Flora Bowley::Bloom True

Doodles Unleashed

There are so many wonderful new art books coming out these days---it's awesome.  I love that artists are getting a chance to offer the world their unique perspectives and techniques and that so many students are able to learn from these inspiring people---inpiration at our fingertips!  I recently had the pleasure of reading Traci Bautista's newest book, "Doodles Unleashed."  I must say, after page one, I was feeling all sorts of inspired.  As a semi-traditional painter---you know, I use paint and brushes and that's pretty much it, I was really inspired by Traci's use of so many different materials to make marks, stamps and stencils.  I'm thinking, "Geez.  I need to mix it up!" 

I also love Traci's encouraging words and "just go for it" attitude.  This is something I bring into my own workshops, so it was great to see another artist whole-heartedly giving so much permission.  Sometimes I think that's all we need---permission to start, permission to explore and permission to figure it out as we go.  Amen.

I have yet to meet the author of this lovely book, but her good energy oozes off the pages and I hope our creative paths cross one of these days soon.  For now, I will keep picking up her book when I need a bit of inspiration and a reminder to keep exploring in new ways.  Even though I preach that kind of exploration, it is so damn easy to forget!  Thanks ,Traci, for reminding me and for creating such a wonderful book.  I'm sure it will inspire many.

 

 

Two New Workshops: England + Australia!

The blooming continues around the world!  I hope you can join me for one of these brand new workshops in England + Australia.

Call of the Wild Soul (great name, right!?)

The UK Sacred Art Retreat: Sept. 27 - 30, 2012

Somerset, England

I am very honored to be a part of this inaugural sacred art retreat held in the mystical English countryside.  Created by visionary and artist, Erin Faith Allen, this retreat brings together four unique and powerful teachers---Teesha Moore, Madelyn Mulvaney, Orly Avineri and me! 

Over the course of three inspiring days, you will have the opportunity to work with three different teachers, each presenting a unique workshop meant to free and feed your creative spirit.

My one-day workshop, "Brave Intuitive You," is a soulful one-day workshop brimming with creative prompts, inspirational new approaches to the creative process and plenty of one-on-one encouragement.  The intention of this workshop is to bravely swing open the doors that keep us from expressing ourselves fully to welcome in pure unbridled spontaneity and a river of creative flow.  Weaving together a variety of painting, drawing and mixed media techniques along with simple movement, meditation, and writing exercises, I invite you to make friends with your inner artist (she’s in there already!) while offering you a fresh perspective on your creativity and a deeper connection to your brave and intuitive self.  Each exercise in this workshop is specifically designed to help you loosen up, be bold and allow your art to unfold in ways you can’t even imagine before you begin.

This gathering will also include nightly entertainment, amazing vegetarian food, yoga and meditaion classes and a show-and-sell creation boutique.  More information about this lovely gahtering right here: www.callofthewildsoul.com

And this, my friends, is the castle where we get to paint! 

 

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************

And for all you Aussies out there, I'm so happy to let you know that I will be returning to your fine country once again!  This time around, I will be offering only one workshop in the fine city of...

Melbourne, Australia: June 8 - 10, 2012

This three-day workshop (non-residential) will take place at Gasworks Art Park, a vibrant arts center just south of downtown.  In this intimate (only 15 students) workshop, we will create two large scale paintings as we explore a whole new way of painting from a space of freedom, non-judgment and experimentation. This process is about loosening up, letting go of expectations, having fun and allowing your art to unfold naturally. .

Throughout the workshop, I will demonstrate many of my personal painting techniques such as layering, dripping, stamping, expressive mark making, etching, patterning, drawing with paint and carving out imagery. I will gently guide you with prompts through this fun explorative process, as I share tips about color combining, using translucent paints, finding your own voice, and bringing your paintings to life with variation and contrast. I will also offer ways for becoming “unstuck,” moving through challenging moments and getting back in your creative flow. Our luxurious days of painting will be infused with music, poetry, yoga-inspired stretching, dancing, writing and sharing circles…all to help us open up, let go, get inspired and bring more joy into the process of art making.

For more information and registration, please email: liza@lizazeni.com

Discovering Melbourn's vibrant street art in 2011. Photo by Liza Zeni.

