Tonight in Hilo, Hawaii, the music of hula can be heard. Carried on the evening breeze, melodic voices raised in chant and song, the percussive rhythms of shark skinned drums and hollowed out gourds, the vibrating strings of ukulele and guitars. This week marks the 53rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival with a week-long celebration that includes parades, arts and crafts, exhibits and fairs, and of course hula, performed in traditional and modern styles.
While every day unfolds pathways for creative journeys, events like this can offer inspiration at every turn and from so many different sources such as the melody of a song, the words of a chant, the strong and graceful movements of a dancer, or the sweet fragrance of blossoms and ferns woven into a lei.
Honoring our ancestors and our elders, being thankful for the traditions handed down while being firmly in the present and looking forward to the future, this is definitely a time for celebration and inspiration.
The Memory Keeper
Stories old and new
Keepers of memory dance
Weaving lei with song
(Painting is watercolor and acrylic on Arches #140 cold pressed)
Art and Moondreams 
Dear Haunani, your painting has so much to take in. What a beautiful composition. The color, textures, painting techniques make this a stunning work of art.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind words. I really appreciate your taking the time to visit and I always cherish your comments.
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So beautiful! Has a touch of Gauguin. (K)
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Thank you so much.
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Haunani you captured the lovely spirit of Hawaii again. This painting is beautiful, just magnificent. It reminds me a little of Peggy Hopper paintings, celebrating beautiful Hawaiian women.
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Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. I am so happy that the spirit of the islands come through and if it evokes for you memories of Peggy Hopper’s work, I am both humbled and honored. I appreciate your taking the time to visit. Mahalo.
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Wow! This is a gorgeous painting, Haunani!! 😍 I love how you handled the hair and the way it flows with the really stellar composition. This is really quite a masterpiece!!
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Oh Charlie, you know you make me blush. Thank you for being so sweet and encouraging.
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Intensely beautiful. There is definitely a message here.
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Thank you. I always appreciate your kind words.
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Oh my goodness…this is so dreamy and beautiful! I really love it! 💜
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Thank you for saying such kind words, glad you liked it.
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I so enjoy how you combine texture and patterns in your paintings. So beautiful! 💕🌈🌺 And I like your haiku too! 😍
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Thank you for saying so, I am so glad you enjoyed these offerings.
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Gorgeous colours and textures and movement! Your painting illustrates the events and feelings of your text so well. Thank you for sharing :-).
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Thank you so much for saying so, I always appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
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A beauty – wonderful joining of watercolor and acrylic. Her face is so serene. Very cultural and earthy too.
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Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate your visit.
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Looks simple incredible! You made a delicate work with her skin
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Thank you so much for saying so. I appreciate your taking the time to visit.
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I am so overwhelmed with life right now that I have had no time to visit the circle of lovely artists that mean so much to me….I am sorry!! It is only my loss…missing out on the inspiration and beauty of all!! Anyway…I am blown away with this art….so curious of the use of watercolor and acrylic together. The depth of this could not be achieved with watercolor alone but the richness and matte of it is uncharacteristic of acrylic…this is stunning and a beautiful text to go along with it….only makes Hawaii more intriguing!
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You are so sweet. I hope life is busy in the good and fun sort of way. Do not fret, I go missing rather often myself and need to play catch-up when I can. Always lovely to see your posts, and I always appreciate your visits and and comments. Thank you for your kind words, remember to pace yourself, take some deep breaths…peace.
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…noble and elegant–and done on my favourite of papers, yet in acrylic/watercolour! It is stunning.
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Thank you for those kind words. I really appreciate your visit and comments.
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Such a powerful image! She commands a strong presence, yet also has such a calm and quiet energy. Makes me miss Hawaii… =)
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Thank you for your kind words.
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wonderful design, with lovely shapes and patterns and textures… delight the eyes! cheers, Debi
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Thank you so much, I appreciate your taking the time to visit.
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my pleasure! 🙂
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Aloha e ku’u hoa aloha. It has been many years. I am so happy to see you still enjoying your passion. Please contact me if you feel the desire. I would love to talk story and halawai. E hui kala mai no na pilikia i ka makahiki a’e. Me ke aloha he nui. Shel
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Aloha e Sheleigh, pehea ‘oe? Nice to see your name, thank you for visiting my humble blog site. Be well, aloha a hui hou.
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