1184. Love in the Sky

“1184. Love in the Sky” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Tolay Lake Regional Park CA.

It’s a 3434-acre property located in the hills southeast of Petaluma, between the Petaluma River and Sonoma Valley, for ecological and archaeological preservation, as well as public use and enjoyment.

At the entrance, there is a parking lot under trees picnic tables and a Farm Stand building.

Then big open field and sky.

Let’s go for a hike.

The park rangers in their uniform patrol on horses not by car. It makes me smile.

They are so kind and guide us.

I just read a book “ The Sense of Wonder” by Rachel Carson.

In the book, “ Take time to listen and talk about the voice of the earth.”

This place is great for that.

The last page of the book, “The lasting pleasure of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself under the influence of earth, sea, and sky and their amazing life.”

Have a fantastic life😊💞🌻🌈

1183. Strolling Leisurely at Big River Beach

“1183. Strolling Leisurely at Big River Beach” Oil painting by Mariko Iriehttp://www.mariko-irie.com/cowranch.html

This location is Mendocino CA, 

Hwy One before south entrance of Mendocino there is the bridge over Big River. This view is looking down from the bridge.

I heard a lot of philosophers, creators, writers stroll leisurely to get good ideas for their projects.

Walking stimulates our brain.

They say:

In fact, the mental health benefits of walking range from stress and anxiety management to clearing brain fog and boosting your ability to quickly solve problems. Walking is also linked to better sleep, a reduced risk of depression, and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.

The beauty of nature offers great mental and physical health benefits. 

It’s wonderful opportunity, take it😊❤️🌈

#mariko-irie.com  #mendocinocoast #oilpainting #artist #fineart #naturerlover #oceanlover #peace #healing #love #walking #healthbenefits #

1178. Farm Stand at Tolay Lake

This location is Tolay Lake Regional Park, a unique 3434-acre property located in the hills southeast of Petaluma, between the Petaluma River and Sonoma Valley.

I joined a paint out group, “Ready, Set, Sketch!” in Sonoma County and went to paint with them. They are happy painters.

Wikipedia:

Dating to at least 4,000 years, habitation of the original Tolay Lake perimeter occurred on a seasonal basis by the Coast Miwok, Pomo and other native Californians. It is known that this has been a regional gathering place for diverse tribes, probably associated with the beliefs that healing powers were derived from this lake.

These archaeological findings received such widespread attention that the lake was at one time alternatively known as Charmstone Lake.

I didn’t have any of this knowledge.

In 3 hours, I had to find a place and paint.

There were so many to choose from; finally I set up my easel. I just painted, painted, painted until finished.

After I looked at my painting, my brush strokes were flying as though dancing 😊💞

It’s very beautiful place to be💖

1177. Morning Energy

“1177. Morning Energy” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Mendocino Headlands CA.

I love to watch wave movements.

They sooth the mind and relax the body.

Watching them leads to a great meditation.

When we encounter this energy, the feeling will be light like a feather and the mood will be of joyful exuberance😊.

Try it to open your wonderful, happy and beautiful day🌈💞.

1176. Cypress Grove in Sunny Morning


“1176. Cypress Grove in Sunny Morning” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Anger, irritation, anxiety, stress which may come from fatigue of the brain.

How to relax the brain?

This Cypress Grove in Mendocino is perfect spot for it.

Surrounded by cypress trees, can see the ocean between trees.

Inside is very quiet and isolated from the world.

Just sitting inside gazing at the ocean, feel the energy of trees while breathing deeply.

Emerge from there with smile😊.

What a soothing, clean feeling🌈💖

1170. The Moon over Ryu_un

“170. The Moon over Ryu_un” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

It was full moon in January.

Autumn leaves were still on trees, they glittered by strong moon light.

When I was painting this, I saw a cloud shaped like a dragon.

In Japan people say if you see a cloud like a dragon, take a photo and pin it up in your house, it brings you fortune. We call a dragon shaped cloud “Ryu-un”.

When I finished this painting, I read an article which my friend shared in Facebook:

 “So let us all honor the stories that gave us courage and personal grounding, the stories that brought us here, the finest ones the ancestors carried for us until we could carry them for ourselves.  Let us acknowledge the stories that its time to finally release, to name the dragon so that the dragon can fall and transform into winged wisdom and insight. Let us build a new collective story of healing and the rise of a new power on earth, based in love, supported by love and extended in love.” 

Isn’t this passage beautiful?