Category Archives: Mariko Irie

1170. The Moon over Ryu_un

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“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?

1155. Magical Sunset at Van Damme

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“1155.  Magical Sunset at Van Damme” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

I painted this scene in Oil before.

I love this scene, so I painted in Watercolor.

I’m very satisfied how it came out.

It retains the distinctive look associated with the watercolor medium.

This painting is peaceful, showing the sweet, soft air with silent glitters on the water smiling.

What do you feel?

I’m going to show this painting at my May show at the Northcoast Artists Gallery.

1153. A Big Tree at Sunset

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” 1153. A Big Tree at Sunset” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is in Mendocino, CA.

I was inspired by Janet Ashford’s photography.

I love the scene from this location. 

I painted several paintings. The weather is different, lights are different.

While painting this, I was in a sweet mood from the soft light, the line of the slope leads to the ocean, and a few houses indicate the small village of Mendocino.

I love Mendocino. It makes me a smile.

1150. Fishing Boats at Sunset (Van Damme)

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This location is Van Damme Beach in Little River CA.

When I was going home, it was sunset.

“1150. Fishing Boats at Sunset (Van Damme)” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Bright orange yellow twinkling white light was dancing on the surface of quietly swinging waves.

I was just gazing at their being.

My mind was isolated from the days’s activities and getting soothed.

The scene made me feel comfortable as if surrounded by a smile of universe.

I’m writing this with Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” on piano in the back ground music.

Have a wonderful relaxing time😊❤️.

1144. Morning Canoeing at Big River

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“1144. Morning Canoeing at Big River” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is Big River in Mendocino CA.

One morning, I was driving to our gallery, Northcoast Artists Gallery in Fort Bragg CA.

It was sunny, not much wind, waves were calm.

Suddenly I wanted to get off Hwy.1 and get down to the Big River.

I was right, some people are enjoying canoeing on the river,

I have never done canoeing.

But I love the idea, 

Sitting level of a canoe is very close to the surface of the river: imagine sitting on water with a low eye level making the world feel bigger. 

 Just paddling, no motor so it doesn’t pollute water nor disturb creatures. 

 I’m so lazy to paddle, riding electric motor boat is perfect for me. 

The eye level was just like sitting in a canoe, droving slowly to not disturb creatures to enjoy River Otters, Blue Herons and others’ affairs.  

Manner of canoeing is so peaceful and beautiful.

1140. View from New Location( Highlight Gallery)

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I think many people know about the Highlight Gallery which presents my work, moved to a new location.

The address is 10480 Kasten St, Mendocino, CA 95460.

When I moved to Mendocino in 1982, the building was called “Gallery Fair” run by Warren W. Zimmer. He was a great watercolorist as well.

Then “Flockwork” was there, run by Janet Self, executive director. She brought many fantastic art shows, events to this building as Mendocino art community.

Now Highlight Gallery moved to this historical art building.

It’s a very charming place, especially upstairs with great high celling, my favorite place to show my work😊.

I appreciate that the owner of Highlight Gallery, Sharon Peterson and her people take care customers with a friendly smile and sincerely.

Please visit and enjoy the art.

“1140. View from New Location” Oil painting by Mariko Irie
“1141. Southwest View from New Location” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

    These views are from the porch at upstairs of the building.

    What a sweat Mendocino village, isn’t it?

    1142, Blue Ray over Big River

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    This location is Big River, CA.

    It was a sunny morning. Several Kayaks were on the river.

    It was a mild day with fresh air. What an enjoyable morning.

    I took a photo, when I got home I looked at the photo, there is a mysterious blue ray.

    I don’t know what it was, but it’s beautiful. 

    I painted.

    “1142, Blue Ray over Big River” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

    We can make a story about blue bridge for a location at which somebody can land on this earth😊.

    By the way, today is July 7th which is 7/7.

    In Japan we write our wish on small charming paper and hang on Sasatake which is small bamboo branches for prayer.

    An old story about “Tanabata” is the night of July 7 when Orihime and Hikoboshi cross the Milky Way and meet only once a year, when wishes are written on strips of paper decorating bamboo throughout villages. The wish colorful decorations swing with the wind. 

    People go out in summer Kimonos with Japanese fans. 

    It’s a quaint atmosphere. 

    Now they say, “Wish and release to universe.” I like this simple custom while looking at the stars.

    Let’s wish with a nice smile tonight😊❤️.