Aside from being one of Hawaii's foremost fine artists, Kari McCarthy is also the publisher of the critically acclaimed "Maui Art Guide".

After moving to Maui, she founded Design Network and has an award-winning career in design, with clients throughout the islands and on both Mainland U.S. coasts. A dozen years ago, she began studying fine art, with masters such as Dick Nelson and George Allan. She says these lessons taught her to see the world differently.

In 2000, she began painting seriously and a year later, a trip to Giverny confirmed her passion for light and color."

McCarthy's latest works continue her exploration of Upcountry landscapes, the more scenic spots along the Hana coastline, and her fascination with the effects of mist and light.

"One of my favorite ways to end the day is a walk in Polipoli when the late afternoon sun bathes everything in colored light. My goal is to capture that effect on canvas for the viewer."

Kari McCarthy developed a lifelong habit of observation during her formal training in graphic design at the San Francisco Academy of Art.

She says, "Graphic design taught me to pay attention, to observe the details. Letter forms and spacing. The effects of light on architectural elements. Being in San Francisco exposed me to the finest of the finest, and though I came into fine art through the back door of graphic design, I'm grateful for the discernment it taught me."