Mele Kalikimaka
“Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day. That’s the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway…” At least, that’s what Bing Crosby sang to the world with the Andrews Sisters back in 1950 when I was still just a twinkle in my father’s eye. That song has warmed me on many a cold December evening as the holidays unfold each year.
I had so much fun painting “Christmas Wishes” recently that I just had to do another Christmas themed painting. Once I put the Santa hat on this tiki mask I immediately thought of Mele Kalikimaka and knew I had my title before I even started painting. Once again I chose to use the palette knife all the way thru to completion. My daughter, being her never-afraid-to-give-her-opinion-self, tells me she likes this one better of the two Christmas paintings because of the colorful background. She told me the other one was “pretty, and all,” but it was “kinda’ boring” to her… (Have I ever mentioned how much I love my kids?)
Mele Kalikimaka – 10″x8″ – Acrylic on canvas – Completed 12-8-09
©2009, Don Michael, Jr.
“Mele Kalikimaka” is being donated to the From Barb with Love Project charity art auction which will take place 7:30 this Saturday night, December 12, at the Arts Factory, Suite 215, here in Las Vegas. Proceeds will go to fill paper bags with items, like food and tooth brushes, to be passed out to homeless who hang out at intersections throughout Las Vegas asking for assistance. It’s a beautiful project started this past year by Cheryl Slader, owner of Blue Sky Yoga in Las Vegas, in memory of her good friend Barb, a multi-talented young woman of generous spirit who left this earth much too early. Artwork from several other area artists will be included in the auction as well. I will have a few other paintings on display at the event of which 25% of any sales will go to the charity.
As a  fun bonus, I thought I’d include a mega-blown-up detail of my knife work. Be sure to click on it to see the all the globs and smears, as well as touches of the pale blue-green undercoat peeking thru.
Mele Kalikimaka, Don and family! The more I learn about your children, the more I like them. You and your wife did a good job
Another great painting, and for a great cause. The detail really shows the texture … almost like looking through rippled glass. Lots of energy and interest! In this piece, you established a really interesting balance – the cap vs. the large teeth. And, the circles of colors in the background pull it together. Your sense of humor comes through as well…
Truly festive Don! And thanks for sharing the detail as I did click on it and really enjoyed seeing all the activity there, that comes together oh so well to create this great holiday painting. I really love what you did with the circles in the background…that seems to really tie things together especially with the white furry ball at the end of tiki’s Santa hat!!!
It’s wonderful to know this is being offered for purchase for a worthy cause. Wishing you & the other participating artists much success.
I too have enjoyed that Bing Cosby song…I have it on CD and it occurred before my time too…but I still enjoy it. His singing reminds me of velvet and every year watching “White Christmas” is a MUST for me.
Mele Kalikimaka to you & your family.
I feel I could actually touch that fuzzy red hat with the white ball. I’d probably pick up a splinter from the mask, though. Good work for a good cause.
Kathy, Thank you for your compliment of our children. We are quite proud of them. They are what IT’S all about. I like your rippled glass analogy. I see exactly what you mean.
Kathleen, The circles were exactly what Christina liked best about this one. It’s just not Christmas around our house without that smooth Crosby voice pelting out a few carols. Thank you for the good wishes. I hope the charity is able to generate some good money from the event.
Hallie, Yep, I think this is the splintery-est of all my masks. I’ve punctured my fingers a few times handling it. My wife asked me, “How did you paint the hat to look so fuzzy?” I told her I just painted what I saw. I honestly couldn’t figure out how to explain it any better than that – it’s not like I have some trick up my sleeve or anything. Thanks for the great comment.
-Don
WOW, the detail of the knife work is like a gift! That section by itself with your deft handling of the tool is a work of art in itself! Great painting and lovely sentiment! I think I’ll use that greeting, it’s beautiful. Another great painting!
Suz, What a great comment. I’m glad you enjoyed my “gift”. Mele Kalikimaka, my good friend… -Don