Forest Bathed in Watercolor

In a private garden sanctuary nestled against the dramatic Koʻolau mountains on Oʻahu's Windward side, experience the deeply restorative therapy of the forest. Then further your discovery of calm and creativity when you mix color and water, and let your brush flow. Research shows that mindfully spending time in the outdoors, as well as making art can have a powerful effect on mental health.

Hawai'i's first and most experienced certified forest therapy guide Phyllis (Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi) will offer a series of sensory-based "invitations" designed to help you reconnect with nature, with others, and with yourself. You'll get to wander through the unique tropical flora in the garden, spend quiet time listening to the forest, and sharing with others in your small group.

Artist/writer/art teacher Tamara (tamaramoan.com) will then support you in expressing the sounds of the forest and gardens—birdsong, water, wind—with watercolor paints. You'll explore how to translate what our ears hear into color, shape, and movement on paper, using an intuitive approach that requires zero drawing skill or previous art experience. You’ll produce one or two paintings (9" x 12") and leave with your own watercolor souvenirs of your time in an artist’s garden.

The session closes with a forest tea ceremony. Afterwards, you're welcome to visit the art galleries on the grounds. You'll find there paintings and giclees by Hiroshi Tagami and Michael Powell, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more by local artists.