Photos taken on my recent month-long stay on the Big Island of Hawaii – my 4th annual trip in what has become a welcome rest from the Colorado snow, although I do love snow. As you probably know by now, in my paintings or my photos, I am all about pattern, texture and color…as you can see.
We painted plein air, we painted in studio, we took day trips both north to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Waimea and down south of the Captain Cook area to a black sand beach where we were told about one particular whale who has become a local favorite, and a legend I predict. This whale is a female (because they see her every year with her newest baby) whose blow-hole is damaged or deformed somewhat, so when she blows she whistles a loud haunting whistle that everyone on shore can here. Each year they look forward to the return of “The Whistler” and watch her playing just off shore of this black sand beach in the evening hours. I took the sunset pictures you see here at that very location. They also tell me that the whales breech here daily in February/March making loud smacking sounds when their tales hit the water – loud enough in the morning hours to wake you from a sound sleep. They are swimming north on their yearly migration, headed through the Maui Channel onward to Alaska, and this beach is a resting place to stop and play. We also saw whales in Kona harbor, purposely, I believe, putting on quite a show for everyone lined up on the pier one evening. Is it possible….can you imagine….that this human-being/whale connection is somehow bigger than we all imagine? They know that in certain areas of the planet we are appreciative and friendly, desperately wanting to know them better and wishing them no harm, while in other foreboding seas they might be cold bloodedly slaughtered.
All animals who migrate, including whales, sea turtles and sharks, migrate for just three simple reasons – mating and birthing, abundant feeding and a climate that is tolerable. Those three conditions rule their travels.
I do believe that the same three conditions rule the travels of human beings! Think about it.
Beautiful photos, Jo. I can almost smell that sea air. Black sand beach is gorgeous
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That beach was haunting, lonely and magnificent, and it turns out that we missed the best part which is a 10 minute hike around the bend. Next year….same time, same place.
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What we need now, is a portrait of the whale. I did enjoy the waves…
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The whale is elusive and somewhat mysterious but I picture her with a hat on and a big grin, teaching her baby how to do tricks.
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Having just returned from Breckinridge, I can see why you beat a retreat to Hawaii. Clearly the change of scenery makes your creative juices flow in new ways!
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yes it’s a whole different mindset, whether painting or writing – and proof to me that climate really does influence one’s work days and creativity!
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I agree! Although in my recent poll on how rainy weather affects creativity, the majority of respondents weren’t hindered by it at all. (I was not among them). If you missed it, here’s a link: http://austindetails.me/2015/03/02/weather-creativity/
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