Startling, colorful, larger-than-life images of lizards, fish, crustaceans, insects, and other small creatures characterize the oil paintings of Rani Denise Ulrich.  Creating larger-than-life images of small creatures, allows her to better explore the intricacy and beauty of their forms, textures, and colors.  Since her move from Wisconsin to Hawai`i she has expanded her subject matter to reflect her interest in outrigger canoe paddling and to take advantage of the ease of painting “plein air” in Hawai`i.  Denise’s love of intense color melds well with the natural colors of the Big Island.

“From Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg, Wisconsin -- especially Andy Larsen, Executive Director Emeritus -- I have learned to look more closely at the world around me, to question what I see, to marvel at it, and to wonder at its beauty, intricacy, and complexity.  Through my paintings I strive to convey that sense of wonder and excitement, a sense of energy or life force, and the richness, beauty, and sensuality of nature.”

While Denise has a degree in theatre arts from Cornell University, she spent most of her professional life in the world of data processing and computer programming.  After spending 22 years “making the blue box in the glass house run”, Denise returned to her interest in art and attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).  There she studied oil painting with Ron Bitticks and Waldek Dynerman and watercolor and egg tempera with Anne Miotke.  After her senior thesis show in 2001, she moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Big Island of Hawai`i.
Denise’s art is included in private collections in Hawai`i, the mainland U.S., and Japan and can be seen on display regularly at the Kailua Village Artists’ gallery at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort and at The Gallery - Hilton Waikoloa Village, all on the Big Island of Hawai`i.

“Please join me in celebrating the beauty and excitement of nature.”

Rani Denise Ulrich
(808) 324-6045
rdeniseu@hawaii.rr.com