Blooming True Mexican Style

I must admit that trying to convey the magnitude of magic that was present during our week-long workshop in Mexico is a little daunting, but here goes...

Yep, that's San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful gem of a city nestled in the Sierra Madres Mountains and fondly referred to as El Corazon de Mexico (the heart of Mexico).  To be honest, I had surprisingly never heard of this magical land until I received an email from Miss Rebecca Brooks about eight months ago.  Rebecca was keen on taking a Bloom True workshop, but alas, they were all full.  Was I interested in teaching a workshop in Mexico, she wondered?  One sparkly converation later, (we were kindred spirits for sure), it was ON...a workshop born out of TRUST, a desire to follow our soul's longing and no small amount of BRAVERY.

Arriving from four countries, ages 35-83, fourteen brave women gathered together for seven dreamy days in the sunny courtyard of Casa Carmen, the oldest bed and breakfast in San Miguel...can you say charming?  It's no surprise to me that this workshop attracted such a special group of women.  We were all there for the same reasons---to gift ourselves seven days of pure creative time, to meet like minded people, to explore a beautiful city and perhaps the most important reason---to dive into our own personal journeys of letting go, stepping into the unknown and embracing ourselves with MORE LOVE and MORE JOY...yes please!

Our days together were deeply soulful---with the perfect balance of laughter and tears.  Each day started in a circle where we settled in, eyes closed, hearts open and birds singing.  Then we talked.  We talked about art, of course, but the conversations often widened to hold our stories of personal awakenings, tips on letting go, favorite books and ways to move through fear and accept what IS.  As the official teacher, you might imagine that I was doing most of the talking---oh no!  I simply created the container for this amazing group of women to share their unique perspectives and their wise wise words.  I'm sure I learned just as much as everyone else during those circles!

Morning circle...photo by Michael Murnane

Fueled by inspiring quotes, positive affirmations, painting demos, time spent sketching and writing, great playlists and fresh jugo, we painted up a storm for about five hours each day.  We made repeat trips back to the local art supply store to re-stock on our lucious jars of vibrant Mexican paint---the colors were AMAZING!  Our evenings were spent exploring the colorful streets of San Miguel, eating in the hundreds of great restaurants (the rooftops were my fave) and doing some sweet bonding with our fellow bloomers. I think everyone would agree that it was a very BLISSFUL time.

*Check out more gorgeous photos and beautiful words by Miss Andrea Scher right HERE.

Yummy paints...photo by Michael Murnane

For me, the most amazing thing about this workshp was the TIME we had---time to really sink into the process, to explore many ways of approaching FOUR big canvases, to let go into the luxurious hours of creating freely with nobody telling us to stop or to clean up or to...go home.  This was the key!  I know my approach to painting (not knowing what will happen before you start...totally letting go...embracing the unknown) can bring up all sorts of emotions which often opens doors into news ways of being.  And THIS, my friends, takes time...sweet deep time.  You can be sure I will be offering more of these longer format workshops.  I think I'm addicted.

"Papel Picado"  my Mexican demo painting

Now that I'm firmly planted back in THIS reality (not such a bad one, I must say), it's time to put some final shiny touches on my Bloom True E-course...it starts on Monday and I can hardly wait to unveil this exciting new project to you (there are still a few spots open if you want to jump aboard in the final hour!)

Exploring San Miguel...photo by Andrea Scher

 xo, flora

 

Hello Soul. Hello Business.

I'm guessing that many of you have already heard about this amazing new e-course but just in case you haven't heard, I'm feeling moved to tell ya all about it.  Why?  Because I believe the world, especially the world of doing business, is in desparate need of a shift---a shift towards more passion, more purpose, more authenticity and more soul. 

And, this, my friends, is exactly what this course is all about.  

Hello Soul. Hello Business is a collaborative e-course created by two of the most inspiring and visionary women I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with over the past couple of years---Kelly Rae Roberts + Beth Nicholls.  Together, these two superstars are presenting a whole new paradigm for doing business... 

"We believe that our souls – the essence of who we are – are what make each of us extraordinary. And we believe that if you nurture the soul of your business, no matter what you are selling, it too can be extraordinary."

