in the snow, with still enough to eat and a fantastic view.

Thanks Brooks! Enjoy your painting:)