Lauhala Hamakua Coast

A master watercolorist, art professor, and Art Department Chair at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Ben Norris combined modern photorealism with meticulous wet-on-wet technique. He depicted the stunning Hamakua landscape as it slopes dramatically to the ocean. Looking down from the steep upper ridges of the pali, we see through the hala trees and ti plants to the ocean below. The myriad greens and subtle ochre in the tropical foliage stand out against the soft tint of the coastal pastures below: shadows and light interplay in a compelling presentation of this unique, tranquil place.