Welcome

Creativity:

Yoga Drawing and Painting is an exploration of the connection between breath, movement and the instinctual creative response. Breath flows into movement and then into the marks, lines and strokes of the artist.

Inspiration:

Experienced Artists are finding fresh and deeply intimate sources of inspiration. Newcomers are discovering the inspiration of authentic expression, sometimes for the first time since childhood.

Union:

The translation of Yoga is Union. The number one reason to connect Yoga with Drawing and Painting is to directly experience the union of Heart, Breath, Creativity, Body and Mind.

Energy:

When our ENTIRE body is united with breath and movement, there is not only more ENERGY available in which to draw and paint, but there is more body consciousness or Hidden Treasure available from which to DRAW on!

Treasure:

This Hidden Treasure is beyond our reasoned thoughts. We have no idea of the jewels stored inside of us. Breath rides into our bodies and awakens the consciousness of these jewels.

Consciousness:

Consciousness then rises up and asks to be expressed, THROUGH us. It is our creative instinct that opens the gates to trust and serve this expression.

Life Force:

Yoga draws on instinctual breath and movement from the ANIMAL and NATURE realms. Instinct is pure movement that rises so powerfully from Life Force, it has the capacity to burn through any creative block.

Nature:

There is no better way to nourish creative instinct then to connect Yoga’s realization of the breath and movement in nature with a practice such as Drawing and Painting. Leonardo da Vinci said, “Choose only one master: Nature.”

Safe Vessel:

Ultimately, Center for Yoga Drawing and Painting offers a safe vessel in which to explore creative instinct via classes, retreats, teleconferences and an online art school. 

Opportunity:

This is an opportunity to listen for the pulse of creativity that always knows where it is going even when we do not have a clue. Join us and see with your Heart, Creativity, Breath, Body and Mind for yourself!

Frequently Asked Question:

If I participate in a Yoga Drawing class will I be expected to draw while in a challenging yoga posture?

No, this is not the point of Yoga Drawing. During a Yoga Drawing class we practice gentle and flowing yoga in order to invite our entire body to come along on a creative journey of making marks, lines and strokes. Most of the drawing occurs via squatting and leg stretching postures. From a yogic point of view these postures create the ultimate ergonomic chair!

Yoga Drawing is actually a good class to be introduced to the basics of both yoga and drawing. Yet for experienced practitioners of yoga or seasoned artists there is plenty of spaciousness for challenge and new sources of inspiration. All levels welcome! All levels benefit! It is a fact!

Yoga Drawing: Gateway to Direct Experience

The following eleven drawings were expressed through Anna Davis, a young professional videographer, yoga instructor and avid outdoor cyclist. 

These drawings are an incredible example of what Yoga Drawing is all about – the opportunity to have Direct Experience with a particular vibration or subject matter, moment by moment.

Wind Over Fire

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Embodying the River of Creativity

Trust that still, small voice that says,
“this might work and I’ll try it."
                        Diane Mariechild

There were many days in the past twenty years where I longed to be a professional dancer or yoga instructor instead of a visual artist. I loved drawing and painting with all my heart but was hungering for the heightened state of embodied awareness that comes with focused and flowing body movement.

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An Invocation for Artists: Recognizing Nourishment

Who faces the unknown of the artist’s canvas? Who takes the journey to discover what is hidden in its emptiness? What does the canvas need so it can reveal its raw beauty?

The inner Mother and Father nourish us so we can step forward and embrace the empty canvas with our whole heart. Imagine the arms of the inner Mother and Father wrapped around you. You are at the very center of their love. All they want is to nourish you so that you may know the creativity that is your birthright.

The inner Amazon is the one who is willing to make the first mark on the empty canvas. She is courage itself. She reaches out without any preconceived ideas of what the first mark may look like.  She simply makes her mark because that is what she is called to do. The inner Warrior is present with his sword, akin to Archangel Michael; he protects this artistic space so the Amazon can focus on creation without distraction.

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Sacred Art Journeys

Currently Being Offered as Nationwide Tele-Class
(Check calendar for in-person classes in Maryland)

We do not make art -- we are art. Everything that moves through us to the picture plane, canvas, sketchbook, etc. is already in us. The artist’s mark becomes the messenger of worlds seen and unseen. Personal, mythical and archetypal images are within us. By paying attention to the present moment, in each moment, images and energies flow more freely from within our core onto the paper. There is also less opportunity for the inner art critic to distort the process, because we are focused on the breath, the body, and what is happening right now.

Through guided visualizations, breath work, and subtle movement you will access your core energy and learn to put your attention into the present moment. Gentle instruction on mark making opens up possibilities for exploration and supports you as you make marks on paper.
 

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