Hālau is a Hawaiian word meaning school or group. It can also be interpreted as "a branch from which many leaves grow."
This week's piece depicts three lovely dancers in their hula hālau...
"Hula Hālau" by Renee Coates. Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".
ORIGINAL SOLD
The 'Uli 'Uli are colorful gourd rattles used in certain hula dances. The gourd is hollowed out and ali'i poe seeds are put inside to make the rattle sound. Decorative red feathers surround a yellow feather center, making the 'Uli 'Uli one of the most recognizable hula instruments.
This week's piece depicts two dancers who become one with the instrument. I wanted the entire painting to embody the sensual feathers of the 'Uli 'Uli. The dancers are a flurry of red and yellow, as their skirts, hair, and skin become the instrument. The concept seemed perfect for the second installment in the abstract hula series.
The 'Uli 'Uli instrument:
This week's piece:
"'Uli 'Uli" by Renee Coates. Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".
ORIGINAL SOLD
Creating a painting a week can result in artist's block sometimes... so I decided to venture into something new. The next few weeks will be dedicated to an abstract hula series, in which I'll focus on shapes, color, movement, and feeling. Usually my artistic process involves detailed sketches and precise painting. I tend to 'color in the lines'... which works for me, but lately I've been wanting to think outside the box.
ORIGINAL SOLD
