Press Releases

PUUOPELU GALLERY TO SHOWCASE WORKS OF REALISM BY HENDRIKS

Frans-Willem “FW” Hendriks’ unique and interesting works of “Pen and Ink Realism” will be featured throughout March and April at Parker Ranch Historic Homes’ Puuopelu Gallery. Hendriks was born in Holland and raised in the United States. A US Navy Veteran, it was his career as an artist and SCUBA dive instructor combined with his love of the ocean that brought him and his wife Liz to Hawaii’s Big Island.

Hendriks’ unique award-winning drawing style rooted in engineering principles begins with his mechanical pencil. He first sketches his drawings on watercolor paper, then, adds layers of colored ink while sealing and bonding the paper to prevent the ink from running or bleeding. Next he uses layers of colored pencil, pastels, watercolor and airbrush to get the desired affect. This technique, known as “Kipona,” gives his drawings a photographic appearance.
Hendriks incorporates his love of animals, people and Hawaii into his artwork. Living on the Big Island, he has also found unlimited subject themes by studying ranch life, both past and present. Many of his pieces feature Big Island paniolo, including one of Parker Ranch’s own Keoki Wood.