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It may be raining and gloomy outside here on Maui but I'm busy painting away beautiful fantasy beach life. Stay tuned to see the finished work.
New Direction
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Clean Slate
Just returned back to Maui and I've cleaned my palette, ready to embark on a new series with new inspiration. Stay tuned...
In the Works
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I've been busy and on a roll with my new work! Feeling very inspired by Fauvism and Post Impressionist art combined my new blue and green palette. You can keep up with my work and see the process through my Facebook page Kim McDonald Art
Have You Heard?
Have you heard? Kim has just recently launched a product line called KaiKimba! 'Kai' is the Hawaiian word for 'ocean' and 'Kimba' is Kim's nickname. The two together seemed only perfect for this beach lifestyle brand- 'Bring the ocean into your life'. The tribal patterns were inspired by Kim's Warrior Boards- hand painted surfboards.
KaiKimba is a lifestyle line from beach accessories, to clothing, to tech packages,. KaiKimba is just taking flight and what an exciting, and extremely busy, new venture this has been. Creating a new business while still maintaining her fine art business is not an easy job! Being a full time artist is not as laid back like most people think it is. It involves consistent creativity and inspiration, hardwork, dedication, and a strong will power. Kim manages to keep it all running with the help of a great team and her clear vision.
One of the most exciting moments with the creation of KaiKimba was the photo-shoot. What was going to be a small personal photo-shoot between Kim and her assistant, turned into a full on professional shoot. We had the honors of working with world renown photographer Peter Augustine and international model Callie Mahoney, it was like watching magic happen in front of your eyes! Here are some teasers:
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Keep up with KaiKimba on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Kaikimba
Beyond Art
Some of the questions I get asked repeatedly pertaining my art career are: "How did you become a successful artist?""What are you doing in order to live off you art?" Here is one of my most useful tools that help me with art career: Marketing.
The most successful and best marketing tool I have is the shopping and dining guide by BEST Publishing on Maui and Kauai. The exposure I have experienced from being in these magazines for the last 12 years is incredible. BEST exposing my work to millions has been career changing and I contribute a lot of my success and ability to live off my artwork, to my ads!
I sincerely believe that without my making exposure in the magazine I would have not been able to sail through the recession, with my top selling years which have been the last 3 years like I did.
A big mahalo Mikel and Deb.
~Kim
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More to come with 'Beyond Art' by Kim McDonald
Big Mahalo to BEST Publishing!
Thank you BEST Publishing for all the years of incredible years of support, reliable advertising, and getting me through these past 4 years. An extra shout out Debra Morrill and Mikel Mesh, mahalo nui loa!
Here is the newest ad for the upcoming Upcountry magazine.
2013-2014 Upcountry Ad
New Photos from Surfboard Photo Shoot
Check out these great photos that we just got back from photographer Dana Edmunds. Great work Dana, Kim and the board makers! Photographed in Kuau, Maui, at the beach fronting Mama's Fish House. Below Kim is featured with two boards:
Top photo: Eel's Legend, shaped by Kazuma Surfboards. This one-of-a-kind surfboard is featured as one of Kim's Warrior Boards, and is available for purchase here on this website.
The second board is designed by Sean Ordonez for Kai Lenny to use at Peahi (Jaws).
Kim McDonald holding painted surfboard, Kuau, Maui
Kim McDonald surfboard for Kai Lenny, Kuau, Maui
Checking in at Gallerie 505 in Lahaina!
Looking for some new art? Gallerie 505 is enjoying its great location at 505 Front Street, (look for them when you go out to dine at I'O, Pacific'O or Feast at Lele). We just stopped in to say hello to our friends and see their new location (they just moved into a new storefront, ok, all the way back in December). Kim's paintings, giclees and surfboards have some fantastic company!
Maui Open Studios a success!
Mahalo to everyone who attended this year's Maui Open Studios event at the Kim McDonald Studio! Well over 100 people attended over the two day event, which will take place for the rest of the weekends in February at various locations over the island! We got to meet lots of other artists, visitors, as well as residents!
Congratulations to all of our new collectors as well!
Moonlit Dreams - New Painting Unveiled
Moonlit Dreams | Original OIl Painting by Kim McDonald of Maui, Hawaii
Moonlit Dreams is the first release from the 'Beaux Reves' (beautiful dreams) series. Completed February 2, 2013
From Kim :
"In this piece i’m starting to break out of my traditional color palette mold and go for a lighter, more pastel influence. The bright full moon makes it almost look like daylight. I’ve included the iconic hut and canoes, and I just love the way the sky came out in this piece."
Moonlit Dreams is an original oil on Canvas, completed February 2, 2013, and still available as of February 5. Available for viewing at the Kim McDonald Art Studio in Paia, Maui by appointment or walk-in as part of the Maui Open Studios event, February 9 and 10, 11am to 6pm.
Peacock Utopia- New Painting Unveiled
Peacock Utopia by Kim McDonald
Peacock Utopia is one of Kim's first paintings of 2013, and is part of the 'Beaux Reves' (beautiful dreams) series.
Here's Kim's description of this piece:
"This is a fun piece, its one of the first times I’ve included a peacock in a piece. I was really influenced by the jewel tones and pattern of the peacock’s tail. This peacock lives in a mystical world, a kind of enchanted, tropical oasis. It has this mysterious glow about it. The color palette in this piece is more of a risky one for me, its more saturated."
Peacock Utopia is an original oil on Canvas, Completed February 2, 2013, and still available as of February 5. Available for viewing at the Kim McDonald Art Studio in Paia, Maui by appointment or walk-in as part of the Maui Open Studios event, February 9 and 10, 11am to 6pm.
News from Kauai...
