Wyland Galleries

This is a very nice studio and it is in Waikiki Beach. I came here and took a couple pictures outside the place with a friend of mine. Is Wyland’s art overpriced? Duh… supply and demand. But I will not stop visiting his art galleries. I have visited the one in Laguna Beach and Las Vegas. I have yet to meet the man himself. I didn’t experience anyone try and sell me anything… they must have known I wasn’t going to buy.

Don’t fall for the hype. You’re paying, as one reviewer said, for a very, very expensive print of someone’s work, not a piece of art with much actual value beyond your appreciation of the piece. Don’t get me wrong, the prints are nice, just extremely overpriced in my hunble, but educated opinion. This is the same kind of game the old «Painter of Light» galleries played, and as a painter this stuff really bugs me. My recommendation is to search out an actual Hawaiian artist and support them, and probably get an original for the same price as Wyland galleries’ prints, or pay a fraction of the price for a print from an artist you can meet and talk to.

I bought a Heather Brown piece here. It is so beautiful. The staff was really knowledgeable and wrapped the piece very carefully. I was also able to get it signed by her at an event that was taking place that night. I want another one for sure.

I am not happy with them at all. I thought I was purchasing a painting and instead I received a $ 1,500 digital photo. Really? Now what am I supposed to do with it? Put it on my wall to remind me of what a sucker I am? Check out ebay… I will be getting it ready to sell. «Dawn Patrol»

Wyland Galleries moved to a smaller location but its easy to get to near the Yardhouse on Lewers. Wyland is amazing. His art has been around since I was a kid and his mission has never waivered. Most artists paint to make money and have no significant message. Wyland paints to relay his message of environmental concern and protection. He is very active with his personal foundation and can be seen at the gallery during different events they host. Another artist they carry is DeRubeis. His paintings on metal are amazing. The staff is enthusiastic about him and the art they carry. Worth a visit.

They moved! Still in shopping center but diff store location.

You may not recognize the name, but if shown a picture of his artwork-I’m pretty sure you’d be able to say that you have seen Wyland’s work before.
For me, when I think of Wyland-​I think of (a) the huge Whaling Wall that he painted on the Long Beach Convention Center.
So when the opportunity came up to meet Wyland in his gallery this past Friday, I was intrigued. My bf and I arrived early and met up with some friends.
Upon entering the gallery, the first thing which caught our eye was the Whaling Wall display. I had no idea that there are actually 100 Whaling Walls. We surveyed the gallery and I quickly realized that Wyland is actually an all-​around artist. He not only paints, but he also sculpts, does glass work, is pretty good at photography, and composes music!
During our time there, I fell in love a huge painting of a whale’s fluke. Its simplicity was breathtaking. Unfortunately-​its price… well, lets just say the value is more than that of my car: p LOL, I actually got scolded a bit because I asked the sales guy what the resale value is of a typical Wyland original. He was mortified and said that people don’t buy art for its resale value but rather because they love the pieces.
Light pupus were served as we waited for Wyland’s arrival. It was funny to see his hardcore fans’ reaction to meeting him. They ranged in age and there was a even husband/​wife team who were here on vacation and really eager to expose Wyland’s work to their kids. Such is the beauty of art-​it can bring the most random crowds together on a Friday night: p
Wyland did a Q&A as he demonstrated his painting skills to us. I was really stunned to learn that he painted all his Wyland Whaling Walls for free to raise conservation awareness… yup, all 100! He said he thought it would take him 30 years to complete, but he finished them in 27 years. That is true dedication! His current goal is to sculpt 100 different sculptures in 100 different cities.
When I asked him what was the hardest creature to paint, he replied nothing because he an visualize them all in his head. At first I thought his response was a bit cocky-​but then I realized that this is probably what makes Wyland great. He doesn’t just paint sea creatures from books or photos… this is his life’s passion. He often goes on dives and so painting these whales, dolphins, turtles, etc. truly comes from an organic place. This was further illustrated when he referred to each Whaling Wall by what number it was… these pieces are very much like his children :)
There were a few moments of sales pitches, but it is expected since this is a business at the end of the day.
Overall, the staff was friendly, the gallery is a visual feast for your eyes, and there are also two lesser known artists’ work found in the gallery. One of whom is Heather Brown, a local. I also really like her work :)
I’m glad I attended this event. I have a greater appreciation for Wyland’s artwork and his conservation efforts!