Our Business
Holton Gallery is located in Kula on 48 acres of beautiful pasture in a 1,200 square foot Japanese farm house from the 1930's. Since November of 2005, this setting has been a source of inspiration to Matt's artwork. Friends, and family have helped contribute to holtongallery.com.
Matt Holton
Matt Holton has been creating art from a very young age, with his first formal art experience at the Hui No'eau on Maui, Hawai'i. After completing a degree in political science and philosophy; he studdied law, ran the marathon semi-professionally, became a baker, and was a land surveyor.
Matt with Khalid Khannouchi,professional distance runner.
After nearly 10 years on the mainland, Matt moved back to Maui in 2005. Right away Matt went back to artwork while baking full time. Starting on small canvases he became familiar again with his natural talents. Soon he was creating four by six foot portraits of island people, and two by four paintings of island flora, and fauna. Matt is a committed full time artist spending 70 or more hours a week on his widening range of artwork. From hand carved koa, custom pine frames, to etched glass, dried flower petal embelished paintings, and jewlery.
Matt's influnces include: Alfonse Mucha, William Bouguereau, Sandro Botticelli, Herb Kane, and Damien Hirst to name a few. The study of these artists' give Matt inspiration to try new mediums to tell island stories of people, places, and the natural beauty that surrounds us here on Maui and beyond. Storytelling through art about what life used to be like in Hawai''i, and the beauty that remains.
A selection of portraits:
"Usain Bolt"Usain Bolt
Watching Usain Bolt is an amazing experience. With world records in both the 100 and 200 meters, he has changed the sport of track and field. This athlete also knows how to have fun, smile, and even joke around before stunning the running world with his acceptional talent. The energy that flows inside Bolt is one that can be found in all of us. Acrylic on Canvas, 18" x 24" Framed.
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Princess Kai'ulaniPrincess Ka'iulani
This second portrait of Princess Ka'iulani was done on paper with pencil. The foundation of Matt's work comes from his sketching. Looking closely at this piece, the detail of the fabric of the curtains, and what she is wearing is matched only by the emotion that comes out in her youthful face. Pencil on paper, 11" x 14".
"Lou Adler"Lou Adler
This portrait of Legendary producer, director, and manager is a personal one as Lou's son Cisco and Matt were friends throughout school. Lou's influence in the entertainment industry ranges from the Mama's and the Papa's to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. In this multimedia piece Matt used acrylics on canvas, and finshed the piece with a handcarved Koa frame. 8" x 10".
"Here Comes Bekele"Kenenisa Bekele.
This portrait was a study in human kinesiology for Matt. Being a runner himself, Matt has followed Bekele's career for quite some time. A living ledgend, Bekele holds multipule distance world records, and is an Olympic competetor. Acrylic on Canvas 18" x 24".
"Contact"
Selected for the Schaefer Portrait Challenge, "Contact" is a dynamic multi-media piece composed of carved wood painted with acrylics,mounted gems, stones, and shells. Besty Gagne is an inspiration in Matt's connection to nature. She has an extensive knowledge of Hawaiian plants, and in this piece she is sharing the canvas with a native Green Sword. Acrylic on canvas. 40" x 50".
"Zatopek"Emil Zatopek.
Emil Zatopek was a Czech distance runner known for winning numerous gold medals at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics. He was also known for the strianed look on his face while running as he gave it his all, and his modesty. This commision piece is now hangs in Switzerland. Acrylic on canvas. 36" x 48".
Cristina Pineda
Cristina & Matt at the Schaefer Portrait Challenge '09
Cristina has watched Matt's carrer develop as an artist first hand as she works closely with Matt at the studio. She is his connection to vendors, clients, and the general public. She also searches for new events, and more venues to showcase Matt's work.
Cristina was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After moving to Flagstaff, Arizona to get her degree in Elementary Education, she met Matt. They moved to Maui in 2005. In addition to working on holtongallery.com, she teaches at Fun, 2, 3 Preschool in Keokea, Maui.
Jessica Gerdel
In Makena with Jessica, Cristina, and Matt.Jessica has helped us at Holton Gallery from the start. Being an artist herself, (she makes beautiful jewlery) we have done several craft fairs, and other seasonal events around the island together. She also edits the website.
Jeremy at the Lahina Arts Society Old Jail Exhibit '07
Jeremy Cabral
Jeremy a long time friend of Matt's, is another editor that helps us continue to write clearly. Jeremy's grandfather is the subject of the first life size portriat Matt painted, "Journey with Frank Cabral" (left).
Patrick Brault
Patrick is our Hawaiian language connection. He was raised speaking Tahitian, and is fluent in Hawaiian. Matt's family has known Patrick for over 15 years. Besides artwork, and family connections, Matt and Patrick also share a love for the water.