"We believe that nurturing a successful, soulful business will transform you into an influential leader – however large or small your enterprise – and make you a force for positive change in the world."

~Kelly Rae and Beth

I know that so many of us want to embrace a new way of doing business that feels soulful and purposeful.  Kelly Rae and Beth are amazing examples of women who are actually living it.  Luckily for us, they are now sharing their amazing wisdom and thoughtful vision with the rest of us.  I've got a hunch the world will be better for it.  Thanks ladies.

photo credit: Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon

Pushing Boundaries + Opening Up

After a year of very little painting (been just a tad busy teaching 14 workshops, writing a book and launching an e-course...yikes!), I spent the last month grooving away in my new studio---such soul food for this hungry soulful painter! 

I decided I needed to take a little bit of my own advice and be more brave with my own work and push the boundaries of what feels comfortable---just to see what might open up.  I decided to challenge myself by not using any recognizable imagery.  Not an easy task for a girl who loves birds, pods, branches and flowers as much as I do!  But, I have to say, giving myself these boundaries brought a spark back to my painting practice.  It felt slightly dangerous (as dangerous as painting can be). I felt like an explorer in a new land, and if you know me at all, you know that I'm kind of addicted to this feeling!

I found myself playing with dry metallic pigments, allowing them to mix with streams of water and drippy fluid acrylics.  I hardly touched a brush. The process became all about dripping, spraying, layering and releasing control. These photos don't exactly do them justice because the pretty metallics just look kinda brown here, but trust me when I say they are quite sparkly in real life!  I'm not sure if these two are finished, but the journey into abstraction has been a powerful one indeed.

"Untitled" 48" x 48"

"Untitled" 36" x 60"

For this next painting, I started to play around with spray paint and stencils on top of the drippy metallic color fields.

"Connect Inside" 30" x 30"

And for these next two, I added more spray paint, kept with the mostly abstact theme and allowed a few pods to sneak back in.

"Honor Intuition 2" 36" x 36"

"Honor Intuition 1" 36" x 36"

This last piece will look a little more familar to you.  It was a commission I did for some friends so I brought back my old friends: birds, branches and pods.  However, some of the new discoveries I made while painting without imagery definitely influenced this piece---such a good reminder to be open to change, embrace new challenges and keep exploring uncharted territory!

"Nest Inside" 36" x 74"

More thoughts on bravery right here in this little ditty I wrote for Catherine Just's blog recently...

Four New Workshops!

Hi ya'll.   First things first...a big THANK YOU for the overwhelming positive response to the announcement of my upcoming Bloom True: E-course.  I am so grateful for all the people who have already signed up and for everyone who has helped to spread the good word.  I've been pouring my little heart into this project with the intention to create a very special and transformational experience for everyone and I can't wait to share it with you soon...I promise it will light your creative fires!  For those of you who haven't heard, it starts on Feb. 6th and you can sign up anytime before that.   

OK, onto the new workshops of the in-person face-to-face variety that I love so much! I am very excited to share four new workshop opportunities with you.  In the chronological order, I will be offering workshops in Monterey, California, southwestern Wisconsin, Moro d'Oro...that would be near Rome in ITALY (yes, Italy) and the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Yes, the blooming continues all around the world.  Pretty exciting.

Monterey glory.

On Sept. 5 - 9, 2012, I will be joining the lovely Catherine Just, soulful photographer extraordinaire, as we embark on a beautiful heart-felt collaboration in gorgeous Monterey, California.  We're calling it "Brave Soulful Intuitive You". You will get to take pictures, paint and gather as a group to reflect and connect everyday in a totally gorgeous setting...bliss!  Find out more about it right HERE.

BTW, Catherine also just launched her new Soul*full E-course (and her awesome new website) so if you are interested in using photography as a way to deepen your body mind spirit connection, this might be the very thing you've been looking for. Check it.

Wisconsin goodness.

Now for some action in my home state of Wisconsin.  I will be offering a three-day workshop at Valley Ridge Art Studio Sept. 14 - 16, 2012.  This will be my first time teaching in the midwest and I'm so happy it will be at this sweet place---a beautiful retreat cetner in the woods where you get to stay in a big ol' renovated farm house.  Love that.  More info + registration right HERE.

