Kai Lenny & Kim McDonald collaborate on a designer collectable surfboard

So it begins.....

It all started with a vision Kim had to give back to the community. Along side Kai Lenny and Surfrider Foundation, she has started an exciting journey... 

"What an amazing experience this has been to collaborate on artwork with one of my all-time favorite superstar athletes,  Kai Lenny. I have known Kai since he was a young boy and I have watched him grow up to become a World Champion. He is truly an inspiration.

Suitably inspired, I have  joined forces with Kai and was moved to develop a unique concept with my surfboard art, bringing the elements of his footprints and autograph, along with my design aesthetic.  In turn bringing to life a gorgeous aqua blue gun surfboard. The blue color represents the ocean,  the green and white represent the movement in the waves of the sea. The shark is Kai's soul animal.  In the Polynesian culture, sharks represent power, strength and luck. 

It has always been a dream of mine to  give back, get involved and do something impactful with my art. This is my something.

I am incredibly grateful to be able to work with Kai and Martin (Kai's dad/manager)  It's been a wonderful, enlightening experience to share with Surfrider Foundation's facilitators. What a heartfelt, meaningful group of people. So far it has been a transcendent experience. The ingredients of Kai, Surfrider Foundation, and my art are combining to create something magical.  Much greater than the sum of the parts! Please enjoy and participate in this adventure! Join our team, buy great art, and raise money for Surfrider's mission of saving beaches, oceans, and ultimately, our planet."

- Kim McDonald

Can you think of a better way to be part of the solution? 

Kai Lenny and Kim McDonald designing a world class surfboard for auction. 100% of the proceeds will go to Surfrider Foundation. 

Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

Click here to learn more about Surfrider Foundation

The beginning stages of the design process, and painting the surfboard on foam. 

Photo by Franckie Berthout

Kai Lenny is one of the world’s most complete watermen.

He grew up on the big waves of Maui, and with supportive parents and world-class mentors, has had a meteoric rise.  He is now at the apex of the surfing world: His accomplishments are astonishing: he's won the gruelling 50km Molokai-to-Oahu paddle many times, was a veteran on the Professional Windsurfing Association World Wave Tour, has been runner-up at the Kite Surf Pro World Championships, and he’s won the SUP world title six times and counting. Yet through it all, he remains modest and humble. “My favorite thing in the world is riding a wave, so as long as I’m riding a wave, I’m happy.”

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So what's next?

The online auction will begin March 30th - April 23 (6PM ET)

Be a part of the change and make this beautiful one of a kind surfboard part of your life...

"Soul Of The Sea" | Size 7'6" Surfboard | Hand shaped by David Gott

“Soul Of The Sea”

Performance Ski Aspen Pop Up

Kim has made it to Aspen, Colorado. A place she considers her second home. Some fresh powder has fallen and she's ready to take on the slopes. 

See her latest designer surfboards at Performance Ski in Aspen. Ever dreamed of owning your very own designer surfboard? Give Kim a call at 808-757-8211 or go see her at Performance Ski!Located right across the gondola. 

614 East Durant Ave. | Aspen, Colorado | 81611

Phone: 970-925-5044

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Did you know Kim was a professional Ski racer, and taught skiing for 13 years? She's so fun...

Performance Ski Aspen

614 East Durant Ave. | Aspen, Colorado | 81611

http://www.performanceskiaspen.com

"A BIG Mahalo to Lee and Tom for allowing me to display my artwork at your beautiful store" - Kim McDonald

 

Kim chose to display her floral surfboard titled "Pua Power" meaning "flower" in the Hawaiian language. It is a new direction, to represent the tropical flowers of Hawaii. "Wave Rider" has a more masculine feel with the shark and deep color palette. Representing strength and power. Go check them out today at Performance Ski!

Art Project Paia Show "In Between Lines"

Art Project Paia will be debuting their holiday art show called "In Between Lines"... 

