Zen Perceiving the Bull

Zen Perceiving the Bull - 50"x50" acrylic on un- stretched canvas
When painting this piece it was initially a huge struggle.  So much so I have two paintings underneath of what you see here. It was building up a lot of texture for sure. It was only when I lost myself and finally got to the place that it was just me and the paint it all started to fall into place. Yes, for me this has become an emotional body of work where no bull can hide. 
In loving memory of Jolyon Pehrson, friend and teacher.



Perceiving the Bull (3) - taken from the master teachings 'Zen Flesh Zen Bones'
I hear the song of the nightingale. The sun is warm, the wind is mild, willows are green along the shore,
Here no bull can hide! What artist can draw that massive head, those majestic horns?

Comment: When one hears the voice, one can sense its source. As soon as the six senses merge, the gate is entered. Wherever one enters one sees the head of the bull! This unity is like salt in water, like color in dyestuff. The slightest thing is not apart from self.

What is the Bull? The bull is the eternal principle of life, truth in action. The ten bulls represent sequent steps in the realization of one's true nature

Close up