Italy...yes, Italy.

As many of you know, one of my very favorite places to teach is at Squam Art Workshops.  I  have made the jaunt out to New Hampshire for the past two years and I cannot gush enough about the woman who run this event and the magic they create there every year.  I simply dig everything about it.  So, when they asked me to teach at two other Squam retreats next year, I did not hesitate for a moment.  Introducing... SquamItalia! and  Squam by the Sea. 

SquamItalia!  will take place from Oct. 2 - 7, 2012, in Moro d'Oro which is just over an hour from Rome.  This place looks truly awesome and I'm extremely grateful to be a part of the dream team offering up the classes at this retreat. Painting in Italy, I mean really.  Enough said. More info + registration right HERE.

The Outer Banks...oh yes.

Squam by the Sea will take place Oct. 17 - 21, 2012, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  From what I hear the accommodations are gorgeous and the vibe is super tranquil and sweet.  Three days painting and connecting with awesome people in a beautiful beachy place?  Sounds good to me.  More info + registration right HERE.

OK, that's all the excitement I can pack into this one blog post so I'll sign off here while daydreaming of all these amazing workshops to come...hope you can join me!

xo flora

Bloom True: the e-course is HERE!

You guessed it...Bloom True: the e-course has officially arrived and I'm super excited to launch this labor of love into the world and watch it's rippling effects run far and wide. Why?  Because I believe making art should be a joyful process---not a struggle. I believe creating should be a time for letting go of fear, embracing the magical unknown, following intuition and existing in a universe where there are no mistakes. Right?  RIGHT!  Because THIS is exactly what this e-course is all about---loosening up, diving in, and having fun (Oh, and creating some really rad paintings too, but that' just a bonus!) 

Based on what I've witnessed in my workshops, I know this approach has a unique power to inspire, transform and ignite creativity, while offering a whole new set of tools and techniques to help you let go and step fearlessly into a world of infinite creative possibilities...sounding good?  Read what other people are sayin' right here.

So, what exactly is an e-course and how does it work?   Good questions.  Basically, this course brings my "Bloom True" workshop to YOU---wherever you are in the world, but it actually give you a lot more too.  The course will run for five weeks starting on Feb 6, 2012.  For six days every week, you will receive a unique post, like a blog.  The posts will include high-definition videos, audio prompts, unique creative  exercises, yoga instruction, great playlists, in-depth interviews, and many opportunities to put it all into action.

This e-course is perfect for first time painters as well as professional artists and everyone in-between. You will also have access to an amazing creative community during and after the course is over... Bloomers Unite! Registration is open now.  I would love for you to join me on this painting journey.  Or how about gifting this groovy opportunity to support someone you love on their creative path? I think that's a lovley idea and there are gift vouchers available for you to do that right here.

I sersioulsy could NOT have created this course alone. In the beautiful spirit of collaboration, this course was co-created with the thoughtful guidance and supreme awesomeness of Miss Beth Nicholls, founder of "Do What You Love." Beth is a living and breathing example of someone who is doing what she loves...for real! All the beautiful videos were shot by Kevin Balmer of Diggable Monkey Productions, the lovely photos were shot by Stephen Funk, and the gorgeous soundtrack was provided by my favorite songbird, Miss Kyrstyn Pixton.  And last but not least, big thanks to Jessica Swift for designing such a pretty new website for us.  I feel so grateful to be working with all these sweet talented people. Go TEAM!

And, thank YOU for reading all the way through and for all your amazing support.  It's such a gift to share this with you.  Hope to see you in class!
xo flora
All photos by Stephen Funk.

I Wrote a Book!

I would say this is a dream come true, but actually I never had the dream to write a book...or at least I never thought I had that dream, but WOW, it all feels pretty dreamy right about now... 

Last September, I received a call from Quarry Books asking if I wanted to write a book about my painting process.  I was totally floored.  At that point, I had only taught one workshop, so the idea of writing a book felt crazy...and totally cool.  So, without much hesitation, I responded with "YES. YES. YES!"  and thus the journey began... a new kind of blank canvas in front of me.

