FABULOUS Flora

Attended a most AWESOME workshop on the weekend (called Bloom True) with the wonderfully talented Ms Flora Bowley! Flora, who hails from Oregon USA is currently in Australia holding workshops to teach her uniquely *Flora* intuitive art technique. I can't believe this lady has only been teaching since September last year. She is just a totally natural and wonderful teacher, as well as an amazing artist. An incredible and rare combination which left me feeling amazing gratitude for the experience and TOTALLY INSPIRED. I want to paint like Flora! LOL I laugh because I have so heard that statement over the years from my own students and know it's IMPOSSIBLE and not even desirable to be a Flora (or anyone's) clone.... {{{Giggle}}}

So,  did I come close on the weekend? Well......NO...... . I did not capture her colorful abstract, simplified shapes and graphic style nor her windows of yumminess that so enchant me, but I certainly did tap into my own intuitive style of painting.  I WAS able to learn and use a whole toolbox full of new techniques and am very happy with what I produced. However I am still going to try and absorb a little more of Flora and continue to practice her technique of simplifying chaos (as she describes it). I am NOT all that good at simple, nor at letting go - which is another of her key elements. She is incredibly good at letting go of any or all elements of her paintings at any stage by simply painting over them. Non attachment to what is, in order to gain something even better than what was. A great philosophy on life too, don't you think?

This is the piece I finished (we worked on two). It's LARGE - 30" X 30" and was a challenge for me after not painting at an easel for 6 months since that shoulder thing. I will share the next one when it's finished - NOT looking good at the moment but promise I will take progressive pics anyway!



Flora's piece in the painting stage (above) and finished at right.

Thanks Flora! Thanks girls! It was an amazing and enjoyable weekend that I would repeat in a heartbeat. Stay posted for more of my Bloom True adventures, but in the interim, hope you enjoy some of my pics from the weekend

Comments

  1. Jan, you always do the most beautiful work. I'm finding soooo many mixed media artists who hail from Oregon ... I'm thinking after my seminar with Jamie in Oct, see if any mixed media classes are going on in Portland ....

    I love your pieces - but then I always love everything you do.

    ~Keni

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  2. I love her artwork. I discovered her several months ago! How lucky you are to take a class from her!

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  3. Oh thanks Keni! You say the nicest things. LOL I agree, there seems to be a lot of talent in Oregon and will be on the lookout for reports of what you find there.

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  4. Jan I just had a magical weekend with flora over here in WA - aren't we lucky ;) Love your painting so much - I think it's wonderful to be able to use someone elses techniques and yet keep your own unique voice - which you have done - it's really beautiful,
    X Donna

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  5. Hi Jan,
    It was lovely to meet you and see your wonderful finished painting at the workshop...I thought it was mesmerizing...You are such a talented lady!...Hope we can keep in touch, I have joined your newsletter group!...x...Julia

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  6. Lovely of you to look and comment Donna. Thank you for your lovely words and so glad you had a magical weekend with Flora too. She is a very special lady

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  7. Of shucks Julia! LOL Thank you! Definitely will remain in touch and loved meeting you and all the other girls. xx

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  8. It was indeed a fabulous workshop!! It was nice to meet you and your finished painting is stunning! Wini xo

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  9. Really cool paintings! Amazing...

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