Brainerd’s Brushstrokes & Photography – “Aloha, Oahu, Hawaii”

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Photo by Kye Bolen (high school friend)

Welcome to my Art Thursdays B.R.E.A.T.H.S. blog post where I invite you into my private art studio, Brainerd’s Brushstrokes AND Photography/Videography! This year for my art blogging, I am combining a few of my creative skills with painting acrylic on canvas and snapping pics and videos on my iPhone. For the month of July 2022, I will be sharing my Tropical Island Series of paintings, photographs, and videos from a variety of my island visits. Last week, I posted some photos of my besties trip to Kauai in 2018. Today, I am sharing some art from a couple of my visits to Oahu, Hawaii.

“Abstract Aloha” acrylic painting by Jaime Brainerd

“Abstract Aloha”

This was painted by me on July 22, 2015 at “Sip” Restaurant located inside the Renaissance Hotel,  in downtown Long Beach, CA. Palm trees are my favorite to paint, so I have had lots of practice with my art coach Michael at Brushstrokes & Beverages. Instead of following his instructions on a new painting, I found a picture a high school friend took that had an amazing Hawaii sunset, and did my best at painting the abstract Hawaiian sky (see photo and painting above).

Collage of me painting “Abstract Aloha”

Creating “Abstract Aloha” 

This may not have been my first palm painting, but it was my first being created by looking at a photograph, and not following an art teacher. Although there are slight differences, I really wanted to put emphasis on the swirling pastel sunset. I gifted my friend Ashley this painting when she started college at Hawaii University in Oahu, HI.

My Favorite Oahu photos w/signature in sand

Oahu Firsts

My first time to Hawaii was my visit to the island of Oahu in July 2017 to visit my high school bestie, and what a great friend she was to show me a handful of other Oahu firsts. The first thing I tried was snorkeling, which I didn’t like too much because I had to keep coming up for air and missing out on ocean life. This prompted my next first, scuba diving, where I became PADI certified and went down under to witness thousands of ocean plants and animals, I loved it! Next time I will have to bring an underwater camera, my new waterproof iPhone 7 couldn’t take pics that far down, lol.

Aloha to my Hawaiian First Times

Even More Oahu Firsts

The second time I visited my bestie in Oahu was in December 2018, again she did not disappoint. Our next first was visiting a secret island located at Kualoa Ranch, we practically had the entire island to ourselves with a fun boat ride to watch sea turtles included. By the end of my trip, we were casually discussing skydiving, and I never really thought about it, but decided to go in my Ram’s Football jersey. Immediately after the jump, we went to watch the Ram’s win to make it to the playoffs. I was so excited, I decided to get a turtle tattoo on my neck (my second tattoo), and my friend got a matching one on her shoulder (see collage above).

Oahu Sunset Collage

Oahu Sunsets

Of course I had my first Oahu sunset, which will become my first photo I shot and painted myself. Since visiting Oahu three times, I have seen over a dozen sunsets. On my third visit to Oahu July 2021, we went on some really breathtaking hikes (literally, I was out of breath, but also the views were awesome). Some of my favorites were relaxing at Ko’Olina Beach (as seen in video thumbnail picture), hiking to the the top of an old military pillbox, and another while having dinner while sailing on a catamaran. Check out my collection of Oahu sunset pictures and videos!

Aloha, Oahu

Saying Aloha to Oahu and my Hawaiian firsts! May there be many more fun first time experiences, and spectacular sunsets for me to photograph and paint. Stay tuned for more of Brainerd’s Brushstrokes & Photography/Videography around tropical islands!

 

Thank you for reading and viewing,

Dr. Jaime Brainerd, Ed.D.

About the Author

Dr. Brainerd

Hello, I am Dr. Jaime Brainerd Ed.D., a lifelong learner, beauty consultant, author, financial specialist, artist, traveler, health enthusiast, and self care advocate. Please follow my website for my B.R.E.A.T.H.S. blogs.

5 thoughts on “Brainerd’s Brushstrokes & Photography – “Aloha, Oahu, Hawaii”

  1. I love Hawaii although I only went there once. I had several amazing SCUBA dives. Everything was spectacular there. I spent time on Oahu and then hopped over to Maui and stay in Wailea. Truly a wonderful trip!

  2. I’ve been to Oahu twice, one for our first anniversary, and the second in January of 2020 before everything got shut down. I wish I could move there. Your Oahu photography and art is amazing! I love your share.

  3. Looking at these fantastic pictures makes me want to pack my bags and leave.
    I have never been to Hawaii. It is sooo far away from Europe! One day, though!

  4. Both your brushstrokes and photography are exquisite! When I look at your palm tree paintings, I can almost see them swaying in the breeze.

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