Name: Jalen Muraoka | Jalenart

Instagram handle: @jalenart

Medium: Acrylics and Colored Pencils

Artist Bio:
Jalen Muraoka is an acrylic and colored pencil artist born and raised in Hawaiʻi. Inspired by the landscapes and everyday moments of island life, her work celebrates her home through vibrant color and warm, inviting scenes. Through her art, she hopes to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for Hawai’i’s beauty.

Name of Featured Print:
Nā Lei ‘Ekolu

Inspiration behind your featured print:
This piece was inspired by the art of lei making. My friend Dillyn Lietzke is a talented lei maker whose artistry I really admire. She graciously allowed me to use photos of some of her lei as inspiration for this colored pencil drawing, and I selected these three lei for their unique textures and cohesive pops of red.

This drawing took over 24 hours to complete over the course of a month and remains one of my favorite pieces I've created. While I dedicated a lot of time to capturing each detail, this piece would not be possible without Dillyn's artistry in selecting each leaf, flower, and stem, and thoughtfully arranging every element. This drawing is a celebration of the creativity, skill, and care behind the art of lei making.

How would you describe your art style:
I would say my artistic style is modern Hawai’i-based realism with a bright nostalgic feel. I like to use deep rich colors with pops of bright colors that feel fun but grounded.

What are your creative inspirations?
My creative inspiration comes from nature and life in Hawai’i. Growing up in Kāneʻohe, I was always surrounded by lush greenery and the Koʻolau mountains, which continuously appear in my work. I love creating art that celebrates Hawaiʻi’s beauty, but most importantly, I want my work to feel familiar to local people and remind them of home. 

Some of my favorite comments are when someone tells me a piece reminds them of their grandma’s backyard or a place they grew up around. Whether it’s mountains, flowers, or the ocean, most of my work is rooted in the everyday landscapes and moments that make Hawaiʻi feel like home.

What was your journey to becoming an artist?

I always loved to draw as a kid, I remember drawing Spongebob and my other favorite cartoon characters over and over again, so I think that’s where my love for creating began. I really dove into painting in high school; I took as many art classes as I could and that’s when art started clicking for me. I took an unintentional break from art during college, as I was focused on engineering school and didn’t have as much time for it. Once I graduated and settled into working as a civil engineer full time, I found my way back to drawing and painting. What started as a creative outlet for me unexpectedly grew into a small art business, giving me the opportunity to share my work with others and create something meaningful.

Where can we find your art?
www.jalenart.com