I have a deep passion to inspire others to see people... to recognize their needs and their value, by expressing that value in how they treat others.

Too often people are overlooked. We love the beauty of the land, taking hundreds of pictures of the places we visit. But do we stop to think about the people, both the people living there now, as well as the ancient peoples of the land?

This is what my new series "Behind the Landscape" is all about.

Nine months in the planning, I now pesent my first piece titled "E Kü" meaning "rise up" in Hawaiian. As the sun rises over the ocean, the first thing you notice is the seascape. But look closer. In the cliffside, you see the profile of a beautiful young Hawalian woman - partially enhanced with gold leaf. It's Princess Ka'iulani. She was the last heir apparent to the throne of Hawaii and niece to Queen Lili'uokalani. She was not yet 18 when the overthrow of the Hawalian Kingdom altered her life. She petitioned tirelessly, urging the Kingdom's restoration, but it was not to be.

Both she and Queen Liliuokalani impress me so much with their tireless work and their kind and gracious characters in the midst of mistreatment.

This is the beauty I see in Hawaii. This painting is a call for Hawalians to "E KU", strong in who they are as Hawaiians, and to reflect this kind and gracious character their royalty displayed in the midst of injustice.

Enchanted Garden prints - Melanie Pruitt Art