Tulip Peony Drawing by Mia Darshan

I had a lovely time hosting this drawing event. Throughout my life, drawing from nature has been my constant companion, my refuge, and creative outlet. It is the foundation of my art practice and where I draw my greatest inspiration. I love that at whatever stage in my creative journey, there is always more to learn from observing my natural environment. I love how the nature of a flower reveals itself through close and profound study. I love the slowing down, the embodiment, connection to nature, and the internal mindbody (& spirit) connection. I feel blessed to have this arsenal of skills at my disposal. I’ve grown a lot as an artist and a person from having a regular life drawing practice.

Part of why I wanted to start this group is the longing for connection around nature, creation, and cocreation. It took me over two years to build my studio and design my garden (still in its infancy). I want to share it and welcome my community members to join in creating art and learning about life drawing. I believe that its not only an artistic skill, but a life skill, a way of understanding what is in front us. And then there is the serene meditative quality that emerges once you set pencil to paper.

Attendees setup their drawing area and then joined me in my studio for a demo. I discussed the idea of both gesture and structure in flowers and plants. How there is an underlying structure, a map that we can translate onto our paper. I welcomed the use of straight lines to draw initial block-ins but also sweeping lines, because flowers and plants are whimsical, and they move with a sudden breeze or to face the sunshine. I also shared tips for checking proportion and angles. My message was to try to see and draw in new ways, while staying open to what feels like one’s natural way of drawing. I don’t want people to draw like me, or for me to draw like anyone else. I want to share a process and skillset to utilize in a way that facilitates understanding, growth and expression. Then we all sat under my covered patio and started drawing. I played one my favorite yoga playlists and then there was a communal dive into creating. Working individually while connecting to nature, and building a sort of creative aura. I checked in with everyone and loved to see each person’s unique style. I do believe that our own style and aesthetic is important to preserve, to not see it as wrong, just like in nature, its the kinks, the wrinkles, the irregularities that I find the most charming. And when we bring our truest self and pair it with intention and new learning, that is when magic happens. We ended with a gallery walk, celebrating the work. I urged attendees to keep their drawings as a document, and then watch as their process evolves.

It fills my cup to share my skills, my space and my support for others who are fascinated by nature and want to connect with it through drawing. Life drawing is one of my life lines and that is a gift I want to share with my community. I see it as a source of inspiration, a problem solving toolset, and vehicle for expression, understanding, and limitless possibility. I welcome you to join me in May.

My yin and art fusion practice began as an experiment after life literally knocked me down to the ground. Unable to do my regular art or yoga practice, I created a workout for my healing body and my mind. In my curated sequences I engage my senses, mind and hands in drawing from life while grounding my body through holding yin yoga poses. And I saw huge improvements in how I felt in my body and in my art.

As someone who likes to daydream and drift off into the ether, creating, discovering and exploring the worlds of my imagination, it is important to feel grounded in my body and the present moment. To the outside I appear still, calm relaxed, when in fact energetically, I feel so much that I don’t know how to express it. And when I start to express it, I am often hurried, restless, and stumbling over the pauses. Engaging my hands gives the rest of my body the chance to pause and savor the transformation happening.

The pauses are where our two worlds meet, the inner and the outer, just enough to inform each one that we are a cohesive life force. If we bridge these two sides of our experience often, then we can inhabit both worlds at once, alternating the focus, the way the breath is a cycle of inhaling and exhaling. Its not about multi-tasking, but rather attending to the needs of the body and spirit at once. With each inhale our spirit soars, and with each exhale our body glides. In converging the path of the mind with that of the spirit, we create an internal map to our creative source.

I believe we are conduits of the divine light, insert your definition here __________________________. It is not easy to muster the will to care and nurture our bodies through movement, our mind through meditation, and spirit through creative pursuit. Sometimes our outer circumstances push our inner selves to improvise. But its not a big aha, it’s a string of mini aha’s that build on each other and sometimes spell a bigger message. Mine has been that I want to share of my life hacks to live an embodied, creative life in any environment. Nature is my inspiration, my muse and my teacher.

Holding a vase with flowers in tree pose (do not attempt at home : )

YOGA & ART

I am happy to be offering 3 group yoga classes each week. Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:00 at my home studio, indoor and outdoors, as well as Mondays 7:00pm at VillageFitNW on NE Fremont. Choose from Yin, Yin & Art, and Vinyasa.

STUDIO ART CLASSES

Mondays I will offer a Portrait drawing and painting class. Tuesdays will be botanical still life open studio. And I will host a monthly drawing club.

It is spring which means our little goddesses, the flowers are in bloom. I will be drawing and painting them every chance I get. In my studio and outdoors. If you would like to be updated on which flowers are currently in bloom or would be willing to share cuttings join my mailing list, text me or follow along on instagram. I am starting a flower watch group so that we can all enjoy what is in bloom. The ranunculus have mostly gone. Right now my focus are Magnolia, daffodils and my heirloom tulips are almost in bloom. Can’t hardly wait for the peonies. Please don’t hesitate to text me at 503-880-7057 or stay up-to date on what’s in bloom on instagram.

