Mystic Art Circle
Explore the sacred dreamscape of art where creativity meets spirituality in a supportive community environment led by Michael Zieve
Scroll Down For More InfoMystic Art Circle Online Classes
Are you an artist looking for new sources of inspiration? Maybe you want to know more about the great painters of the past? Or perhaps you're a beginning artist who wants to discover what makes a painting click and how the artist creates his magic? Do you feel what calls to you as an artist has a strong spiritual component? If so, I invite you to come visit Mystic Art Circle.
The class begins with a grounding meditation, poetry and short check-ins. We then watch a 50 minute slide presentation of the day's artist followed by a short discussion. Artist's then work in whatever media they choose, words, images or both and we end by sharing our insights and creations.
The focus is not on technique per se but on seeing, listening, opening. We value a non-judgmental approach that creates a strong container for experimentation, support and growth while building community.
I present a new group of artists in each five-week series as a means to awaken beauty, possibility and inspiration. My presentations include the most well-known names of art history to lesser-known mystic artists of the past. The artists I choose are related to students' work and serve to broaden their artistic vocabulary and potential.
Mystic Art Circle is a 3 hour class with about 60 minutes of creative time. The short class has the same format with a shorter studio time and presentation.
Whether you are a trained or untrained artist you will find your art process and life process enhanced by joining this intimate work/study group.
Together we enter a space where art is a sacred dreamscape of the heart and we see that not just our artwork but our entire life is a reflection of the way we look, feel and listen.
Featured Artists
Explore some of the artists we study in our classes.
The Experience
Discover what sets Mystic Art Circle apart
Artistic Exploration
I present a new group of artists in each five-week series as a means to awaken beauty, possibility and inspiration. My presentations include the most well-known names of art history to lesser-known mystic artists of the past.
Over the 5 years of presenting the class I have created a library of over 170 presentations that explore the connection between spirituality and creativity.
Supportive Environment
We value a non-judgmental approach that creates a strong container for experimentation, support and growth while building community.
Artists learn by seeing the ways artists of the past handled their materials and formal concerns of line, form and color. We also look at the way each artists temperament interacted with the social and artistic milieu they found themselves in.
Creative Freedom
Artists work in whatever media they choose - words, images, or both. The focus isn't on mastering specific techniques but on developing your unique creative vision and spiritual connection to the artistic process.
Each class provides ample time for personal exploration and creation, followed by supportive sharing and discussion of insights.
Spiritual Foundation
Every session begins with grounding meditation and poetry, creating a sacred space where creativity can flow freely. We honor the mystical connection between art and spirit that has inspired artists throughout history.
The intimate group setting allows for deep connections to form between participants, fostering a community of like-minded creative souls.
Words of Inspiration
Wisdom from artists who understood the mystical nature of creativity
I seemed to be hunting for something of myself out there, something in myself that will give me a symbol for all this, a symbol for the sense of life I get out here.
The act of painting is about one heart telling another heart where he found salvation.
Art is born from the inner necessity of the artist in an enigmatic, mystical way through which it acquires an autonomous life. It becomes an independent subject, animated by a spiritual breath.
I do not belong to any school, I simply want to do something that is personal to my self.
Student Creations
Explore the diverse artistic expressions inspired by Mystic Art Circle
Shesta Ross, Bear
Student Work.
Joan Clark, Aan Garden Buddha
Student Work.
Laura Herman, The Color of Sound
Student Work.
Jennifer Robin, Smoke and Mountains
Student Work.
Barkat Rose Ferar, Untitled
Student Work.
Annalise Madsen, Woman
Student Work.
Susan Guerrero, Emptiness
Student Work.
Jennifer Robin, Flowers
Student Work.
Student Experiences
Hear from those who have journeyed with us
For the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in Michael Zieve’s online Mystic Art Circle. Michael begins each session with a brief meditation and poem, creating a space that feels both sacred and deeply rooted in spirit. He introduces a new artist each week, drawing from a wide array—from timeless masters and celebrated icons to contemporary visionaries and little-known masterworks—often with an emphasis on the mystic or spiritual in each oeuvre. The hidden gems he brings to light are often surprising and always inspiring. For me as an artist, this group serves as both an art-history discovery and a soul-searching exercise for expression through art.
Joan Clark
Healdsburg, Ca.
In Michael's class, we focus on an artist each week, with ample opportunity for discussion. The history of art influences our understanding and our own work. We have time to create, whether it's painting, drawing or composing poetry. Perhaps, most importantly, we are guided to go within, seeking our personal source for creativity.
Laura Herman
Willits, CA
I studied art history in college but Michael's enlightening slide shows have filled in so many gaps in my education and also allowed for deeper understanding of my own journey. I've been a student in Michael's class for over two years and the addition of the artist slide shows have taken the experience to another level.
Jennifer Robin
Petaluma, CA
Do you think you know Georgia O'Keefe, Picasso, Chagall, or Monet? Are you an artist, or maybe just art-curious? I have been studying art with Michael Zieve in his Mystic Art Circle's for 2 years. Our weekly groups include a deep dive into individual artists, often viewing lesser known works that expand my perceptions of the artist, the zeitgeist that informs his or her work, and the mystic threads that inspire all art. Michael's comprehensive illumination of each artist, and his personal support for my own process has been invaluable. My own creativity has flourished, and my emotional connection with the artistic process has expanded through the support of this group.
Annalise Madsen
Sebastopol, CA
Michael's online groups offer so many advantages. Obviously, I have the privacy of my own space, which also means I have ready access to my own materials, and the luxury of continuing my art exploration after the group has signed off. Not so obvious, perhaps, is that online learning has added motivation for setting up a studio area, and scheduling creative time daily. Feeling a strong 'togetherness' in this small circle, we create and learn through Process Painting, and then share with the group each week. Our group is supportive, respectful, creative and open, energetic and friendly - which in large part is down to our fearless leader, Michael. He brings a kind spirit, always encouraging and professional. The framework he has created is well-balanced, grounded and safe. He has brought a dream of mine to life - we 'visit' works of art together, and then discuss and learn, thanks to Michael. Online with Michael is a time I look forward to all week long.
Lindy Woods
Former Expressive Arts Therapist
Begin Your Journey
Join a circle or inquire about new classes forming.