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02-035 "Aloha Lurline"
2002, acrylic on illustration board

Aloha means both "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaiian, and here we see the Matson liner Lurline returning to San Francisco in the 1950s after another run to the Pacific islands. It is hello, for now, but she will not linger long - soon she will sail west again, on another voyage to paradise. For returning passengers, there is some sadness. The setting full moon, seen at right, recalls romantic strolls on tropical shores; yet San Francisco is glorious in the morning sun, with Coit Tower at right standing out of the usual fog. Never the largest nor fastest liner, Lurline was beloved by those who knew her in war and peace; she had many years service, but has long since made her final Aloha.

This painting was commissioned by someone who grew to love Lurline by seeing her slide into the harbor from across the bay, and the collector assures me this is how she looked. As an aside, several long time friends were honored by having their names painted on some of the waterfront businesses (no, I do not know someone named "Planters", the peanut company was actually there).

Chris Butler