Tae Ja Koki

When I was a little girl, my dream was always to be an artist. After I graduated from school in Korea, I worked as an illustrationist with a comic book company for two years before coming to Hawaii with my sister in 1971. I got married the following year and have two sons who graduated from mainland universities. I was able, at last, to study art as I had always dreamed.

I attended art classes whenever possible. I studied all aspects of art with Diane Kim and Alan Leitner, and drawings with Michael Harada at Leeward Community College. I also studied with George Woolard and Roger Whitlock. I attended the six-week Atelier class at Windward Community College with Snowden Hodges.

I am interested in art of all kinds and have attended a class on encaustic painting as well as a collage class with Paul Levitt at Linekona School, Academy of Art. I also joined a week's watercolor workshop with Ong Kim Seng of Singapore. To improve my artwork, I enrolled and completed an eight-week course on digital photography at Lee's Computer Institute.

I am a member of the Korean Artist of Hawaii. I also belong to the Hawaii Watercolor Society and the Association of Hawaii Artists.

email: taejakoki@gmail.com

Craig Baumgartner

I retired from the Army as an endodontist/research microbiologist and took a position as Chairman of the Department of Endodontology at Oregon Health & Science University. I am now a Professor Emeritus at the University but reside here in Kailua. Since retiring I developed a strong interest in art. I have studied art history and taken numerous courses through the Honolulu Museum of Art and the University of Hawaii studying water colors, acrylics and oil painting.

My focus now is on plein air oil painting of seascapes and landscapes. The shift from scientist to artist has been an exciting adventure. Observing light and color as an artist has changed the way I see the world. My style is slowly evolving as I attempt to be more “painterly.” I have had paintings in numerous shows. The Association of Hawaii Artists has been very supportive. I am currently Vice President of the Association of Hawaii Artists and have been the Master of Ceremony for their shows.

e-mail: alohajcb@gmail.com

Wendy Roberts

Wendy Roberts is inspired by the gorgeous Hawaiian islands. The stunning mountains, beaches, wildlife, and underwater world serve as the inspiration for her award-winning oil paintings. Often, she incorporates elements of metal leafing (thin sheets of metal) into her paintings. The shimmer of gold or silver adds an element of ever-changing light. Her paintings of natural subjects are a celebration of the beautiful world that surrounds us, and a reminder that we must protect our wild spaces in order to connect with our deepest spiritual selves.

You can view her work, read her blog, and/or commission a painting on her website: www.wendyrobertsfineart.com.  She is active on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest as well.