One Breath, One Brushstroke: Intuitive Painting Practice Retreat
Description
Wednesday, Nov 18, 4 pm–Sunday, Nov 22, 11 am
This intuitive painting retreat invites you to stay present as you create, focusing on the experience rather than the final result. With paint, paper, and a brush as the only structure, the practice encourages spontaneity and release. There is no need to plan, achieve, or arrive with a clear goal; instead, you are asked to meet each moment as it comes and remain with whatever emerges.
Can you simply observe your brush and take one brushstroke at a time?
Something will always unfold: paint meets paper, and the process continues.
Like meditation, this practice offers a way to witness thoughts, beliefs, and habitual patterns. At times, a color may be chosen without reason, or an unexpected image may appear and be allowed to live on the page. In that openness, a deeper flow can arise. When intuitive painting is trusted in its mystery, it can carry us to the edge of what we know and into something more unknown.
Accommodation Options
Small room with double bed, double occupancy
This cozy room is designed for double occupancy and offers a comfortable double bed, making it a simple and practical choice for guests sharing a stay. Available from Sunday through Wednesday, it provides a quiet setting for those looking to enjoy a more intimate and restful experience during the week.
Ideal for couples or two guests traveling together, the room creates a welcoming space to unwind after a day of wellness activities, relaxation, or exploring the surroundings. Its compact size adds to the sense of privacy and calm, while the double bed ensures a shared sleeping arrangement that feels easy and convenient.
With its straightforward comfort and peaceful atmosphere, this room is a great option for a short midweek escape focused on rest, connection, and simplicity.
Large room with King bed, double occupancy
This spacious room is designed for double occupancy and features a comfortable king bed, making it a practical and inviting choice for guests traveling together. Available from Sunday through Wednesday, it offers a peaceful setting for a midweek stay with plenty of room to relax and unwind.
Ideal for couples or companions seeking comfort and simplicity, the room provides a calm atmosphere that supports rest, privacy, and a sense of ease throughout your stay. Its generous layout creates a welcoming environment whether you are returning from a day of activities or simply enjoying a quiet retreat indoors.
With its large size and king bed, this room combines comfort and convenience in a way that feels both restful and accommodating for two guests.
Teachers
About Maria Freebairn-SmithMaria Freebairn-Smith serves as Outreach Director and Family Programs Coordinator for The Center for Creative Exploration. For more than 30 years, she has painted and taught the intuitive painting process through a heart-centered, inquiry-based approach. She took part in the first teacher training for The Painting Experience, guided by Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley. Together with Barbara Kaufman...
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Claudia Erzinger began her meditation practice in her 20s through extended retreats. She mainly practiced within the insight meditation community, while also sharing experiences through the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and friends in the Zen community.Artistic PracticeIn 2000, she began intuitive painting at the Center for Creative Exploration (CCE) with Barbara Kaufman. From the start, she felt that meditation and painting...
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Role and ServiceWith a welcoming bow to the world, Rev. So On Eli Brown-Stevenson serves as Acting Tanto at Green Gulch Farm and as the Belonging and Inclusion Liaison at San Francisco Zen Center. He also sits on the Board as Chair of the Governance Committee. His service helps sustain the daily rhythms of practice and community life, supporting an...
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Contact Information
Wed, Nov 18 – Sun, Nov 22