Catherine Buchanan

Quiet Harmony

This contemporary depiction reimagines iconography through a vibrant, modern lens. Utilizing a striking palette of blues and aquas, the face was constructed using bold, geometric lines that mimic the intricate designs of traditional stained glass. The painting invokes a feeling of meditative calm. Experimenting with styles and mediums became an intentional challenge while working on Quiet Harmony

Artwork at the Moloka’i Airport

Twenty years of painting: Saint Damien at Kalaupapa, Native Hawaii Animals, and the new Landmark Series    2026 Moloka’i Landmark Series Moloka’i has inspired Catherine Buchanan’s painting for decades. The Moloka’i Landmark Series strives to capture the island’s character, beauty and natural wonders. The paintings will be on display at the Moloka’i Airport in Ho’olehua. Richard Artwork at the Moloka’i Airport

Waterlilies

Waterlilies reimagine a classic botanical motif through the lens of modern precision. The painting vibrates with a tension between light and shadow; the sun-drenched chartreuse of the lily pads sits heavily atop ink-dark water, which mirrors the sky in fragments of brilliant blue. The careful rendering invites us to appreciate the sturdy, physical presence of a landscape that is usually described as ephemeral.

Loud Rooster

2016, Acrylic on canvas, 16×20″ It started with a dream when I visited Molokai after a long absence. The roosters under my window sounded off and I had a silly dream that I caught a particularly loud one and painted him pink. Eventually I got used to their ruckus, but the image stayed in mind. Loud Rooster

Proof of Improvement

My Mom carefully saved my childhood drawings with the dates written on the back. I found them after she passed away and it was fun to see how strongly I have been drawn to similar subjects throughout life. Thanks Mom!

Leaning Fale

Olosega on the tiny island of Ofu in American Samoa was home to this hurricane wracked fale. It’s probably fallen down since I visited, but it’s charm remains a fond memory. Kids and dogs don’t notice what’s askew, their worlds revolve around much more important things like throwing and chasing sticks. Laughter is always heard Leaning Fale

Sage Harvest

Women harvesting sage at Kumu Farms with a backdrop of papaya trees. The wind carried the women’s voices, laboring in the sun. Molokai’s central plateau with fertile volcanic dirt is home to many productive farms and orchards. One of the paintings in the 90 paintings in 90 days series.

Slippahs

Flip-flops (or slippahs in Hawaii) and maybe a pair of sneakers are all anyone needs on Molokai. Most people kick their shoes off outside the front door. A massive pile of slippahs on the porch indicates an epic party is underway. Like luggage, they tend to look alike and I walked off with my host’s Slippahs

Lilikoi Butter

Lilikoi butter, a local favorite, is often made for friends. The dear Aunties of Molokai make it from a variety of passion fruit, or lilikoi, and nothing like it is found in stores.