GALLERY ROSTER

Lowell Mapes

Pump Camp Series, Image 30" x 40" oil.

       The story goes that when Lowell Mapes sets up his easel to paint one of the vanishing plantation-style houses, the bulldozers cannot be far behind. Hearing about the decision to remove the houses at "Pump Camp", (Located on the mauka side of Shaw Street behind the Aquatic Center) he was there in a flash and in his own sensitive way, painted a lifestyle that is at the core of Maui's history. Over the past twenty years, Lowell's work has artistically documented "the inevitables" of Maui. Lowell's work is always in great demand so don't hesitate to call for photos of new paintings. 

Lowell Mapes, born in Los Angeles in 1950, moved to Lahaina in 1971, and began devoting himself to painting full time. A self-taught artist, Lowell has become respected as one of Maui's most talented artists.

In the early 70's Lowell painted exclusively in watercolor and pen and ink. He mastered these mediums rapidly and was soon teaching classes at the Lahaina Arts Society. Next, he moved on to painting in oil. Today, he works in both mediums. He has consistently created all of his work on location, bringing new beauty to some well-known spots in Lahaina and giving us a glimpse into his masterful command of light and shadow.

Richard Wirtz describes Lowell's work in "Artist's of Maui", "He was greatly influenced by Peter Hayward: 'He and I were friends and Peter encouraged me a lot. I gained a deeper perception of nature from him – learning to look outward, rather than inward.' With the help of friends and patrons, Lowell perfected his craft and emerged in 1974 and '75 as a major talent.

A rewarding trip to Europe reinforced his studies of the great masters. Lowell was influenced by 'those painters more concerned with freshness of vision than with style – the Baroque painters, especially Frans Hals. Artists like Rembrandt and Rubens, for all their skill as draftsmen, were all too hindered by convention and technique. On the positive side, I like seeing the way Monet, Corot or Velasquez perceive their world.'

Talking with Lowell one cannot help but appreciate how well read he is. He very easily shared observations on art and artists by Hemingway, Sylvester and numerous other writers. When asked about reading, he said he was giving it up; that reading was a distraction. Lowell's major concerns are the 'perceptions and tensions' in a painting. He worked with watercolor for quite some time before going into the oils for which he has become most noted. 'I like the oils because I can go back into a painting, creating more depth or make small adjustments.‘ He sees himself as still growing and learning, and plans another trip to Europe shortly.

I don’t think being on Maui has made any real difference in my art,' Lowell said. 'This is not really an isolated place.' He refers of course to his style and method of working, for his subjects or images are drawn from local surroundings. 'I really love to work outside, on location. A good ninety percent of my work is done outside. I feel a lot closer to nature and get a better sense of colors and energies about the subject.' "

Since 1975, Lowell has had one person and group shows at the following: Village Galleries, Maui, The Lahaina Arts Society, Art Maui, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Territorial Savings and Loan - Honolulu and the Hudson Valley Art Association. His works are included in numerous corporate and individual collections worldwide.