Robert L. Bates has lived in Kona since 1963, and has been active in the arts community since the 1990s when he first began working with oils before moving to watercolors, a medium he describes as “more challenging,” in the
Robert L. Bates has lived in Kona since 1963, and has been active in the arts community since the 1990s when he first began working with oils before moving to watercolors, a medium he describes as “more challenging,” in the 2000s. In 2008, “Lopaka’s Legends of Hawaii,” written and illustrated by Bates, was released.
Prior to entering the arts, Bates said he was a Realtor in Kona for more than 40 years. He also coached paddling and high school football.
Bates recently took time out of his schedule to tell the Big Island Entertainment Scene about his artwork.
Q: How do you describe your artwork to people, and what makes it unique?
A: “Living in Hawaii all these years, I have always been interested in the ancient Hawaiian legends and myths and when certain parts jump out at me I use that as a subject for a painting, such as ‘King Kamehameha making a sacrifice’ hoping Pele will stop the lava flow.”
Q: When you begin a piece of work, what do you hope to capture?
A: “An image that will appeal to a human emotion.”
Q: How do you hope your artwork makes people feel? What emotions do you hope it invokes for people
A: “I hope my artwork conveys my appreciation of living in Hawaii and my respect for the culture. I also try to capture memories of our ocean, beaches, flowers and birds.”
Q: Do you have artistic influences or styles? If so, who or what, and how is that reflected in your work?
A: “I have always enjoyed the historical nature of the late Herb Kane’s works.”
Q: When did you decide to become a full-fledged artist, and how have you evolved? Did you start or do other forms of media?
A: “Many of you may know me as a Realtor in Kona, for over 40 years, or your high school football coach or paddling coach. In the early 1990s, I was painting in oils. In 2000, I discovered watercolors which is a more challenging medium. All of my art work since then has the brilliant colors and hues that this medium lets me create.”
Q: Are you currently working on a piece? If so, tell our readers about it and when they can expect it to be unveiled.
A: “I Just finished my latest Hawaiian legend, ‘Goddess of Lake Waiau,’ the legendary goddess that resides at Lake Waiau atop Mauna Kea mountain. See it on Facebook” at www.Facebook.com/robertlbatesartist.
Keep with the latest from Robert L. Bates at by email to bpb@aloha.net, www.facebook.com/robertlbatesartist; bigislandartist.etsy.com and Fine Art Studio Online at robertlbates.faso.com.
