Show Preview | Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational

Maui, HI
Various locations, February 14-22

Pierre Bouret, Three Palm Point, oil, 9 x 12.

This story was featured in the February 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art February 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Maui artist Ronaldo Macedo initiated the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational 10 years ago as a way to showcase the beauty of the island as seen through the eyes of talented artists. “We invite 25 artists, 10 from Hawaii and 15 from the mainland, to participate in this weeklong event,” explains Macedo. “Lahaina is a unique town with great atmosphere, really nice weather, and lots of subjects to paint.” The event takes place from February 14 to February 22 at various locations in and around this historically rich community, which was the capital of Hawaii until 1845.

“Our artists paint people, beaches, ocean scenes, mountains, valleys, and historic buildings,” says Lois Reiswig, president of the West Maui Cultural Council and one of three co-sponsors of the event along with Macedo and Lynn Shue, owner of Village Galleries. “When they’re not participating in a scheduled event, the artists are painting island-wide at locations of their choosing. Most of them complete five to seven paintings during the week,” Reiswig says.

Paint-outs provide opportunities for the public to watch the artists in action as they respond to the inspirational scenes around them, and two are scheduled during the event: the first is from 7:30 a.m. to noon on February 14 at Lahaina Jodo Mission, a Japanese-style Buddhist temple, and the second begins at 4 p.m. on February 17 at Montage Kapalua Bay. The public also is invited to attend the Lahaina Harbor Quick Draw at the Best Western Pioneer Inn from 9 to 11 a.m. on February 20.

Ronaldo Macedo, Maui Ohana, oil, 12 x 16.

“While I embrace winter weather, the warm temperatures, vibrant green colors, and wonderful history and heritage of the area flood my senses with joy and delight,” says Mary Pettis, who hails from Minnesota and has been participating in the event since its inception in 2006. “Everything I experience finds its way into my work.”

One hundred paintings, most of them in oil, that are created during the week are offered for sale at Village Galleries on February 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. during the Collector’s Hour, a ticketed event, and from 6 to 9 p.m. during the gala reception that is open to the public.

Each artist is invited to contribute one small painting that represents their heart and soul to a silent auction, which takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. on February 16 at the Pioneer Inn. Jean Stern, executive director of The Irvine Museum in California and judge for the show’s 13 awards, presents a one-hour lecture from 7 to 8 p.m. titled The Art of Looking at Art. Stern came up with the idea of documenting last year’s event in a 46-page book, which is available for purchase at www.mauipleinairpainting.org.

The event concludes with coffee and pastries with the artists on February 21 and a final show of works on February 22. —Emily Van Cleve

contact information
808.214.5294
www.mauipleinairpainting.org

Featured in the February 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art February 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!