Hibiscus
a tropical flower blooms into imagined colors
During my winter retreat to the Big Island of Hawaii this year, I often took walks just before sunset to the hills above Kamuela town. The interplay of light, clouds, and mist cast a magical glow over the trees and flowers of the neighborhood. Halfway up the hill on Puu Nanea Street, I often passed this mature Chinese hibiscus plant in bloom.
The neighborhood was on the wetter, eastern side of Kamuela. The tropical flowers take on a special quality around sunset. The low-angled sunset light bends the spectrum to burnt oranges and golds.
With this piece, I decided to experiment with colors bold enough to capture the exuberance of the tropics. I decided to push this ethereal light further, letting the blossom glow electric orange with a light so intense it becomes difficult to discern the flower’s edges. The deep shadows I’ve migrated to violets and muted bronzes. The green foliage became a mix of olive and umber.
I’m happy with the final result — tropically exuberant.
Point of Inspiration: Puu Nanea St, Kamuela, Hawaii
