04-09 Haleiwa Shows With James Coleman

Aloha Everyone!  I just finished my shows with James Coleman this last weekend.  Here I am pictured with him and his wife Lori.  We had a blast hanging out and even came out with a little surprise.

Here's a blast from the past!  This picture was taken from my first all artists show in Wyland circa 1992.  I am shown with my good friends James Coleman and John Pitre.  I was finishing my upcoming book "The Art of Walfrido" and saw an opportunity to reunite with these guys again so I called John up to visit the show in Waikiki so we could compare notes.  A lot has happened between now and then but at least can still hang out!

These folks bought my first Koi paintings on Koa wood.  She noticed that the grains of koa ran together and that they came from the same piece of wood.  They live in New jersey and collect Koi so this was perfect for them.  I made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

Jenny here is an extreme swimmer.  She likes to go out in giant waves and punch through before the lip crashes down on her.  A bit extreme for most but she loves it.  She also likes one of my paintings that have a very soft and calming effect on her.  She then decided that I would paint her a special painting of a "Simple" style that would show her duck diving under a wave with the sunset behind. 

Because I don't paint people in the waves I had to take a picture for reference.  She ducks into a pose and I take a shot.

She also helps out painting her own commissioned piece.  She doesn't mind and thinks its really exciting.

After a few requests like bigger wave and no bright highlighting she gets her piece.  Another happy client!  I love it when people take advantage of show specials to get what they want.  My only guarantee was that this painting was going to make her happy. 

She was driving around the island with Ron.  Ron just came back from Iraq and was happy to be in the islands.  His eye also caught this wonderful koa piece.  He thought of a title called "Radiates Life in and Out".  How cool and personal is that!

What happens during shows are that collectors would get a piece from each artist they meet.  Here is a rare gem of a painting.  A "Colefrido".  Or a "Walman" depending on who's on first!  We collaborated on this painting together and Ron stretched his art budget to get something very few will only see much less have.  A painting with two awesome artists if I must say so myself!

Here is the second one  we did.  It started with James doing his signature style of the island shack.  Often imitated, but never duplicated!

Next I add some waves crashing below and Viola! Another duet with the man himself.  What I kick I get making paintings with one of the All time Disney great artists!

This couple got engaged where I met my wife, at the Crouching Lion in Kaaawa. They bought a "Simple Commission" of a sunset wave, plamtree and mountains to commemorate their engagement.  Right on!

Bill is an avid collector and great friend to the gallery came by and shot some photo's for me.  He is leaving the island soon and we appreciate him hanging out with us.  Thanks Bill!  His wife Cheryl and Daughter Lauren are pictured with him.

Karen also came and bought one from myself and James as well.  Thanks to all the collectors, Matt and the gals for making this an awesome weekend.  See you at the next show!  Maui here I come.