While visiting the island of Aitutaki in the South Pacific I enjoyed sketching and painting these small outriggers, which the islanders called Vakas. They used them for fishing in the lagoon and dragged them up on the beach at night.

Above: After stretching the 300 lb. Arches watercolor paper by soaking and stapling to the art board, I begin by laying in bold washes of the lightest values.



Above: With the addition of darker values in the coconut palms above the vaka, and a little more foreground detail, the painting is finished (below).