Off in a field, or by the side of the road, sometimes on top of a hill or sandwiched between parked cars, perhaps trudging through thick and thicket, you'll see him, but don't stop him. Joseph Fletcher is on a mission. As a plein air artist, Fletcher is firmly committed to enduring the whim of the weather and the lay of the land to create his inspired oil paintings.
Portraying the simple aspects of the world in which we live, Fletcher's artwork stands as a recording of the living history of Maui. His assured strokes and textured approach bring life and energy to the paintings he creates - vibrant pictures of Maui, hidden right in front of us.
Fletcher is exhibiting his latest creations at Viewpoints Gallery now through May 5, with an opening reception at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Article Photos
Shh, artist at work! Plein air artist Joseph Fletcher goes to the source to find inspiration for one of his landscape paintings.
What drives his work to distinction is Fletcher's ability to identify, capture and reveal the nuances of light that define the world around us, according to the gallery. The result is a collection of paintings that fully express the beauty and dynamics of this vibrant island.
Viewpoints Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and is located in The Courtyard at 3620 Baldwin Avenue in Makawao.
For details, call the gallery at 572-5979.
****
Maui artist Ed Lane was recently commissioned by the The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui to paint two murals in its Keiki Lani Kid's Club depicting the legend of Maui. The large murals show the demigod Maui capturing the sun and pulling the island up out of the sea.
"I created colorful scenes that I hope will provoke conversation about Maui the demigod and Maui, the place." explains Lane. "These murals are designed to stimulate creativity and children's interest in Hawaii."
In keeping with that theme, he will be leading classes for children, helping them to paint a group mural. The series of one-day classes will be held in the Fairmont Kea Lani's new Keiki Lani children's club.
Lane adds, "I am particularly drawn to help children explore their own creativity. I have found that this mural activity opens up their artistic abilities and gives them freedom to express themselves."
The classes are open to children ages 5 to 13. Full-day programs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are $85 and include lunch and a snack. Residents and visitors are invited; a 10 percent kamaaina discount is available.
For details, call the hotel at 875-4100.
****
Village Gallery artist Beth Marcil has created the signature image for Celebration of the Arts 2009, titled "Na Wai Ola Waters of Life."
During the event, Marcil will be the guest artist at Village Galleries, located off the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Original works and prints by Marcil will be featured.
The gallery will also host hands-on demonstrations by more than a dozen Village Gallery artists from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For details, visit www.villagegalleriesmaui.com.
****
Upcountry Fine Art will host an artists reception for its new "Fresh Perspectives" exhibit from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The show, which features non-traditional landscapes, will run through May 1. Wine and pupu will be served.
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and is located at 1156 Makawao Ave.
For details, call the gallery at 573-6000.
****
Napua Gallery, located in the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, presents Contemporary Artists Maui 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The public is invited to view the artwork of Maui artists Ben Kikuyama, Diana Lehr, Madeline and Peter Powell and Tony Walholm, who will be in attendance to discuss their work.
The show includes a diverse collection that ranges from Kikuyama's found-object horse sculptures, to the Powells' photo-realistic paintings that recall days of childhood and nostalgia, Lehr's sensual pastel and watercolors and Walholm's abstract expressionism.
Complimentary valet parking is available with validation. For details, visit www.napuagallery.com.
