Moonlit Dreams - New Painting Unveiled

Moonlit Dreams | Original OIl Painting by Kim McDonald of Maui, Hawaii
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 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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secret-hideout-kim-mcdonald

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.

Polynesian-Tranquility-Original-Kim-McDonald-30x40-1
Polynesian-Tranquility-Original-Kim-McDonald-30x40-1

Warrior Board Donated to Charity Auction for RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights

octopusy-board-kim-mcdonald

octopusy-board-kim-mcdonald

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!

Kim-mcdonald-katie-viola-bag-design
Kim-mcdonald-katie-viola-bag-design

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.

kim-mcdonald-avi-kiriaty-spreckelsville

kim-mcdonald-avi-kiriaty-spreckelsville

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!

apendfashionpinkplaidvest-leeshow
apendfashionpinkplaidvest-leeshow

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.

Kim Painting for WaterWo/Men Event

Kim Painting Board For Maldives
Kim Painting Board For Maldives

Prioritizing Paradise...WATER/WO/MEN 2011, presented by Six Senses Resorts, Maldives and +H20, will unite the world’s greatest water sport icons (yes, Buzzy is being recognized) together with marine and water conservationists in an event that raises funds and awareness for marine preservation, coral restoration and clean water/ sanitation projects. I am honored to have been asked to share my art and instruct a class to the fellow attendees.  A truly special event.Stay posted for more photos of this amazing trip...

Teapuho'o

Teahupo'o
Teahupo'o

I had the most amazing day courtside with 2 of the best surfers in the world, Laird Hamilton and Raimana Van Bastolaer, from Tahiti. It was an epic surfing day at Teahupo'o, 11 hours and dozens of perfect waves. I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was a surreal experience. Thank you Raimana for your hospitality, Laird for the great conversations and Cameron for all the wonderful surf photos.