Thursday, November 10, 2011

Another blOOm in the garden of Flora Bowley

To blOOm 
or not 
to blOOm...
... it's nearly impossible 
to not blOOm
after a connection 
with Flora.
It was with much anticipation, excitement and an open heart 
that I had the privilege of participating in 
a Flora Bowley Bloom True workshop this past weekend in Malibu.
(hosted by the lovely Gina Armfield of Artinfusio in this most beautiful location.) 
I was on countdown throughout the year for this experience- 
knowing deep in my soul 
that it was going to be a "transforming" weekend.
...and transform, it did...
a weekend of "soul painting".
Flora has a unique way of sharing herself...
through her words, her wisdom, her wealth of artistic knowledge 
& her ability to give the tools,
to let our own 
artistic truth's emerge.
One concept that describes intuitive art is
"letting your hand's do the seeing, instead of you".
It was a foreign process for me to work directly with my hands on the canvas, 
but oh so fun and freeing!
Flora demonstrated every step in her process, 
while weaving breathing exercises, body movement, 
group sharing, journaling, word images, 
and a sense of letting go of perfection & expectation, 
into every cherished moment.
(the beginning of my process)
Working on 2 canvases 30" x  30" 
we made our marks, 
and painted many many layers 
to gain a depth of color, 
that began to really sing, toward the end of the weekend.
Our own words of affirmation to keep us centered...
Flora's work is ever changing as she flips the canvas, and reminds us to 
"let go of expectations~ focus on the process & not the final piece"...



I think we were all in awe of every stroke of color
 she applied to the canvas.



Flora's insights into the application of paint layers, 
while "allowing the paint to emerge naturally~ 
encourages our own process of discovery".
Her use of color and guidance with acrylic paint, 
had me dreaming of the possibilities,
 as we were coming to a close.

Flora's final demo piece. 
It amazes me to think of how she started this piece,
and the beautiful story that evolved through the process.
I came away so inspired & ready to 
paint through "new eyes".
If you ever have the opportunity to take one of her workshops, 
I'd say- R U N- don't walk! 
It's an experience of a lifetime!
Here's the progression of my two pieces...
 from the transparent, wet on wet layer's...
 to the beginning of
the fatter layer's of colorful paint...
spiraling in and out...
 to look, see, and feel 
what is happening on the canvas.

I am not completely done with either, 
but I am defining that I really like, 
and am working on letting them emerge.
From what I've learned, this may become a whole different painting in a few days...
I'll post them when they are complete.


Endless possibilities... spiritual connections... 
and a wealth of gratitude for this experience! 
thank you dear Flora!


...more beautiful writings about this workshop can be found here...


19 comments:

  1. Looks absolutely delightful way to expand your artistic soul!

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  2. Thanks for sharing! I love her work! it lights a fire inside you! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  3. Oh my goodness... what a fun class! I love your paintings Valerie. Her technique sounds so interesting and fun. Thanks for sharing her class and your experience with us. Can not wait to see your finished pieces! :)

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  4. Thank you for sharing your class experience with Flora. I adore her paintings and hope to someday go to a Flora class too. It looks like such a wonderful class and your paintings are wonderful. :)

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  5. it seems like an amazing experience...i love the freedom she has to create..thanx for sharing

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  6. I`m very jealous - such an fantastic experience.

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  7. Thank you for sharing your experience! Taking a Flora workshop is high on my list of things I want to do in my life! It looks wonderful!

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  8. how wonderful to see the progression! fantastic results. thanks for sharing!
    hugs,
    peggy aplSEEDS

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  9. Wow Valerie! I love Flora's art - so colorful and alive! Your painting is amazing. I am sure you learned so much from the experience. I wish I could have been there with you!

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  10. What a great experience and your paintings are gorgeous!

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  11. That looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. I'm so glad you were able to do this! It's something you won't easily forget!

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  13. Dearest sweet val, sounds like a really inspiring and interesting workshop! Thanks so much for sharing and also for showing us photos! Have a lovely merry happy sunday and love to you!

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