In Massachusetts the painters were looking out at four feet of snow. In Maui…well, they weren’t. Twenty-five painters were lucky enough to be invited to Hawaii last week for the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational. Thirteen saw their great time get even better when they took home awards.
The 2015 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational was held Feb. 14-22, with the reception hosted by Village Galleries in Lahaina. Hiu Lai Chong took Best of Show for “All Aboard,” while Michael Clements clinched the Irvine Museum Award for “Daybreak at Sprecklesville.” Honorable Mentions bestowed on behalf of the Irvine Museum went to Mark Brown, Debra Huse, and David Savellano. Jean Stern, the executive director of the Irvine Museum, served as the judge for the above awards.
Juror Jean Stern with Best in Show winner Hiu Lai Chong.
“All Aboard,” by Hiu Lai Chong, 2015, oil
Painters spread out along the coastline to paint in the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational
Artists’ Choice went to Greg LaRock for “Kahakuloa Church,” and Dave Santillanes won People’s Choice for “Honolua Morning.” That painting also won the Honor Hawaii, Honor Maui Award.
“Honolua Morning,” by Dave Santillanes, 2015, oil. People’s Choice winner
The Pioneer Inn Award was won by Brian Stewart for “Lahaina Courthouse.” Carleton Kinkade won the One Main Plaza Award for “Shady Neighbors.” The Montage Kapalua Bay Award was won by Mary Pettis for “Warm Aloha at Lahaina Coolers.” Greg LaRock won the Makana Aloha Award for “Concrete Conundrum.” The Kaanapali Land Management Corp. Award was won by Randall Sexton for “Mala & the Sunsets,” and George Allan won the Whole Foods Markets Award for “Kanaha Lifeguard Tower.”
Debra Huse enjoys the setting in Maui
Greg LaRock painting along the coast of Maui
PleinAir magazine sponsored the Best in Show and Artists’ Choice awards. Streamline’s Turner Vinson was on location shooting video at the event, and a taste of what he captured is in the video below.
