Mindful Moment #3

New stairs at the Zendo

The dramatic first storm of the year washed the farm clean, and the second tested our new gravel stairs to the Zendo. So far, so good. Luckily, our firewood is safe & dry and we can stoke our wood stoves to begin the season of being cozy.

Granny Smith Apple tree in the garden

As the harvest of apples continues to provide yummy pies for the holidays, I retreat into the Butsu Studio and dive into my art practice.

Big River looking East

I like to begin the creative process with a walk by the ocean or Big River. All the water flowing over the farm heads to the ocean via the Big River watershed.

Painting for a Purpose

Every year the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino hosts a Small Works show to benefit a local charity. This year’s organization is Art Explorers. Hiking on the Big River Haul Road at dusk, I saw the moon rise over the valley and sunset over the estuary. This special liminal moment touched me and inspired 2 new acrylic paintings- Estuary Sunset and Big River Moon rise.

Big River Estuary Sunset

Big River Moon rise

The sketch, the study, and the final painting

Estuary Sunset

On the Artists’ Co-op Gallery wall & SOLD!