Makapu'u Blue

8x10 Oil

This is a painting I did early on, when I was struggling to figure out how to get better at making art. I’m still struggling. Most likely that struggle will continue for the rest of my life, for it isn't an easy thing. But making art is as generous as it is frustrating. Frustrating because my vision and my result almost never see eye-to-eye. And generous in that when vision and result come close enough that they can at least get along ... well ... I get this feeling of satisfaction.

It's like when I get my entire family together for Thanksgiving, and everyone is happy and having a good time. There's a warmth that envelopes me. I look around and think … This is my family. Look at them. Happy, all living their own precious lives, some even with kids of their own. All good people, every last one of them. Wow, how lucky can a guy get?

This painting reminds me of family — mine, yours, the family of humankind — all surrounding each other with their own special gifts. "Makapu'u Blue" is also one of the first paintings that, when finished, I thought, You know what? I kind of think this one might be okay.

Making art, and viewing the art of others, has a magical way of reminding me of what matters most in my own precious life. I sure hope that is true for you, as well.