I used to not like pink. Until I started looking at the sky—really looking.

Our last sunset on Hawaii’s Big Island was breathtaking.

Pink is more than just a color—it’s an emotion, a statement, a force of nature. It holds a unique ability to balance softness with boldness, warmth with energy. From the delicate blush of a sunrise to the striking vibrancy of a fuchsia bloom, pink carries an undeniable presence that demands attention while offering comfort.

A Color That Speaks

Throughout history, pink has been a symbol of love, compassion, and strength. It has adorned warriors and peacemakers alike, shifting in meaning across cultures and time. Today, it is often associated with femininity, but it is also a color of rebellion, individuality, and courage.

A Hawaiian Sunset and a New Artistic Perspective

For me, pink was never a dominant part of my palette—until that breathtaking sunset in Hawaii changed everything. The sky was ablaze with shades of rose, coral, and magenta, blending seamlessly into the tranquil ocean below. It was a moment of pure serenity, yet filled with dramatic intensity. That evening left a lasting impression, inspiring me to create a series of paintings where pink took center stage. What once felt unfamiliar became an essential part of my artistic expression.

Pink now represents so much more than just a color in my work. It embodies calmness and tranquility, like the soft caress of early morning light. It holds the drama of a sunset, bursting with emotion yet soothing in its presence. Through this transformation, I have come to appreciate pink as a color of balance, capable of evoking both energy and peace.

So, let's try it?

Sketch.
Decided on the composition, blocked in the colors, added texture to the water
More layers
Not at all what I was going for. Composition is off and no drama.
Adding drama. Pink ? No!!! that's way too much!

Yikes!! Way too much pink, overpowering... Composition is making more sense though, it is reassuring.

Neutralized the pink with white and added highly diluted wash of light pink (opaque) and a touch of burnt umber ink. Carefully manipulated the flow to get the outline of the glow in the right place. I aslo reduced the contrast between water and sky, making horizon line a lot softer.

Now let's intensify contrast and finish the glow!
Final version. I am quite happy with it!

Capturing the Essence of a Hawaiian Sunrise

With the sunset painting complete, I felt compelled to create another piece—one that would complement it by capturing the tranquility of a Hawaiian sunrise. During our trip, we embarked on a canoeing adventure that led us to an unforgettable experience: a traditional sun-salutation ritual performed by native Hawaiians. As the first light of day touched the horizon, the water reflected a soft, golden-pink hue, and the air was filled with a sense of quiet reverence.

That moment of stillness and connection with nature became the inspiration for my next painting, Ala Kai. Unlike the bold drama of the sunset, this piece would embody the gentle embrace of dawn—the serenity, the renewal, the promise of a new day. Named after the Hawaiian phrase meaning "path of the sea," Ala Kai captures the essence of floating on tranquil waters, bathed in the soft hues of morning light. It is a reflection of harmony and the seamless connection between sky and ocean, just as the ritual we witnessed honored the balance between nature and spirit.

This one was also a learning curve: 1. Rocks cast shadows! 2. White splashes of water near the rocks need contrast with water to show up and create the sense of dimension. 3. The black rocks leading into the sea is the focus of this painting, do not make pink highlights compete with the main idea

This is how the two paintings look together

The Challenge of Pink in Art

Despite its beauty and emotional depth, pink presents unique challenges in painting. It is a color that can easily become overpowering if not balanced correctly. The key is in restraint—using pink as a focal point without letting it dominate the entire composition. Too much, and it loses its elegance; too little, and its impact is diminished. Finding that harmony is both a challenge and a joy, pushing me to refine my technique and approach.

Embracing the Power of Pink

Whether in art, fashion, or everyday life, pink is a color that dares to be seen. It challenges perceptions, evokes emotions, and invites us to reconsider the way we define beauty and strength. It is a color of contrast, of harmony, of possibility.

So, what does pink mean to you? Is it gentle, fierce, nostalgic, or modern? Perhaps, like me, you see it as all of the above—a color that cannot be limited, only embraced.

Let’s celebrate the power of pink, in all its shades and meanings.

Afterglow, 12" x 12"

Buy Now

Ala Kai, 12" x 12"