"Art is one of the sources through which the soul expresses itself and inspires others." - Meher Baba

Your Friday photo…

Artist Barbara Brown used a road at Meher Mount as the focus of her en plein air painting.

She visited with a group of other art students working with instructor Jennifer McChristian who brings a class each spring to paint at Meher Mount.

“Art is one of the sources through which the soul expresses itself and inspires others.”

— Avatar Meher Baba

I am traditionally a studio painter. But with COVID, I moved outside. I find I enjoy watching the light move, feeling the elements and being in the open air.

Painting outside is harder because the light changes as the sun moves across the sky or the wind moves the trees. The view is changing constantly. The shadows at noon are very different from the shadows hours later when you finish a painting.

In this view of a path surrounded by trees, there’s an aura of mystery. The viewer is encouraged to create her own story about where the path leads.

~Barbara Brown, Artist

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"I will often find the opportunity to do a 'quick draw' in my sketchbook."

Your Friday photo…

Bees buzzing around a rosemary bush at Meher Mount prompted this playful drawing by temporary caretaker Kristina Somma.

“Meher Mount inspires me to be aware of Meher Baba’s presence in nature.”

— Kristina Somma, Temporary Caretaker

With vast skies and beautiful grounds, wandering around Meher Mount is a tranquil meditation.

I will often find the opportunity to do a ‘quick draw exercise’ in my sketchbook. This exercise is not meant to be serious or perfect, only playful and lighthearted. It’s a way for me to be present, to listen and to look for what captures my attention.

One morning when the birds were singing and splashing in the fountain, I heard an amazing amount of buzzing coming from the rosemary bush by the Visitor Center.

Watching the bees swarm over the blossoms, I was inspired to pick up my sketchbook to do a quick draw. Later, I added some watercolor and played with my new paint pens.

This is just one example of how Meher Mount inspires me to be aware of Meher Baba’s presence in Nature.

And each time I visit, I make sure to bring my sketchbook, my journal and my camera — finding this inspiration, I bring that energy home with me and share what I find with family and friends.

~Kristina Somma

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