"I'd like to introduce you to what I believe is my finest marine art piece yet:  "First Air".  This piece had been on my mind for several years....ever since one of my Kapalua, Maui, collectors told me a story.  He and his wife were having their morning coffee on the lanai of their estate home enjoying the ocean view, as usual.  Suddenly, they noticed an adult whale acting quite agitated on the surface.  Some moments later, following a bloody froth, a baby whale appeared at the surface.  Within seconds, the mother whale flipped the baby out of the water, and continued to do so about a dozen times, apparently to knock the breath of life into the baby, just as human babies are slapped on the bottom.  Afterwards, the two whales spent the remainder of the day lounging and bonding at the surface.
    "The birth of a humpback whale has never been documented, or so the scientific community says.  That doesn't mean no one has ever witnessed it.  That simply means the event was not photographed and/or otherwise scientifically documented.  That story intrigued me and left me longing to try to illustrate such an epic moment through my art.  In the Spring of 2000, one of the most influential men I have ever known,  Don Reid, witnessed such an event and commissioned me to paint it.  I hope you will enjoy viewing it, as much as I enjoyed creating it.  The two frigate birds, or manu-o-ali'i, are symbols of joy in  Polynesia.  The piece is rich with symbols of joy and spiritual rebirth"

"First Air" Fine art giclees on canvas, wth an elegant satin finish, are currently available direct from our studio   Also for a limted time only:  Collector's Club members may choose low number Artists Proofs and artist retouching at no extra charge. Published in an edition of 450, plus Artist's Proofs, this run includes a mix of two sizes,  18x24 and an over-the-sofa size of 30x40.

Click on the thumbnails below to see larger details of the painting.

Click on below thumbnails to see alternative teal blue and Navajo white scoop framing and a high resolution jpeg of "First Air" (Slow loading!)

This giclee includes a certificate of authenticity,  as well as the artist's personal guarantee of satisfaction.  Remember, colors on the actual giclees will be much more beautiful and vibrant than as they are seen here. FREE SHIPPING within the US and Canada is included in our monthly special!  International orders receive a $60 credit towards shipping charges. To order and reserve a low number in your name, call toll free (1-888-554-2301), send payment to the studio, or email your credit card info. Delivery times may vary.   Print numbers will be assigned to clients in the order that the emails are received.  Monthly installments may be arranged as well.     For framing options, or  for any other queries, contact Michael directly at stark@maui.net