52 Pieces Blog

Wahine II

The second in the 'Wahine' series...

'Wahine II' by Renee Coates. Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                           

Wahine series

I'm working on a 'Wahine' series (Hawaiian for 'woman') that will concentrate on several different figure studies.  You'll notice these paintings focus on the figures, and not the background or other elements.

"Wahine" by Renee Coates.  Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                           

Talking Story

In Hawaii, we don't just talk to friends, we 'talk story'. This week's piece depicts two local girls sitting on the beach, catching up on all the latest gossip and 'talking story'.

 
"Talking Story" by Renee Coates.  Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".

ORIGINAL SOLD

                                           

Face Painting

"Piece 44" by Renee Coates.  Oil on canvas, 6" x 6".

Over the years, many people have asked me where I get my inspiration for the portraits I paint.  "Is that so-and-so?"  The truth is, I occasionally paint people I know, but most of my portraits are compilations of many faces I've seen in the islands.  I may capture the eyes of a family friend, the nose of a classmate, and the smile of the woman behind the grocery counter. 

I usually "piece" together my faces, so I felt it fitting to dedicate the month of November to portraits on 52 Pieces.  Below is "Piece 44," or "Maluhia."  There is a calm about her, and I felt the name meaning "peaceful" in Hawaiian suited her well.