View of Shambhala Ranch
Pia sent in this photo she took of the hilltop above Shambhala. Here is some history of the land from the Shambhala Ranch webiste, “Shambhala Ranch and the surrounding Comptche countryside is considered spiritual not just since the Ranch’s beginning, but from long, long before. During the Stone Age, migratory Pomo Indians travelled especially through this area for its sacred aspects –such as the abundant natural hot springs -on their way to the nearby Mendocino coast, where they would harvest fish, seaweed, and acorns. Along the way, they stopped for the various marvels provided by Coyote (their creator). One such stop was the ‘Living Waters,’ a stream near Shambhala they believed had curative powers.” Read more>
marcy lenhardt said…
AH, SHAMBALA RANCH….it was a lovely time, a great opportunity to both follow that most solitary of endeavors, creating art alone in the mountains, and all those travails, AND having some time exchanging stories with fellow artists who speak a similar language to mine. I think Shambhala Ranch is a fabulous setting and the TRUE MENDOCINO exists there and any work or imagery from there is at least as worthy as that coastal enclave to thee west, the native plants and wildflowers albeit more humble amongst the ochre summer grasses.
I felt compelled to walk all the property lines & the last scene of 3 painted on the property called to me to paint from a high point chasing the line of turkey vultures away, no fears, & set up near skeletal remains, and fresh wild turkey feathers in apparent cougar lair….AH coming to THAT decision of what to paint, what scene on any particular day? Charles W Hawthorne: “It is the artist’s business, the painter’s job to point out to the public the beauties of nature. Try to see them before you start to paint. Don’t try to see a picture-go around and look at the subject until you see something , say in trees and houses, coming together, that inspires you. We do well the things we see already painted in our mind’s eye-don’t do it until you see it or you are defeated before you begin.”
Ah, this helped me. I think I relate to 2 artists I’ve met who call themselves “adventure painters,” I think, and it WAS time to test the painting box pochade kit backpack already….plus, it’s helping me get & stay fit, and that’s a two-fer. Thank you Katrina, thank you Shambhala Ranch owners.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:49:00 AM
Marcy Lenhardt said…
Oh….my attempt at being more green whilst at the green Shambala Ranch, tried Duo water minisible oils, not liking their yellows & missing my familiar oil pigments to mix, so some dissatisfaction w/coolness & middle values herein on the fabulous Apple Drying Shed there. One of 3 paintings I did in lovely 24 hrs spent there….priceless experience. Did I hear this was a Pomo shed before the ranchers took over? Okay, others painted this barn, was it Cindy? C’mon, share yours :^D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2607572551_dd7a0510dd.jpg
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:28:00 AM