"Melia" Beautiful Plumeria

From the first day I arrived here in Kailua, I have been intrigued and drawn to the plumeria. As a matter of fact, they were the subject of some of my very first sketches [Life in Kailua]. Flowers are something I love but until now, haven't had much success painting them. 

Plumeria are called 'melia' and is pronounced as 'may-lee-ah.' They possess a very lovely and delicate fragrance and are often used in leis, or as a decoration tucked behind a woman's ear. Plumeria come in a multitude of color combinations including pink, yellow, white, and red or any combination of these colors. They can be large or small and have glossy, green leaves.

Plumeria, Kailua

So, in keeping with my renewed enthusiasm and focus, I decided it was time to revisit my attempts at rendering these beautiful blossoms. With my cute little art assistant [Kaz] I sat down and began to draw out my design. Since I'd looked at just about every plumeria bush in town, I felt pretty confident that I would design an appealing composition. 

My art assistant Kaz

The next step [and of course the most important most challenging to me] is the painting process. This time I approached this phase with a definite plan and with my limited watercolor selection I just went for it, but in a very methodical and unhurried way. I allowed time for areas to dry before attempting to add the next color. I held fast when I felt my mind beginning to wander and overtake my plan. 

My tenacity was rewarded with a successful piece that I would be proud to say I painted. I know there are some areas that really work, and areas that need a little work. I decided to call it done despite that knowledge since fiddling with it any more would probably result in disaster.

Plumeria, Kailua

With this success under my belt, I look forward to painting my second sketch of plumeria that I decided to arrange in a wreath configuration. That will undoubtedly be better now that I know what to do and what not to do.

I'd like to to this opportunity to also wish you a Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i (pronounced how-oh-lay la ho-o-ma-key-kah-ee), that is Happy Thanksgiving. May you be surrounded by family and friends feasting around the table.

Until next time .... aloha!