Heart of the Brush

Heart of the Brush is a calligraphy and brushwork retreat rooted in the Zen-influenced tradition of East Asian calligraphy, led by painter and calligrapher Kazuaki Tanahashi at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. It is a creative workshop for anyone drawn to ink, paper and the quiet attention a brush asks for, whether you have never held one or have practiced for years.

Over four days, participants study the 1,700-year-old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy and use it to meet both art and everyday life with more joy and a settled kind of excitement.

What to Expect

The retreat opens on a Thursday evening with check-in at the Guest Services Cabin, a welcome and orientation, and the first session at 7:00 PM. It closes on Sunday at 12:30 PM.

Friday and Saturday are the core practice days. Instruction focuses on the aesthetics and techniques of East Asian calligraphy. Participants faithfully copy selected ideographs in the different styles of ancient Chinese masterpieces, and they also experiment with artistic interpretation and spontaneous improvisation, using a variety of papers and brushes. Meals and communal time fill the spaces between sessions.

The tone is contemplative. While practicing basic brushwork, people begin to notice how inner criticism keeps them from fully enjoying each moment, and the days make room to work with that as it arises. Sunday brings final practice sessions, integration and reflection before the closing.

About Kazuaki Tanahashi

Kazuaki Tanahashi is a painter, calligrapher, writer and peace worker. Born and trained in Japan, he is known for creating a genre of one-stroke paintings and multi-colored Zen circles. He is a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, and his brushwork has been featured in many solo exhibitions. He teaches and performs worldwide. He is joined by retreat faculty during the program.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, and the retreat takes place in a sacred space set apart for deep engagement with practice. A small community of practitioners gathers on the land for the four days.

Lodging comes in several forms:

- Dormitories: gender-segregated rooms with beds for up to seven or eight people, and a shared bathroom with shower stalls down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: private indoor rooms with a bed, bedding, closet, large window, desk and chair, and a shared bathroom. A more affordable choice that still offers privacy.
- Single and Double Rooms: private rooms with a dresser, closet and attached three-quarter bathroom (toilet, sink and shower).
- Junior Suite: a queen-size bed with comforter, desk, dresser, closet, sitting area and a private bath with bathtub.

Healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners, along with drinks, are included with every lodging choice. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Before You Go

No prior experience with calligraphy or painting is required. Total beginners and seasoned practitioners are equally welcome. The retreat is taught in English.

Tuition covers four days of instruction in calligraphy and brushwork, guidance from Kazuaki Tanahashi and the retreat faculty, materials and supplies for practice, meals and drinks, and your choice of lodging. Personal art supplies beyond those provided are not included, and neither is transportation to and from Drala Mountain Center, so plan your own travel to Red Feather Lakes.

A virtual option also exists for those who wish to take part from home rather than on the land.