Painting Demonstration with Rod Cameron

Rod Cameron plans on performing a live painting demonstrations for those interested in learning more about his artistic processes and techniques, on the gallery porch, from 11am -1pm on Saturday, April 26th at VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. While the demonstration is free, park entrance fees apply.

Inspired by opposing forces of the natural environment of Hawaii, Rod Cameron trains a keen, painterly eye to the landscapes he puts to canvas. “There is no place I know that is remotely like (Volcano) in the world. Its’ great contrasts of violence and quiet solitude, clear blue skies and heavy ash clouds, rain forests and lunar landscapes are a constant challenge and a very great honor to paint.” Rod’s initial studies in school centered on architecture, mechanical drawing, and writing. He began to teach himself to paint and draw but realized that “you’ll soon hit walls by strictly going it alone.” He began attending classes at The Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles and at the Art Students League in New York City. He wanted to work with master artists, so he did an apprenticeship in Palm Springs with Keith Ward, who is most famous for illustrating the “Dick and Jane” reading books. After that, he spent five months doing plein-air painting in isolated jungles and beaches near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Island beauty and the lure of surfing brought Rod to Hawaii where he began designing silkscreen shirts and created the first Diamond Head Crater Festival posters. Soon he was directing his own agency, East/West Arts, in California with clients like Warner Brothers, and Hasbro. The agency’s specialty in toys got Rod working in three dimensions and led to a number of U.S. patents for his inventions. Currently, Rod works out of his Beach Road studio in the Puna District of Hawaii.