One Breath, One Brushstroke: Intuitive Painting Practice Retreat, GGF 11/18–11/22
Description
Wednesday, Nov 18, 4 pm–Sunday, Nov 22, 11 am
In this class on intuitive painting, the invitation is to be mindful as you paint—to paint for the experience, not for the end product. When we spontaneously create, we come back to the source at every moment. There is no need to plan, no need to know anything or to have a goal in mind. There is a simple structure of paint, paper, and a brush. It is about the process—the journey to be with whatever arises.
Can you just watch your brush—take one brush stroke at a time?
Something always happens. Paint goes onto the paper.
Just like in meditation, we get to witness our thoughts, our beliefs, and our personality structure. And then there are the moments when a color is chosen for no reason; maybe an unexpected image arises and we let it happen. We enter into a flow that touches deeper. Intuitive painting, when we trust its strangeness, can take us to the edge of knowing and into the mystery.
Fee Information
- Standard: $400 (includes materials) — covers full program costs
- Current SFZC Members (Become an SFZC Member): $340 (includes materials) — for current SFZC members
Please note that the retreat fee does not include accommodations.
For commuter options please call 415-865-1899.
San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it by offering both a General support fund and a dedicated BIPOC support fund. Please email supportfunds@sfzc.org for more information BEFORE signing up.
Or call 415-354-0360.
Maria Freebairn-Smith
Maria Freebairn-Smith is the Outreach Director and Family Programs Coordinator for The Center for Creative Exploration. She has been painting and teaching the intuitive painting process for over 30 years with a heart-centered and inquiry-based approach.
Claudia Erzinger
Claudia Erzinger started her meditation practice with long retreats in her 20’s. She mostly practiced with the insight meditation community but had some overlapping experiences through Buddhist Peace Fellowship and friends in the Zen community.
So-on Eli Brown-Stevenson
Greeting the world with a warm bow, Rev. So On Eli Brown-Stevenson serves as the Acting Tanto of Green Gulch Farm and the Belonging and Inclusion Liaison at San Francisco Zen Center, where he also serves on the Board as Governance Committee Chair. His work supports the rhythms of practice and community life, helping to cultivate an environment where sincere practice can take root and flourish.