New – Sumi Watercolor Painting and Workshop – “No Fear Watercolor 1” – May 7, 2022, Foothills Art Center, Golden CO “A Morning Glory’s Hour” My span of years today appears a morning glory’s hour. – Arakida Moritake 1472-1549 1909W written on his deathbed at age 75. It was also his birthday. upcoming workshop – […]

A workshop and a painting with poet Bashō are featured here “I’m Lonely Too” Will you turn toward me? I am lonely too, this autumn evening.   – Basho 1905S This simple plea is poignant with the simplicity and directness. This is not attachment; this is not detachment. Instead, this is a true experience in a […]

Abstract sumi e painting based on Rumi poem below… “This Day is Conscious of itself. This day is a lover, bread and gentleness.”   -Rumi tr. CB 1907S Isn’t this an amazing thought – even the very day is conscious of itself! Everything is sacred in the Oneness of the All. We must bow down and […]

Happy Hanukkah – 2 Abstract Sumi e paintings where I celebrate the Jewish Holiday underway… I painted two sumi e to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights, usually in November or December. This year, 2021, it began at sundown on Sunday, Nov. 28, and ends Monday, Dec. 6. I love stories […]

This sumi e painting in oil, “Raven”, is the beginning of a new series of explorations. “The real cohesion  of a sumi-e art piece is defined by void (white spaces). It constitutes the invisible ch’i that enhances its parts. Void, in our mind, is the freedom between thought and thought. Similarly a Zen mind holds […]

My latest Sumi e Painting, “My Blossoming Heart”, is a favorite because I feel it in my heart and soul. “True, I may appear unkempt like a rotting tree, jetsam and flotsam, but on the right occasion this old heart can still blossom.” The Monk Kengú 1874S Sumi e – “The Space Between Us” The […]

“Pure Contradiction” – Rilke and Sumi e. This poem mystified me a long time. It is a 2nd version of my last IG post. I searched for uncovered meanings of this poem. “Rose – oh pure contradiction, joy Of being No-one’s sleep under so many lids.” -Rilke 1871S – 2 UPCOMING SUMI E WORKSHOP –  […]

Sumi e “Suddenly” and an upcoming workshop. This painting is a mystery – maybe all my abstract sumi e are. Everyone will see something different and every different view is equally valid. “You Are the stillness of snow I enter suddenly…” -Unknown 1870S I have always been mystified by this painting, and I love it. […]

Abstract sumi e, “Wild Flowers May Grow” from a poem by Rumi. Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumpled so wild flowers will come up where you are. – “Surrender” Rumi 1903S We want to learn how to leave off being so rigid, so sure of our opinions. Humility and an open […]

Abstract Sumi e – What To Give Up, expressions of the Ch’i in paintings by Marilyn Wells from poetry and Wisdom School teachings. Give up your proud aims, your wishes, mannerisms and extravagant claims! -Unknown 1858S What is it we have to give up? All our precious identity we spend so much time crafting. It […]