Creating art is like going on an adventure for me, and in my latest piece, “Pāhoehoe,” I really feel like I’ve captured something special about nature. This painting is all about the smooth, ropy flows of lava known as pāhoehoe, which has this beautiful, glossy surface that just draws you in.

Living surrounded by such amazing natural beauty, especially here in Hawaii, always inspires me. There’s just something captivating about looking at those towering volcanoes and watching the lava flow. Pāhoehoe is fascinating to me because it represents such a powerful yet gentle transformation—kind of like the calm before an eruption. It’s a reminder that just like the lava takes its time to flow gracefully, our own life experiences shape us, too.

For this painting, I decided to get a little creative by using plaster and acrylics on a 12 x 16 canvas board. It’s a fun combination because it really lets me play with texture and depth. The plaster gives it a nice tactile feel, while the acrylics bring that vibrant shine. Every brush stroke was made with purpose, trying to mimic how lava would actually look. The glossy surfaces reflect light beautifully, much like when molten lava cools down. I hope that when people look at it, they feel that connection to the piece.

My color palette for “Pāhoehoe” features bold reds and deep blacks, which I think perfectly capture the fiery intensity of lava against the dark landscape. These colors bring a sense of energy and passion, reflecting both creation and destruction that we see in nature. I really want viewers to feel something when they engage with the painting, to be drawn in and think about the powerful forces of nature. “Pāhoehoe” is more than just a painting of lava; it represents resilience, change, and the beauty that emerges from chaos.

In a nutshell, “Pāhoehoe” is a peek into my journey as an artist and a salute to the incredible wonders of nature. Each piece I create is like a new chapter in my artistic story, and I can’t wait to share this one with you. I hope you’ll take the time to dive into the textures, colors, and story behind “Pāhoehoe.” Thank you for checking it out, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!