"Kāne Returns" | Fresh Off The Easel

Kāne returning from a fishing voyage, bringing back treasures of the SEA for their Ohana.

Fish is what’s for dinner!

Don't hesitate to contact us!
808-757-8211 or email Kim@KimMcDonald.com

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X36”

Wahine await their arrival with open arms and welcoming leis.

Interior design inspiration featuring, “Kāne Returns”.

“My mother bought me this painters smock when I was 4 years old knowing I was a budding artist, as I started painting and drawing when I was just 2 years old. My mother is who encouraged me throughout my life and worked hard to send me to a private art school. Without her support, I would have never become the professional artist I am today. Much of my work from preschool and kindergarten looks faintly similar to my work today. It’s fascinating that I found my own personal style stemming from when I was so young.” -Kim

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X48”

Below is an example of what I will be doing in the upcoming months—transforming my real-time compositional sketches into fully-realized, large, colorful oil paintings which hopefully evoke the magic and beauty of these mystical islands.

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Paradise Found in Tahiti

I have found PARADISE!

Where do I begin?

One of my biggest loves in life is visiting Tahiti, French Polynesia! I just returned home last night from my seventh trip to the islands. And I’m so excited about sharing some of my inspiration and adventures through my upcoming collection.

As you can tell from my past 30 years of art work, I’ve been heavily influenced and artistically energized by the Polynesian culture-and nothing goes deeper to stimulate my passion than having new experiences in French Polynesia.

I started off my trip on the sacred island of Moorea , staying in a beautiful house for two weeks with the most spectacular panoramic view of Oponomu bay. I was so taken by this memorable view, I will be creating a large-format painting of Oponomu Bay, surrounded by the lush landscape and its iconic mountain range- Shark Tooth. Stay tuned!

I also had the wonderful opportunity to travel around Mo’orea for five hours with Tearanui, a young native Polynesian guide. Tearauni shared many captivating stories about the Polynesian origin myths about Mo’orea and the outer islands. The mythology was so transporting, I will never look at the islands the same way again. The mountains, the ocean and the reef, plus the starry nights and the myths about the moon, will forever impact me and my art. You will no doubt see the effect of those legends in my upcoming work—and I have a strong feeling they will resonate through my paintings for years to come.

An opinionated guide to a couple of weeks in French Polynesia

With your indulgence, come along for the ride with me, and we'll explore the Tahitian Islands of French Polynesia!

Best diving and snorkeling in Tahiti,  French Polynesia

I was traveling with my friend Teri, a real traveller and citizen of the world. While we were on Moorea, we decided to take a Side adventure —a snorkeling/diving trip to the island of Fakarava.

What an amazing experience this was! The water had a hallucinatory clarity, and we were surrounded by every species of fish I had ever seen. It was as if we were suspended in a gigantic aquarium, in the middle of a fireworks display. I was overwhelmed by the most vivid intense bursts of patterns and colors everywhere I looked—“This is it”, I thought, “The bright confetti of Paradise."  I can’t wait to make those dazzling colors come to life in my paintings (this will be new for me—I have never painted our finny friends— but I am determined to do them justice!)

Tahitian Black Pearls 

Black pearls cannot be found anywhere else in the world. They look amazing and are said to have magical qualities. Who am I to argue?  My girlfriend and I were obsessed with searching for and learning all about the creation of the Tahitian black pearl.  After visiting probably two dozen pearl stores, I can confidently say that Pearl Romance was my favorite. I met the owner Caroline. She was a pleasure to work with, and a wealth of knowledge about pearls. Best Pearl Store on Mo’orea!

Polynesian figurative Artwork:  The islands didn’t disappoint. I was pleasantly reminded how passionate and kind the Polynesian people are. I love to celebrate their sensuality, strength and their vulnerability in my paintings by telling their story in my own illustrative narrative way, highlighting their Beautiful expressions and innate charms. I will be Depicting the Polynesian people in their habitat  with their exotic tropical Island life. I will also be using vintage photographs 1940s and 1950s of Polynesian life  to give me clues about the time that’s passed.  