I can't say writing "Brave Intuitive Painting" was a small or easy task.  In fact, it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I had to continually remind myself to take my own advice when my head screamed, "I'm not a writer!"  You see, the first chapter in my book is called, "Re-creating your Story"  Sooooo... "I am a powerful writer.  I have a lot to say and I write with joy and ease!" quickly became some of my new mantras, and I swear they really helped.

The other challenge I faced while writing this was how to put a very non-linear process into a linear book form.  Hmmmm?  This dilema took awhile to overcome, but eventually I decided to divide the book up into three large sections: Let Go. Be Bold. Unfold. Within these huge super important concepts, everything else just sort of fell into place. 

This book is not a book of step-by-step techniques which show you exactly how to paint like me...nope! Instead, it's a book which offers you tons of encouragement, inspiration and new ways to approach your creative process.  It's a book which teaches you how to paint like YOU...in the most authentic, free, and joyful way possible.

Huge thanks to Tara Morris for all the beautiful photography throughout the book...eye candy for sure!

Not to toot my own horn too much, but I must say this book is quite special and I'm pretty sure you're gonna love it:)  It will hit the shelves on May 1st, 2012, but you can pre-order it on Amazon.com right now---right here.  Pretty exciting, ey? 

Many thanks to Quarry Books and to my editor, Mary Ann Hall, for hatching a dream I never knew I had and for trusting in my abilities before I trusted in myself.... 

I am a powerful writer. 

I have a lot to say and

I write with joy and ease!

 

Workshop in Bali!

Yes, the rumors are true!  I'm so excited to finally announce this dream come true workshop in Bali.  This special workshop will be co-led with my dear friend and yoga teacher extraordinaire, Lisa Mae Osborn, owner of the Bhaktishop Yoga Studio in Portland, OR.  All the details have been dialed in and we are ready for some lucky ladies to sign up for this once in a lifetime experience.  Here's the tantilizing invitation...

Bloom True in Ubud, Bali 

May 18-25, 2012
Total Cost(s) Depending on lodging choice
$1300 for Shared lodging
$1400 Solo Lodging

Price includes lodging at the lovely Swasti Eco Cottages, breakfasts, all workshops (half yoga, half painting), and all art supplies.  Price does not include airfare, lunch/dinner, transport from the airport, visa, or optional excursions). $300 deposit due upon registration.

Teaching together for the first time, Lisa Mae and Flora bring their passions together in order to ignite yours! Approaching their respective teachings from a similar place of joy, intuition, devotion and celebration, Lisa Mae and Flora are excited to join forces to create a powerful and transformational experience for you to explore art and yoga while immersed in Bali’s extraordinary culture and beauty.

Each day will start with meditation and Lisa Mae’s deep, inspired yoga practice to broaden your sense of possibility in heart, in body, and in the deep inner sense of your own universe! This celebratory yoga practice will focus on finding your optimal alignment and spaciousness in asana and connecting deeply to your inherent grace and beauty. After a relaxed lunch break, our afternoons will be spent painting with Flora. In her vibrant and inspired way, Flora will demonstrate many of her personal painting techniques as she guides you to loosen up, let go of expectations, and allow your art to unfold naturally through her fun exploratory process.

Together, Lisa Mae and Flora offer a playful, supported, and forgiving approach to both yoga and art. They are delighted for the opportunity to share this luxurious week with you in Bali. Not to be missed!

This workshop will likely sell out very fast, so email me right away if you are interested in joining us.

info@florabowley.com

Two New Paintings

It's true that I haven't had a whole lot of time for painting this year, but I do get to throw some paint around when I create demo paintings in my workshops.  I think it's really helpful to show how a painting is created from start to finish, so I always make a point of bringing my demo to completion during the workshop...some are harder than others!  Granted it's quite a different experience to paint when twenty people are watching and I'm trying to get certain points and techniques across, but I still enjoy the process of painting...always. Here are the last two demo paintings I created in my Santa Ana and Malibu workshops.  Seems I have a thing for magenta these days...

"Crown" 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas

"Miss Wish" 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas...see the lady in the top left corner?

And here's a wonderful blog written by my lovely Malibu student, Irene Rafael.