I have found PARADISE!
Where do I begin?
One of my biggest loves in life is visiting Tahiti, French Polynesia! I just returned home last night from my seventh trip to the islands. And I’m so excited about sharing some of my inspiration and adventures through my upcoming collection.
As you can tell from my past 30 years of art work, I’ve been heavily influenced and artistically energized by the Polynesian culture-and nothing goes deeper to stimulate my passion than having new experiences in French Polynesia.
I started off my trip on the sacred island of Moorea , staying in a beautiful house for two weeks with the most spectacular panoramic view of Oponomu bay. I was so taken by this memorable view, I will be creating a large-format painting of Oponomu Bay, surrounded by the lush landscape and its iconic mountain range- Shark Tooth. Stay tuned!
I also had the wonderful opportunity to travel around Mo’orea for five hours with Tearanui, a young native Polynesian guide. Tearauni shared many captivating stories about the Polynesian origin myths about Mo’orea and the outer islands. The mythology was so transporting, I will never look at the islands the same way again. The mountains, the ocean and the reef, plus the starry nights and the myths about the moon, will forever impact me and my art. You will no doubt see the effect of those legends in my upcoming work—and I have a strong feeling they will resonate through my paintings for years to come.
An opinionated guide to a couple of weeks in French Polynesia
With your indulgence, come along for the ride with me, and we'll explore the Tahitian Islands of French Polynesia!
Best diving and snorkeling in Tahiti, French Polynesia
I was traveling with my friend Teri, a real traveller and citizen of the world. While we were on Moorea, we decided to take a Side adventure —a snorkeling/diving trip to the island of Fakarava.
What an amazing experience this was! The water had a hallucinatory clarity, and we were surrounded by every species of fish I had ever seen. It was as if we were suspended in a gigantic aquarium, in the middle of a fireworks display. I was overwhelmed by the most vivid intense bursts of patterns and colors everywhere I looked—“This is it”, I thought, “The bright confetti of Paradise." I can’t wait to make those dazzling colors come to life in my paintings (this will be new for me—I have never painted our finny friends— but I am determined to do them justice!)
Tahitian Black Pearls
Black pearls cannot be found anywhere else in the world. They look amazing and are said to have magical qualities. Who am I to argue? My girlfriend and I were obsessed with searching for and learning all about the creation of the Tahitian black pearl. After visiting probably two dozen pearl stores, I can confidently say that Pearl Romance was my favorite. I met the owner Caroline. She was a pleasure to work with, and a wealth of knowledge about pearls. Best Pearl Store on Mo’orea!
Polynesian figurative Artwork: The islands didn’t disappoint. I was pleasantly reminded how passionate and kind the Polynesian people are. I love to celebrate their sensuality, strength and their vulnerability in my paintings by telling their story in my own illustrative narrative way, highlighting their Beautiful expressions and innate charms. I will be Depicting the Polynesian people in their habitat with their exotic tropical Island life. I will also be using vintage photographs 1940s and 1950s of Polynesian life to give me clues about the time that’s passed.
I am looking forward to collaborating on all fronts. This will be the most cohesive collection of Polynesian-inspired art work I have ever embarked upon .
Original Oil on Canvas
Gallery Wrapped
Size: 24”X30”
Below is an example of what I will be doing in the upcoming months—transforming my real-time compositional sketches into fully-realized, large, colorful oil paintings which hopefully evoke the magic and beauty of these mystical islands.
Early morning sketches, sitting on the waters edge.
Original Oil on Canvas
Gallery Wrapped
Size: 24”X48”
Sneak peek at some of my favorite dining experiences.
Photo Credit - @Terilarronde
Lunch with a view…
Snack Mahana has amazing food-- best on the island! The reviews are justifiably raves. You should get there by 11:30-- they only have one seating, and it fills up fast. Mostly full of locals.
Another great place for lunch is on a Motu (mini-island).The restaurant is called Cocoa Beach, and it is delicious! You can paddle-board or canoe over to the motu, or they have a boat that will pick you up on the beach. It’s exquisite fresh fish along with barbecue items. Again, you’re right on the water overlooking the beautiful aqua blue coastline.
The local staple in Hawai is poke. In Tahiti, it is poisson cru. Whether you’re talking about poke, or ceviche, or poisson cru, you are talking about fresh raw fish marinated in lime to “cook” it. With Poisson cru, they add a divine smooth coconut juice marinade that makes it irresistible. Be sure to try it!
Dinner
My favorite place to have dinner was Mo’orea Beach Café, right on the water with spectacular sunset views. They featured mouth-watering sushi dishes, along with traditional French Polynesian food.
Gorgeous color palette of pareos at the local market.