I am looking forward to collaborating on all fronts. This will be the most cohesive collection of Polynesian-inspired art work I have ever embarked  upon . 

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X30”

Below is an example of what I will be doing in the upcoming months—transforming my real-time compositional sketches into fully-realized, large, colorful oil paintings which hopefully evoke the magic and beauty of these mystical islands.

Early morning sketches, sitting on the waters edge.

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X48”

Sneak peek at some of my favorite dining experiences.

Photo Credit - @Terilarronde

Lunch with a view…

Snack Mahana has amazing food-- best on the island! The reviews are justifiably raves. You should get there by 11:30-- they only have one seating, and it fills up fast. Mostly full of locals. 

Another great place for lunch is on a Motu (mini-island).The restaurant is called Cocoa Beach, and it is delicious!  You can paddle-board or canoe over to the motu, or they have a boat that will pick you up on the beach. It’s exquisite fresh fish along with barbecue items. Again, you’re right on the water overlooking the beautiful aqua blue coastline.

The local staple in Hawai is poke. In Tahiti, it is poisson cru. Whether you’re talking about poke, or ceviche, or poisson cru, you are talking about fresh raw fish marinated in lime to “cook” it. With Poisson cru, they add a divine smooth coconut juice marinade that makes it irresistible. Be sure to try it!

Dinner

My favorite place to have dinner was Mo’orea Beach Café, right on the water with spectacular sunset views. They featured mouth-watering sushi dishes, along with traditional French Polynesian food.

Gorgeous color palette of pareos at the local market.

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TAHITI Dreaming... NEW release featuring "Mount Mau'aroa"

I just returned from a wonderful, life-changing trip to Tahiti, French Polynesia. This trip was exceptionally inspiring for me. Following the processes of my post-impressionistic idols (Matisse,Gaugin etc.) I tried to capture the essence of scenes in black and white sketches, which I will rely upon later to create full-scale color paintings.

My intentions were to capture the island and the people that live on it… The amazing colors of the ocean, the white sandy beaches with brightly-colored Tahitian canoes.

I love the quaint little houses and the simple dirt roads surrounded by the sky-high jagged mountain ranges. And, as during my previous trip, the gorgeous, kind-hearted Tahitian people always inspire me with my figurative work.

Don't hesitate to contact us!
808-757-8211 or email Kim@KimMcDonald.com

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X36”

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 24”X30”

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Below is an example of what I will be doing in the upcoming months—transforming my real-time compositional sketches into fully-realized, large, colorful oil paintings which hopefully evoke the magic and beauty of these mystical islands.

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

 

Just released! My first painting of the year - By MAUI artist Kim McDonald

I am excited to release the first completed painting of 2022. My effervescent moonscapes are one of the most sought-after subject matter. This shape works well over a bed, sofa or entry way table. Stay tuned for more from this series!

Don't hesitate to contact us!
808-757-8211 or email Kim@KimMcDonald.com

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 20”X40”

Original Oil on Canvas

Gallery Wrapped

Size: 20”X40”

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What’s the difference between a full moon and a crescent moon?
The first quarter moon (or a half moon) is when half of the lit portion of the moon is visible after the waxing crescent phase. A full moon is when we can see the entire lit portion of the moon. The full moon phase occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun, called opposition.

Do you prefer a frame or no frame?

Kim McDonald paints around the edges of the canvas to give collectors the option to display the artwork without a frame. It's a design choice based on what you prefer. Your local framer will have many choices to choose from.

Kim McDonald Art Gallery

71 Baldwin Ave Suite B5

Paia, MAUI, Hawai’i

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There is a lot we have in store for our collectors, fans and friends this year, 2022! New art, fresh color palettes and dreamy hues. I will be traveling to TAHITI and plan to create a collection of originals and prints. Make sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter to stay up to date on what’s NEW!

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