Harry Wishard

Born and raised on the island of Hawai’i, Harry Wishard (b. 1952, HPA '70) was led into the life of an artist when he was quite young by his uncle, painter Lloyd Sexton.  He has been painting daily for over 50 years. 

Wishard's work reflects a respect for the beauty of Hawai’i, its history, its land and its people. He hopes to engender conservation and preservation among residents and visitors alike. In his own words, “There is more awareness of the fragility of the Brazilian rain forest than of Hawai’i’s rain forests with the many endangered species of plants and animals that reside in them.”  Wishard lives and works in North Kohala. 

His close observation of nature while diving, fishing, hunting, and hiking allows his work to represent reality with almost photographic truth. “As technology and growing populations engulf our islands, the cultures and lifestyles of the past become more appreciated and thus cherished.  Although the past was a time of occasional war or famine, it was also a time when people were more connected to nature and their environment.  The land was one’s home, and its faces were studied; a harmony existed between people and the outdoors.”