East Maui Coastline, by Dorothy Decker, is one work in a series of seascapes done by the artist in Hawaii where she and her family lived for 20 years. This painting is not only significant because seascapes are a favorite theme, but also because it was one of her husband’s favorite paintings.

Her artistic journey started almost 30 years ago in California when teaching in a kindergarten classroom. Her first attempts were art projects, carried out in her classroom, where she painted on tiles and wood. After her interest in art increased, she took classes with professional artists, discovering an immense feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction in painting. When Decker moved to Hawaii, she began dedicating more time to painting. She still misses that time when she had her own space to paint the natural beauties that Hawaii -- especially Maui -- offered her.

Painting has brought so much to her life. "I can not imagine life without it," she says. After moving to Florida three years ago to be closer to her family, she has not been able to dedicate as much time to painting as she used to because of everyday responsibilities. However, she is looking forward to reassuming her journey, exploring new media such as watercolors, acrylics and pastels.

[artist biography by Ximena Cisneros; artist photograph byJonathan Middleton]
Dorothy A. Decker
East Maui Coastline, 1978, oil on canvas