Friday, December 8th from 5:00-9:00... Kim's work will be featured along with various local artists. Come see the collaboration of artwork come together. Sculptures, Painters, Contemporary work, Photography and more! There will be a live band, food and pups... Get in on the fun and meet Kim McDonald herself!

"Mystic Waters" & Snake Dance" Surfboards both in size 6'10" 

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Art Project Paia

77 Hana Highway

Paia, Hawai'i 96779

 

NEW Surfboards! A MUST see... Take a peek

Sharks have been a big theme in these two new boards Kim just finished! Straight out of the glassing room... Available for purchase. The holidays are right around the corner so get yours today! 

Underwater Photography by Cesere Brothers

"Menace Of 

The Sea"

Hawaii's revered shark god,  Kamohoali'li, was not one to be trifled with, and neither is this board. The elemental blues and greens emphasize the sleek beauty and power of the island's protector of the seas.

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"Mana Shark" 

"Mana" - In Hawaiian symbolizes a pervasive supernatural or magical power. Sharks are thought to be the Aumakua of the Hawaiian culture. A family god, often an ancestor who has died and come back in another form. 

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Need Ideas on how to display your Surfboard? Click the link to a blog post we wrote to give you more ideas!

See Kim McDonald's Latest Work

Kim McDonald has been as busy as ever painting away in her studio in Paia, Maui. See the latest creations below. She has been pulling inspiration from the native tropical flowers. All the vibrant colors come together so nicely.   

"Pua Power" 7'10" Longboard ~ "Pua" in Hawaiian means "flower"

"Star Light Star Bright" is an original oil painting. Kim's new series "Twilight in the Tropics" is inspired by the glow from the sky when the sun is below the horizon. Maui's magical sun being scattered across the sky as day turns into night.

"Hale Sweet Hale' Original Oil in Size 34"x22" $6800

A Hawaiian Tradition That Lives Today

A Hawaiian lei can be constructed of leaves, flowers, seashells, feathers, seeds, nuts, and even bone and teeth from various animals. It is a custom that still lives on in Hawai'i today. Below is a Plumeria Lei. These flowers are some of the most fragrant, and come in a wide variety of colors. They don't last long once picked from a tree, so the time spent with them are special. 

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A Custom of "Aloha"

A Lei can be worn at anytime for any occasion. They are a nice gesture for arriving guests, life celebrations, special occasions and holidays. There are few "rules" when it comes to wearing or giving a Lei. 

 

How to Display your Kim McDonald Surfboard

Have you ever dreamed of owning a surfboard hand painted by world renown artist Kim McDonald? Don't know where to start or where to display it? The possibilities are endless! Anything you dream can become a reality. Here are a few examples of ways they can be displayed. 

Board Hooks

Padded steel hooks available on Amazon

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Vertical Mount 

Acrylic vertical wall mount to display your board anywhere.

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Wood 

Authentic Koa wood look for a classic look

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Vertical V-Stand Display for easy maneuvering to be displayed virtually anywhere

A LITTLE Trip For Some BIG Art Inspiration

Kim is taking a much needed trip back home to see her family in Lake Tahoe. She has been a busy bee working all summer at the Four Season's Resort on Maui, and painting every chance she gets in her Paia Studio. We are happy to see her back home for a little rest and relaxation. 

Featured above: Kim with her niece and sister 

Kim with her gorgeous niece Justine 

YES it's TRUE!

Exciting NEWS! Kim McDonald's artwork is back in the Beach House Restaurant on Kauai. Within the restaurant you will find an abundance of her work. You are sure to find something you love and bring a little piece of paradise home with you. 

The Beach House Restaurant on the Island of Kauai

"Black Pearl Gallery" is located in the Beach House Restaurant, Poipu, Kauai. You can find her latest work there. Add to your collection or become a new collector!

Gallery - 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy # C, Hanalei, HI 96714              

P: (808) 742-8822 Open Everyday 2:00-9:00PM

"Shark Haven"

Is now available at Black   Pearl Gallery 

"Mahina Nightwatch"

"Sunset Serenity"

Dreamy Hues In Progress

Kim's latest work for a client here on Maui. The whimsical hues are really coming together! 

