For over 35 years, Lowell Mapes has roamed the Hawaiian landscape searching for his next subject and in so doing he has preserved the history of Maui one painting at a time. Like a fixture in the memory of hundreds of Maui residents and visitors alike, he has been seen in the sun painting for hours and hours, working harder than many laborers and going without food or drink until the light of day would betray his desire to work even longer.
His slender youthful frame tells the story of a marathon runner or a man who spends his days in the gym with a trainer. But instead, this is a man whose body is trained to stand at an easel for 10 hours a day, seven days a week and never sit to take a break.
With a determination that is almost inhuman, he steps forward and back and forward and back, painting as he does his waltz to the canvas and back again to gain perspective.
What many people don't know about Lowell, is that he also travelled all through Europe and painted with mentor and well-known artist, Frank Van Steen, as he learned his trade. His art and artistry has been noted in "Aloha Magazine", "The Maui Times" and books including "Artists of Maui" and numerous other publications. A photo of Lowell at work under some kiawe trees, by artist Ted Craig also won numerous awards as it seemed to show Lowell integrated with his subject matter in an ambiguous and intriguing way, not unlike Lowell himself. His work graces the entryway of the well known restaurant "Kimo's" and he has shown his work graces the walls of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Montessori Schools and the world renown Hudson Valley Art Association.