Katherine Ace’s 9 Portraits

“They have tenacity, have lived through sexist decades, told they couldn’t be artists…expected to subvert themselves to male artist machismo. “

-Kathering Ace

In March I went on a field trip with fellow Oregon Portrait Society members to the Portland Art Museum. It was our last chance to see the Portraiture exhibit. I love all styles of portraiture and I never get bored of PAM. I used to volunteer there when I was in high school, so its like another home for me, a cherished one. I stumbled upon the painting above and at first it moved me because it was visually interesting. It was a portrait of 9 women artists standing in front of a painting of renowned male artists: Henri Fantis-Latuour’s A Studio at Les Batignolles (1870). Reading the caption, the artist, Katherine Ace painted 9 women artist, herself included, she is the one sitting down with the flip phone. They are all Portland legendary artists. Among them is Phyllis Yes who was my painting professor when I studied art at Lewis & Clark College. It was nostalgic and inspiring. These artist mothers helped pave a path for me and other women artists since emerging.

I’m excited to open up my studio on Tuesdays 11:00 am -12:30 pm. I will be painting directly from life and anyone can drop in (please sign up beforehand to make sure there is enough space). I will have floral still life arrangements set up inside the studio and weather permitting, outdoors as well. No direct instruction, but I will be working during this time. This is complimentary for students signed up for my Monday class : ) I will have portable easels, side tables and additional materials if you don’t have time to pack up (just show up a little early). This is designed so that if you don’t have time to set up your own botanical still life or want to work in a supportive learning and creative environment, you have a place to go.

THE FACE

I do not dare to see the happiness in it.

Folded in by many thoughts of the mind,

it takes possession or my dark, a powertul god.

The question in my eye never answers itself.

-Jayanta Mahapatra

I have been painting portraits since I can remember. Sketching, drawing, painting, studying the anatomy. It never ceases to amaze me: their complexity of structure, elegant design and wide range of nuance and subtly. I am starting a portrait class that will delve into all prima techniques, done rapidly, in one sitting (as seen in the video above at lightning speed) as well as indirect painting techniques (painting in layers and stages). We will start with sketching, drawing and studying structure, proportion in different perspectives. Whether working from life, a photograph or using a mirror for a self portrait there is something profound in studying the human face. They hold mystery as well as reveal emotions. This is open to all levels, no experience necessary and for anyone who has been drawing and painting for a long time, there is always more to learn about creating portraits. I hope you will join me in a supportive, inspiring and ambitious learning environment. I have a sequential curriculum and tailor the speed and detours to the needs of my students.

I’m also excited to offer working outdoors now that Spring is here!

Spring flowers in Darshan studio

Another day is not only possible.

She is on her way.

On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.

-Arundhati Roy

Since moving back to Portland, I have been wanting to bring together a group of nature lovers who want to study it through drawing directly from observation. My goal is to meet monthly and study plants and their accessories: plants, trees, flowers, leaves, branches, etc. I believe that through drawing we can slow down enough to commune with these wise beings and learn from them. Also drawing is fun! And I want to share that with my community. Drawing is a skill that everyone can develop at whatever stage of their creative journey. I will be giving live demo’s, have materials available and provide a magical and inspiring ambience for drawing. I’m excited to do this outdoors now that Spring is here. Join me SATURDAY APRIL 29th from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at Darshan studios. First session is free, use promo code GODDESS.

This year I turned 40 years old. It felt momentous and scary and also exciting. I read this book called the Paper Garden by Molly Peacock about a woman who began her career as an artist at the age of 72 in the 18th century. Her name was Mary Delaney and she created realistic cut paper flowers, a type of 3D collage that she invented. I was moved by her perseverance and will to create a legacy that was uniquely hers. And Peacock’s storytelling was so beautiful and layered. What struck me the most was when she describes how all of the moments leading up to beginning to create art, was preparation, it was all part of this continuum of the creative process. That even when we are not aware of it, we are weaving together meaning and collecting bits of inspiration to piece together when we are ready to take the leap into the unknown and find out our own legacy that is waiting to come out.

I am so grateful and excited to be building partnerships in my community. We are midway through our limited Yin Yoga series at Village Fit NW. Join me in an hour long yin class designed to open up fascia, increase mobility, and reset old patterns. 6pm Thursday Dec 1 & Dec 8. They have other exciting offerings as well.

THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Come say hi and visit my studio art sale! All art work will be 49% off. Take home original works of art for yourself or as gifts for loved ones. (There will be masala chai : )

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In Taoism, Yin is considered the stable, unmoving, hidden aspect of things which balances the dynamic and fast nature of Yang. Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice, done primarily on the floor, and targets the connective tissues (ligaments, joints, and fascia). It is a passive and meditative practice that works out the body and mind.

Asanas are held for longer to relax muscles and instead gently stress the connective tissue so that the fascia can release. Regular yin practice increases joint mobility, flexibility and circulation. Many yin poses focus on the lower part of the body (hips, pelvis, inner thighs, and low spine), but there are also yin poses for the upper body.

