Category Archives: Mariko Irie

1126. The Colorful Ending

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When I was painting “1121. Sunset behind the Veil” (oil painting, 6” x 6”), I waned to paint the scene bigger, in watercolor.

So I painted this, “1126. The Colorful Ending” (watercolor painting, 14″x 21”).

I feel so good when I paint on a bigger surface.

My way of painting watercolor takes much more time than in oil.

During painting, I’m not sure what I‘m thinking, just in the zone. I feel fabulous. When something distracts me, I temporarily lose creativity.

I started a morning routine,

waking up around 5 a.m., 

having a glass water (not coffee),

meditation in bed,

taking a shower, then Yoga.

having a breakfast,

cycling to play tennis, or going for a walk in a huge vineyard.

Then, I start my day’s work.

Afterwards I focus easily, feeling positive energy until bed time.

It helps the quality of each day.

Like this painting, when I go to bed, a French blue vail shrouds my soul. I look forward to tomorrow’s beautiful light.

1125. Hop, Step and Smile

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This location is at Jug Handle Beach, CA.

“1125. Hop, Step and Smile” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

When I was painting “1119. Light Steps at Jug Handle Beach”, I wanted to paint on a bigger, long and vertical Gallery Wrap Canvas, 36” x 12” x 1-1/2”. 

This location is same place as my painting “1124. Peaceful Fantasy”, a little different angle of the view and a very sunny day.

Cheerful, joyful air makes us jump, right?

Hop, Step and Smile😊❤️!!

Please keep the feeling inside of you always, you will have a happy life, why not?

1124. Peaceful Fantasy

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When I was painting “1118. Sun behind Fog” (6” x 6”) I wanted to paint the same scene bigger, long vertical. 

“1118. Sun behind Fog” Oil painting by Mariko Irie
“1124. Peaceful Fantasy” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

I have a 12” x 36” x1-1/2” deep, Gallery Wrap Canvas, that is perfect size for this scene.

When I was painting “1124. Peaceful Fantasy”, I became fascinated by lights dancing on waves.

Fog made a quiet peaceful atmosphere and Sun behind fog made a mysterious cheerful mood.

I love this combination.

After I published the blog “1118. Sun behind Fog”, I e-mailed Larry to tell about the blog.

Then Larry e-mailed me back:

Hi Mariko,

Yes I did notice your two new paintings of Jug Handle. You have captured the scene perfectly. And I’m flattered my photo may have contributed to your work. But your Sumi “Peace at Jug Handle Beach” that I have in my office downstairs was the inspiration for the photo. I had admired that painting for several years and out of pure luck was driving from Albion to Fort Bragg one November day and the fog suddenly cut the gap and I pulled over into the parking lot and rushed down the steps to the beach. At moments like that we know the sun is there in a pewter sky but we can wait for it and enjoy what the fog brings, Peace at Jug Handle Beach…

Larry

His writing is so smooth and charming. I love this kind of collaboration😊❤️.

I’m very happy to be a painter.

1123. Healing My Mind

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When I’m so exhausted, I love just strolling around without thinking, as I look at the horizon. The waves coming and going is the best background music.

It soothes my mind.

As I walk breathing slowly, deeply, every time I exhale the tension leaves my body.

Body is getting lighter. What a wonderful feeling😊

“1123. Healing My Mind” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Mendocino Coast is a magical place for refreshing our soul, isn’t it?

1122. The Sparkle of Sunset

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I painted this scene inspired by the photo Janet Ashford posted.

You may know this location.

It’s on Main Street in Mendocino Village, CA.

“1122. The Sparkle of Sunset” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

On the left side is ocean side, Ford House and on the right side is Kelly House.

This fantastic lights changed the atmosphere dramatically, don’t you think?

When I was painting this, I felt beautiful energy through my body.

Thank you Janet for sharing your photo.

And she commented on Facebook “How wonderful, Mariko. Thank you for this very special painting of my photo.” And she love to purchase this painting😊

1120. Peeking Mendocino Headlands

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During pandemic I read about how meditation is good for mental and physical health. 

So I started to do it every morning.

It works. 

My way of meditation is focus on breathing.

Breath in for 7 second to make stomach and breast as big as I can, stop for 1second and breath all out.

I do for 10 minutes.

Then I don’t get the anxiety, irritable feeling all day long now.

Also when I get some kinds of feelings, I analyze them from third person point of view.

I found that was a way not to get too emotional.

Mendocino Coast offers many places to meditate.

“1120. Peeking Mendocino Headlands” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

This location is looking at Mendocino village from the North, Russian Gulch State Park Side.

I enjoy watching the whirlpools around the rocks.

1119. Light Steps at Jug Handle Beach

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“1119. Light Steps at Jug Handle Beach” Oil painting by Mariko Irie 2021

This location is Jug Handle State park, CA.

Would you like to take a walk at the beach on sunny day in a warm gentle wind?

Imagine stepping lightly on a beach with the sound of waves as background music.

Feeling refreshed, we can see everything sparkling, making us smile.

What a happy feeling, isn’t it?

Let’s feel this kind of energy to start every morning 😊❤️.

1101. Wave meets Waves

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Happy thanksgiving!!

This year we can’t have a big physical gatherings because of Covid-19.

So let’s release our good energy to universe.

Share our positive energy to create happy, cheerful, lovely, fabulous, positive days.

Good energy meeting other good energy expands to super good energy😊

When I was looking at this painting, I got this idea.

It made a big smile.

The location is Mendocino Headlands in Mendocino village, CA.


“1101. Wave meets Wave” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Have a positive colorful day.

1093. Margaret Trail to Ocean

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“1093. Margaret Trail to Ocean” Watercolor painting by Mariko Irie

This location is in Little River CA.

It’s north on Hwy 1 from Van Damme State Park Beach, turn left on Paterson Ln, at the corner of the Inn at Cobbler’s Walk Mendocino.

In front of a small charming house there is a parking spot, from which there’s a walking path to an ocean beach. 

You may see Van Damme Beach from there.

When I was there, nobody, so felt like my private beach😊

Along this part of the trail white Margarets were blooming, toward the ocean fuchsia blossoms were blooming quietly.

Probably park rangers maintain the trail not much used, so plants are a growing a bit wildly which I enjoy.

Not a jungle, to my eyes it’s charming scene and makes me feel warm and smile, a secret garden.

After a narrow trail, the scene changes to expanded ocean view. How exiting!😊❤️

Coming back from Ocean is this view:

“415. A Trail from The Beach” Oil painting by Mariko Irie

Life is a treasure hunt, isn’t it?