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Things are moving and shaking on Kauai, so I just wanted to keep you all posted on where you can find my art!
After 10 great years, Jim and Elizabeth Cupid have decided to close down the Kim McDonald Art Gallery in Hanalei, but I am pleased to tell you that you will now be able to view and purchase my art, including my latest series, at the Red Koi Collection located in the Shops of Kuku'ula in Koloa!
I am very excited to be heading over to Kauai next week to install 14 new works at the newly renovated Beach House Restaurant, so I hope you will be able to dine and enjoy the new pieces soon!
If you are on Maui, please call us to set up a private studio visit in Paia!
I have an abundance of artwork for viewing, including originals of my latest series, giclee prints from the classic images, as well as unique prints that are only available in the studio ranging in multiple sizes.
If you aren't lucky enough to be on Kauai or Maui, all available artwork can be purchased via phone or this website.
*** "Secret Hideout", Original Oil on Canvas, Available for $8,400
First Completed Painting from New Series Released
Kim is back from her whirlwind trip to Egypt (for fun!) and Paris (for work!) and hit the ground running upon touchdown back on Maui. She's been painting non-stop for days, only taking breaks to eat, and occasionally get out of the home studio and remember why she lives in Hawaii! While in Paris, Kim visited many art galleries, including her favorite Museum d'Orsay, with her beloved Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Cezanne, but she was newly inspired by the lesser-known Emile Bernard, a contemporary of the above artists.
Here's what Kim had to say about Bernard's direct influence on her current series, entitled "Polynesian Tranquility". "Bernard has pronounced use of blues and especially greens, there was so many varying shades of green! My life right now is more organized and harmonious, with a nice, easy rhythm to it. I'm surrounded by a strong team of female employees, and I feel all of this is reflected in my new paintings. Most of the paintings I'm working on have women lounging or casually talking, surrounded by gently flowing water, verdant hills, fruit and foliage, and all their basic needs are taken care of. Its kind of primal in that way. It reflects a day in the life, for these Polynesian women."
Help Kim out by naming this first painting, and get a chance to win an artist's proof! For details, visit Kim's Facebook page- Kim McDonald Art
'Polynesian Tranquility- Untitled #1' is currently available as an original oil on canvas, its 30" x 40" and $14,000. Please call for inquiries.
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Warrior Board Donated to Charity Auction for RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights
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Today is the first day of an online charity auction for the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, and one of Kim's Warrior Boards, Octopusy, is one of the featured items!
Kim, and almost 100 other artists, actors, sports stars and other celebrities have donated one of a kind offerings to the 2012 RFK Center Spring Auction. Playing chess with Kim's neighbor on Maui, Woody Harrelson, is another of the unique items available in the auction.
Octopusy is hand painted by Kim onto a longboard made by famous Maui board designer Kazuma Boards. This board would be the focal point of any room, or wave!
Click here to bid on Octopusy!
In addition to Kim's board, her boyfriend Buzzy Kerbox has donated a surf lesson, the perfect accompaniment to your new surfboard!
Click here to bid on a surf lesson with big-wave surfer Buzzy Kerbox!
This is a great opportunity to purchase a unique item or have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, all for a great cause.
The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights is a human rightsadvocacy organization, a nonprofit charitable organization that works to realize Robert Kennedy's dream of a peaceful and just world by advancing human rights. It works to support recipients of the RFK Human Rights Award, supports investigative journalists and authors through the RFK Book and Journalism Awards, and educates the public and empowers students to create change in the classroom.
Since launching in 2005,Charity Buzz has raised over $60 million for more than 1000 non-profit organizations, through technology, pop culture, and a commitment to innovation.
Working on my new product line with Katie Viola of Kissane Viola Designs
One of my major accomplishments of my recent trip to Aspen was meeting with my friend and long-time marketing guru Katie Viola of Kissane Viola Designs. (See? I told you it wasn't all about skiing...) Katie and I are working on my new product line, which will include bags, towels and travel mugs based on designs from my Warrior Boards. We are currently picking our production company, and I can't wait to see the first few items. Katie and I have been working together for the past 8 years, and she has really helped me to create my own brand identity. She is responsible for my beautiful new website, and all my ads and marketing collateral.
Mahalo to Katie for all of your amazing work over all these years! Looking forward to seeing our new creations!
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Meeting up with Avi Kiriaty at the beach...
So happy to be back on Maui! It's always nice to go on vacation (and go skiing! and shopping!) but Maui is always great to come home to. While taking a walk on the beach right behind my house, and ran into my friend and fellow artist, Avi Kiriaty. We had a lot to discuss as we are both currently selling our art primarily out of our own home studios. These sure are interesting times to be a professional artist!
It was great catching up with Avi. We are both blessed to live on Maui and be surrounded by such inspiration and beauty.
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Checking out the new Authier line at Aspen Fashion Week!
We had a blast at Aspen Fashion Week, where my friend Lee Keating unveiled her 2013 line of high-end women's ski wear for Authier. All of her faithful clients were in attendance on this beautiful day! Her new palette of hot pink, white, and grey were well-received, and they go beautifully with her signature camouflage green! I can't wait to see her new line out in the store, I've already picked out all my favorites! Click here to see more pictures on my Facebook Page!
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Visiting Sri Lankan temples
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I had the most fantastic trip visiting temples and ancient ruins, seeing wild animals and tasting their delectable curries.
Evening with my favorite model
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This picture was taken at the ending party of the WaterWo/Men Extravaganza. I had the most amazing week, meeting incredible people from all over the world...photographers, conservationists, actors, musicians, watermen and models! My favorite model of all time, Helena Christensen, was one of the participants of the event and I had the opportunity to meet with her and have a conversation about photography as the sun was setting.
