sofanya's big sur gallery & studio

My wife and I recently visited Big Sur as part of our trip to California. We stayed overnight at the Fernwood Resort and found an art gallery with an artist that is wonderful. She is Sofanya. Her art is beautiful and inspired by her connect with nature and humanity. Her art reflects her spirit and light. From the moment my wife and I walked into the gallery next to the Fernwood, we were entranced by the art. All different mediums from watercolors, to oil, to sculpture are on display. Sofanya has work done by her son included in her gallery.In the back of the gallery is her studio. We noticed a book and began to flip through it. It had many colorful "essence portraits" in it. We decided to have a portrait ($175) done. We even made another trip back to Big Sur to have it done.The extra trip and portrait were well worth it. The portrait is priceless to both of us.Sofanya starts by sitting with you and mediating. Music plays and you begin to relax. Sofanya then wets the paper and drops watercolors onto it, explaining how she came to the color choices from reading you during the meditation. Then you blow your "essence" onto the colors. This causes the colors to move and blend, creating the background from your portraits. Sofanya then reads the colors, showing you different images that have emerged. Sofanya then has you poise for your portrait.After she draws the portrait, she then lets you see the finished product. Sofanya makes sure to point out images she has seen and gives you a complete reading of the portrait.The overall process is relaxing and the product is breathtaking.