Halona Tempest

My preference when painting is to paint on location, direct from life, whenever possible for many important reasons.

I love surprises and they are always plentiful outdoors.  Sometimes I will begin with one idea in mind and change it on the fly as conditions evolve. Nature provides endless variety. 

The inspiration for "Halona Tempest" was begun as a study on location at Oahu's Halona Cove.  If you've ever been to that beach you know what a challenging hike it is to descend down the rock-face cliff from the parking lot.  (Double that effort if you are ladened with a heavy backpack, a 10# easel, an umbrella, and a wet painting box!)Once there, however, the effort is definitely worth it.

Except on this one day when the heavens opened up unexpectedly.Retreating as fast as possible up a wet rocky cliff was the only solution. (Painting on locationis not for sissies!)  After drying out back in the studio, I used my study and my memory to recreate the tempest that raged that day. Mother Nature may have won the morning but I exacted my own revenge in the afternoon!