Sutrov Gallery Maui

Happy March--So many projects!

Aloha All,

Wow, 2010 is the year of creativity, projects, teaching, and connecting.  We're ramping up Reverse Origami with more film festivals, art classes, creativity events and more.  

And it's been a time of commissions, too.  Here are a few recent paintings that were created custom for their new owners and homes.  This is so much fun because I get to paint the painting that will make its collector happy every time she looks at it.    

Here are two for you to enjoy.

Launching the Canoe was painted especially to express Maui's warmth and sunshine, as well as the energy of the Festival of Canoes in Lahaina.

I painted Waipoli Kula View on site up on the side of Haleakala, not far from my studio gallery.  The exact spot is in the pastures above the Lavender Farm, which you can see tucked in the middle-ground of the painting.  You feel like you have the whole island under your feet up here.  

Happy Seasons!

Winter has reached Maui!  It's cool and blustery today up in Kula, and the waves have been breaking BIG on the North Shore.  The view at my studio has been absolutely amazing.  There are a number of persimmon trees on the property, and these have turned red-orange with fall-colored leaves and fruit. 

Maui is so full of color--to have a mini autumn thrown into the mix makes it even more fun!  I've been so busy teaching art and putting on a local film festival, but I made the time to paint this beautiful view before the leaves are gone. 

Persimmons Give Us a Kula Fall, oil on canvas, 20x30"

I've also posted NEW watercolor paintings for you to enjoy!  Click HERE (or on the link in the right column) to view them.  This one I painted of Manele Bay on Lanai.  I was recently over there sharing some artistic experiences with the fantastic kids at Lanai Elementary School. 

  
  
The watercolors are all 9x12" matted and ready for framing. 

If you're on Maui, come visit at the studio in Kula!  I'm often up there--just call me at (808) 280-1725.  I wish you all happiness in the holiday season.  Stay warm and sane, and spend time with the people you love!

Two Views of Fleming Arboretum

Above Ulupalakua, on the south flank of Maui, is a botanical gem.  

A double cinder cone called Pu'u Mahoe (Twin hill) shelters Fleming Arboretum, the oldest arboretum of native plants in the state of Hawaii.  There are plants growing here that are the last of their kind.  And there are plants whose seed is used to replant Maui's dryland forests.  Amazing efforts have been turning pasture back into habitat for these specialized and beautiful plants. 

Recently, I visited Fleming Arboretum.  Martha Vockrodt-Moran, whose grandfather, D.T. Fleming, started the arboretum 50 years ago, spoke of the history of this beautiful place.  I spent several afternoons painting on site and created the following painting.

Pu'u Mahoe Homestead, oil on canvas, 15x30"

I created a second painting inspired by my visit there for the Malama Wao Akua art show.  This yearly exhibit celebrates the native plants and animals of Maui.   I love painting the moment--capturing the colors and energy around me as I stand there with my easel.  However, in this case, I also felt the layers of history, the years of caring for these special plants needed to be expressed.  Working in mixed media with ink, mullberry paper and acrylic on wood, I created Pu'u Mahoe Family Trees, now on display at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao. 

 
 Pu'u Mahoe Family Trees, ink, mullberry paper, acrylic, on wood, 20x26"

New Watercolors: October 2009

A couple highlights as of late:

I've had the great joy of teaching art all over Maui, and even on the island of Lana'i last week.  I'm working with kids of all ages... from kindergarteners, to middleschool students at Kamehameha Schools, to grown-up "kids" through Maui Community College's VITEC continuing educaton programs.  If you're on Maui, look for more adult classes coming February!

I have also been doing more watercolors.  Click HERE for the new series.  These paintings are primarily done with vibrant watercolor and black ink applied with a fountain pen.  For someone who usually reaches for a thick bristle brush and gobs of paint, I've been surprised by how much I love the sensitive fountain pen and its beautiful lines. 

I will post more oil paintings shortly, but for now, enjoy this new watercolor series.  If one catches your eye--or if you have a specific scene in mind, email me at art@sutrovgallery.com. 

All watercolors are 9x12" including matting. 

Ke'anae and Art Maui 2009

This painting was fortunate enough to be selected for Art Maui 2009, the largest juried show on the island. Over 500 pieces were entered.

At the opening I met the family that owns the taro patches, or lo'i, in the foreground, as well as their extended family who help work the patches.  They even own the ducks!  The largest white one I'm told is named Snow. 

Ke'anae is special to so many people.  It's a place where even if you're not getting muddy caring for the lo'i, even if you only stopping for a short picnic, you know this place is special.  Your hearbeat slows, and you remember that you too are of the land. 

Enjoy the movie.

  

(Note: If ever a movie doesn't play for you here, visit www.youtube.com, and search "Sutrov".  Mahalo!)

New Small Watercolors!

 Aloha!  Here are eight new paintings for you to enjoy!

These original watercolors are 9x12in matted and ready for framing.
It's been a wonderful new way to express the colors here.

Also, these small paintings are something special for those of you following me online.

CLICK HERE to see the online gallery.

There are still a few of them left. 
Call me at (808) 280-1725. And I'll send you your favorite painting!

Aloha,
Maggie T. Sutrov
art@sutrovgallery.com

On a little road to Old Hawaii...

Happy May Day!

Which in Hawaii means that all the kids are dancing hula in school pageants held in parking lots and playgrounds.  They're making leis out of plumerias (or macaroni, or cereal) for the school lei contests, and playing the same games Hawaiians did on feast days long ago. 

And as a May Day gift for you, here is a new movie of a little spot on Maui that's also changed very little.

(Also, as a special treat for the film buffs, this movie makes use of a cinematic effect I like to call "the artists cam.")  I hope you feel like you're right there painting with me!

Enjoy!

"Honokohau" oil on canvas 18x36in

 

Aloha from Wai'anapanapa!

My sources in the Midwest say it's still snowing! 

Sounds like it's time to wander the coast of Wai'anapanapa in Hana and watch the waves splash along the cliffs.  I was there on Saturday, and I visited some of my favorite painting spots. 

Now it's your turn!  Click on the video below. 

The Moving Picture

Aloha! 

Something new from Sutrov Gallery: art in motion. 

Click Play on the video below! 

Enjoy,

Maggie T. Sutrov

Behind the Scenes on a New Large-Scale Painting

Maggie has begun a large-scale painting of the magical valley of Wailua. We will post updates as she paints. Stay tuned to watch the progress...