Waiahole

The painting depicts a “mauka” view into Waiāhole Valley, which is on the windward coast of the island of O'ahu. Beyond the valley are the sheer, verdant cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountains. Waiāhole itself is situated between two other prominent locations, Kahalu'u and Kualoa; it has always been known for its taro plantations and the excellent poi. Over the years, many prominent painters, such as Lloyd Sexton, Peter Hayward, Beverly Fettig, Margaret McMillan, Hiroshi Tagami, and Sachiko Takahashi, have used this lush, rustic landscape in their portfolios. Betty Freeland’s signature-style here has captured, with great coloration, shadowing, and detail, the essence of our familiarity with Waiāhole. 

Here is a little story of the Roving Rembrandts, courtesy of Diana Pietsch Hewett in 2014:
 “Did you ever hear the story of how they got their name? At first they were the ‘Screwy Hui’ as they drank screwdrivers when they finished painting and had their picnic lunches. They were having a benefit show at an Admiral’s home at Pearl Harbor and they overheard the Admiral's wife talking to a friend on the phone, saying she couldn't meet that day for lunch as she had this group of Roving Rembrandts at her house for a benefit show. The name stuck.”