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...

http://www.irenerafael.blogspot.com/

http://blog.joanacarvalho.com/

http://pamgarrison.typepad.com/

http://whimsykalina.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.jenniferjoanou.com/_blog/blog