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😊💞🌻🌈

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🌈💖

1129. Cheerful Sparkles at Main St.

I painted “1122. The Sparkle of Sunset” inspired by the photo Janet Ashford posted.

When I was painting from her photo, I felt so good, making me smile cheerfully. 

I wanted to paint bigger and in watercolor.

Painting in watercolor and in oil is very different. So changing media is exited me to paint from the same photo. It’s a challenging adventure for me.

“1122. The Sparkle of Sunset” is 6” x 6”, and this painting, 14″x 21”, sizes are different proportions are different, both from same photo.

Plus my feeling is different everyday, effecting my painting very much.

“1129. Cheerful Sparkles at Main St” Watercolor painting Mariko Irie.

Janet’s photo gave me a good vibration from start to finish.

Janet, thank you for sharing this sparkling scene.

1122. The Sparkle of Sunset

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.

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😊