Lanai from Lahaina

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a beautiful painting today! It's called "Lanai from Lahaina," and it's like a postcard from a long, long time ago. It was painted in 1924 by an artist named D. Howard Hitchcock. Isn't that a cool name? nn

(Pause for children's responses) nn

This painting shows a picture of a Hawaiian island called Lanai. Can anyone point to where they think Lanai is in the painting? It's a little far away, isn't it? The artist painted it at either sunrise or sunset, so the colors are all soft and pretty. What colors do you see? Are they bright and sunny, or more calm and peaceful? nn

(Pause for children's responses and discussion of colors) nn

See how the sky is a lovely mix of pink, and light blue? And the island itself is a soft brown and purple? The ocean is a beautiful light blue and teal, like the color of the sea on a warm day. Do you see the tiny boat in the water? It's called an outrigger canoe. It's so small compared to the big ocean and the island! It makes the ocean seem really, really big, doesn't it? nn

(Pause for children's responses and discussion of the scale of the painting) nn

The artist used soft brushstrokes, like little dabs of paint. It's not super detailed, but it makes the painting feel calm and peaceful. It's like a quiet moment captured in time. What do you think the person in the canoe is feeling? Do you think they are happy, peaceful, or maybe a little bit lonely? nn

(Pause for children's responses and discussion of feelings evoked by the painting) nn

This painting shows us how beautiful Hawaii is, and how the artist could show us peace and quiet just by using colors and light. It's a lovely reminder to appreciate the beauty of nature. What's your favorite part of the painting? nn

(Pause for children's responses and further discussion) nn

I hope you enjoyed learning about this amazing painting! It's a wonderful example of how art can make us feel calm and peaceful. Remember, art is all around us, and it can tell us so many stories! Now, let's go see some more amazing art!