Looks like she saved the Canoe as the final step!

Original Oil on Canvas

Maui Hands Gallery Celebrates 25 years!

This past weekend Maui Hands Gallery celebrated their 25 year anniversary! Kim McDonald has had her work featured in Maui Hands for many years. We are so thankful for the hospitality and relationships created. Cheers to another 25! 

Hana Coast Gallery

Saturday I took a beautiful drive to Hana to one of my favorite representing galleries, Hana Coast Gallery. My mission was deliver all new art to freshen up the spring collection! Always a joy to see gallery Director Alesiamae (photographed below) Next time you're in Hana, be sure to stop by the Hana Coast Gallery to check out all the amazing local artists.

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The Art of Giving

Kim celebrates the sea in her artwork, and defends it in the many environmental organizations she actively participates in. She has donated some of her finest work for to help these groups raise funds through silent (and not-so-silent) auctions and other art-related activities.

Some of her current beneficiaries are The Waterkeeper Alliance, Surf Riders, and (pictured here) the first Annual “Water/Wo/Men” Event In Support of Global Water Conservation at Six Senses Laamu . At their gathering in the Maldives, Kim created an art surfboard which was signed onsite by the well-known attendees and then auctioned off, fetching a handsome donation for Water/Wo/Men's mission. The art of giving, personified!

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Helena Christensen

Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton

Layne Beachley, Kate Bosworth

Layne Beachley and Kate Bosworth

Maldives children

Kim getting artsy with the Maldives children

Phillipe Cousteau, Daryl Hannah

Phillipe Cousteau and Daryl Hannah

Mama's Fish House

Julia and Kim_ Mama's

Kim and Liz _ Mamas

Trey and Patrick

I love going to Mama's Fish House with my cherished collectors after visiting my studio showroom in Sprecklesville. Mama's is an iconic restaurant on the North shore of Maui with fabulous food and even more fabulous staff. I highly suggest dining at Mama's while visiting Maui, you won't be disappointed.

Kai Lenny

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I had the honor of painting a couple surfboards for professional waterman Kai Lenny. Photographed below is Kai with his gun board with his custom red shark I designed, this board he rode while surfing JAWS at Peahi, one of the biggest breaks in the world.

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Pearls of Wisdom

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Ever since my first visit to Tahiti I have been in love and infatuated with black Tahitian pearls. My favorite pearl designer is Jess from St. Bart's who sells her beautiful designs all over the world and at the cute Paia boutique called Imrie.

KaiKimba Photoshoot

Some of you may remember a few years ago when I brought my tribal surfboard art onto towels and other beach lifestyle products, starting the launch of KAIKIMBA. One of the most exciting parts of that whole new venture was the photoshoot. Seeing artists work with one another and collaborate with each other is exhilarating, and leaves you with beautiful visuals. Now I take you back to Paia Bay via 2013 with the stunningly talented Maui girl- Callie Mahoney and the absolutely brilliant photographer Peter Augustin! Enjoy!

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SurfWorks USA!

There are several ways to display a surfboard when hanging as art. I have tried several hanging techniques and props and as of the last few years my favorite stand has been these lightweight, simple and sleek V- Stands from SurfWorks USA . The owner Frank is a super nice and helpful. The prices are good and the stands are quality! SurfWorks has a variety of board stands but pictured below are the surfboard V-Stands. Check them out!

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Bodie Miller Fundraiser

Wow! Last nights event for the Bodie Miller Fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Ski Club was amazing. There was an incredible turnout of over 100 people to meet Bodie Miller and listen to his inspiring speech about his career. 10% of the proceeds of sales last evening with to AVSC (Aspen Valley Ski Club). Many of my long-term collectors visited the event. I had the honor of presenting my surfboards and working with collectors. There was an incredible interest in the 'Black Menace' board, which happens to be the first surfboard of its kind with a black background, so the positive feedback was greatly appreciated and inspiring!

Blk board white background

Bodie Miller and Kim

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