Though it is passive and fosters stillness, it’s not the same restorative yoga, because only the muscles stay relaxed, engaging the deeper tissues does require effort as well as mental stamina to stay in the pose for the duration. Finding a comfortable edge that can be held for several minutes is part of the inner dialogue of the practice.  

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday. I’m so excited to offer a yin and drawing class on Halloween evening!

Ground your body in a sequence of yin asanas designed to open up fascia, clear space for better alignment, and celebrate the cycle of life. Halloween is a time to release negative energy and cultivate new energy. To keep our hands engaged during the stillness of the poses, which are held from 3-6 minutes, we will simultaneously draw from observation to engage mind and spirit and foster integration.  

Bring your own mats, props, drawing & art supplies or I will have kits for $5-$10, and I will have plenty of flowers, leaves and fall themed items to share for your drawing inspiration. Costumes that you can move in freely are welcome!

All levels and ages welcome. Please arrive early to sign waivers and settle in.   Sunday October 30st, 2022 2:00-4:00 pm. $20. @ Wildhearts Wellness

Pre-registration preferred : ) miadarshan@gmail.com

It is the summer’s great last heat, It the fall’s first chill: They meet.

-Sarah Morgan Bryan Pitt

Join me in a guided yin yoga and drawing practice to mark the fall equinox which takes place at 6:03 pm.  Ground your body in a sequence of yin asanas designed to open up fascia, clear space for better alignment, and welcome the striking changes that fall brings. To keep our hands engaged during the stillness of the poses, which are held from 3-6 minutes, we will simultaneously draw from observation to engage mind and spirit and foster integration.  

Bring your own mats, props, drawing & art supplies or I will have kits for $5-$10, and I will have plenty of flowers, leaves and fall themed items to share for your drawing inspiration.

All levels and ages welcome. Please arrive early to sign waivers and settle in.     Pre-registration preferred : ) miadarshan@gmail.com

Thursday September 22, 2022 4:30-6:03 pm. FREE.  @Wilshire Park

Yin Yoga & Gestural Flow(er) Drawing

Drawing flowers from life is one of the most peaceful experiences in my life. They are a reflection of vulnerability, whimsy and magic. Their form is truly like non other. When I practice yin yoga, I challenge my body to sit in stillness. I found that my busy hands connected to my subconscious crave to move intuitively and draw in a more gestural way. When my body is still, my spirit can come out and play.

In this 75 minute class students will draw flowers from life while holding yin poses, that are held for several minutes.

Yang Yoga & Structural Flow(er) Drawing

Both in my art and yoga practice I have to balance two frequencies. The stillness of yin practice paired with the spontaneous and dynamic yang practice. Sometimes my energy is stagnant and I need to stoke the fire within. I enjoy vinyasa flows that focus on stability and stillness, moving seamlessly from one pose to the next. After a yang yoga practice, I find that I can go into a more meditative space when I begin to create. I am able to observe from a deeper place and stay in the search of the form for longer.

In this 3 hour class students will begin with a 45 minute vinyasa flow, followed by a drawing lesson, practice and feedback.

Private Art & Yoga Lessons

I offer yin, hatha, and vinyasa private yoga lessons, as well as ones that incorporate your creative goals.

I also teach contemporary realism drawing and painting techniques in graphite, charcoal, pastels, and oil paint. I tailor classes to the needs, dreams and goals of my students.

I’ve been busy setting up my garden with herbs, veggies, edible flowers and can you spy the David Austen rose in the center?? I waited for these roses to come from England and they finally arrived in February, with our crazy ice age weather and perpetual winter I was worried they had died, but they are finally starting to grow! I’m so excited.

I couldn’t resist taking another floral painting workshop with Carlo Russo. I took a workshop with him in Philadelphia before the pandemic and find his approach to painting so refreshing. He is a generous teacher and has a unique understanding of flowers. It was through the Cheney Homestead Arts which is an awesome organization, the space looks incredible, a living museum, one day I hope to visit.

My favorite subjects to paint are portraits and flowers. I decided to merge the two as well as weave in the magic of the divine feminine. My good friend and fellow artist sat for me to draw her. Im going to transfer the image and create a paint. I want to do a series of these to celebrate the divine feminine I see in others. If you would like to commission one for yourself or a goddess in your life I have a few options on my shop page.

I launched a hybrid yoga & art class recently as part of my effort to raise funds for my kid’s school Alameda Elementary. It was the first time I taught in my new studio space. It felt good to share it with new and familiar faces. It was also my first live virtual and in-person class! The time flew by and I was very impressed with the student work (above).

We moved during the pandemic from Seattle to Portland. It was super hard to make the change with two young kids. We said goodbye to friends, green lake and my spacious studio. Portland has been a nice change of pace, much slower and chill. Moving into a smaller house with no studio was a little hard. It took almost a year and half to remodel my garage into a studio. It has (mostly) northern lighting, so even in the gloomy pacific northwest its almost always well lit. I also have a sink in my studio (for the first time ever). I feel so grateful that I was able to create this space.