52 Pieces

Piece 43 (2008)

Memory Pool

As a little girl growing up in Hawaii, I used to love to visit the koi ponds at the local hotels.  While most people passed the neatly manicured pools with a simple glance, I liked to crouch down and examine the exotic fish.  Some lurked stubbornly at the bottom, while others darted about in a frenzy near the surface.  They were all shapes and sizes, in a variety of hues and patterns.  My young artist eyes absorbed their elegant shapes and saturated colors.  The contrast of the vibrant fish against the dark pool of water was beautiful, and I filed the image away in my mind as an inspiration.

I've always wanted to create a painting that captured the koi fish that entranced me as a child, but never had a chance to do so until now.  52 Pieces is an exciting part of my life, especially since I get to experiment with different subjects, explore my range, and draw on inspirations I've stored for years.  "Piece 43" pays homage to things of beauty we see everyday... things we take a picture of literally or just with our mind, to return to and reflect upon in the future.

 

"Piece 43 (2008)" by Renee Coates.  Oil painting on canvas.  6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                            

Piece 42 (2008)

Papio

A flash of silver in the ocean deep
They dart about, glide and creep
Glitter and glow like midnight jewels
Travel the water in familiar schools
Bright sterling creature, speckled with light
Swim down a bit deeper, do not dare bite.

"Piece 42 (2008) by Renee Coates.  Oil painting on canvas.  6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                            

Piece 41 (2008)

Ode to Uhu (Parrot-fish)

Parrot-fish, Parrot-fish
Roaming the reef
Colorful scales
Blue and green streaks

Parrot-fish, Parrot-fish
Bird of the sea
Flutter about
Inspiring me!

••••••••••••••••••••••

Below is "Piece 41," the unusual Parrot-fish, or Uhu in Hawaiian... a tropical beauty that gets its name from its rainbow coloring and parrot-like beak.  Such a vibrantly hued creature deserves to be the center of attention, and I focused my color palette primarily on the fish, giving the coral background a decidedly muted color scheme. 

Although I'm not ready for my snorkel expedition yet, I have dipped my toe in something new... poetry!  Sometimes it feels good to condense a story down to a few meaningful words.  While I'm definitely not Emily Dickinson, I am having fun finding the language that suits my artwork...

 

"Piece 41 (2008)" by Renee Coates.  Oil painting on canvas.  6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                            

Piece 40 (2008)

One fish, two fish...

I am the daughter of a quintessential beach boy.  My father lives for being in the ocean, surfing the waves and absorbing the elements.  In fact, I believe he could quite possibly be part fish.  This is a man who has gone night diving with sharks.  In Hana, he's known simply as "Kevin the Kayak Guy", his presence at Hana Bay marked by an array of brightly colored boats, lined up on a hot day like juicy popsicles.  Tourists and locals alike enjoy his tours, paddling around the serene sparkling bay and then diving below to explore the underwater world. 

For as long as I can remember, he's been trying his best to lure the oceanic gene out of me.  Although I was born a Pisces, sadly my love of the water is tempered by my fear of it.  I like to be near the ocean, and will even take a swim, but I'm at ease only when I can touch the bottom.  As a little girl, I'd spend my days at the beach strolling up and down the Maui shore, searching for seashells and whatever ocean oddity decided to wash up at my feet.  I'd stick a toe in the cold frothy water, shrieking with delight and horror and I scampered back to the safety of an over-sized beach towel. 

However, I do enjoy kayaking.  Gliding out onto the glassy water and taking in the beautiful island scenery does wonders for my artistic eye.  In fact, I feel comforted being held in the sturdy fiberglass cocoon, protecting me from whatever my wild imagination is scared of, lurking beneath.  I admit it's an irrational fear, and one I'd like to conquer someday.  In the meantime, I draw on my limited snorkeling experience and the vibrant colors and unusual patterns I took in on my brief expeditions. 

So it is with full disclosure that I admit the inspiration for this month's "seascape" theme came primarily from amazing underwater photography taken by my father.  "Piece 40" features the Moorish Idol fish, with a coral seascape that taps into the depths of the unknown, and a world yet to be explored.

"Piece 40 (2008) by Renee Coates.  Oil painting on canvas.  6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD