Hawaiian Art Decor

About Hawaiian Art

• It is thought that the Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii by outrigger canoe sometime between 300 and 800 AD. The first Europeans to arrive in the islands were Captain James Cook and his crew in 1778. Hawaiian art can be divided into two general eras: before and after the Europeans' arrival. Before European arrival, the art was similar to other Polynesian art such as wood carvings, feather work and bark cloths. When the Europeans arrived, they often brought artists with them to sketch or paint people and landscapes. Today there are a variety of artists from painters and wood carvers to sculptors and ceramicists.

Paintings

• Hawaiian paintings are very popular today. They invoke a feeling of calm and tranquility, and are often used in a beach- or tropical themed-home. Hawaiian paintings often depict scenes of the beach, ocean, fish and colorful flowers. Some artists depict scenes of Hawaiian history. The paintings are often very bright and colorful and may be created using a variety of mediums such as watercolors or acrylics. Bright blues, calming greens and bold oranges can often be seen.

Other Types of Art

• Other types of Hawaiian art that may be used in the home are wood carvings, sculptures and baskets. Wood carvings may be made from milo, koa or other Hawaiian woods. Carved wooden fish or fish hooks may be placed on a table. Wooden calabash bowls may be used in the kitchen. Baskets are also popular and can be used as accent pieces.

Decor

• Now that you have your Hawaiian art, it is essential that the art complements the decor of your home. Popular Hawaiian paint colors include white, sand, blue, green and pink. Paint your walls one of these soothing colors and hang your Hawaiian paintings. Tropical-style furnishings may include wicker or bamboo chairs; dark wood and rattan is also used. Place a palm tree in the corner and add colorful Hawaiian flowers such as bird of paradise, red ginger, orchids and hibiscus. If you don't have access to real flowers, you could use fake flowers or paintings of these types of flowers.