John Baran

My great grandmother was native Hawaiian. My mom (also an artist) left Oahu when she was 14, but I have Ohana spread throughout the islands to this day, the closest being my Uncle, who is still on Oahu. He was actually the head of the Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources for the state (a position my Grandfather held, as well).

I am an avid waterman, and free dive to take photos of sea life that I paint. All of the honu paintings come from photos I have personally taken. I have swam with tiger sharks, dolphins, mantas, honu and even penguins. I have lived around oceans all my life, and consider them a second home!

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