Bloom True -- A Journey into Intuitive Painting with Flora Bowley!

This post is a brief summary of my Amazing Journey into Intuitive Painting with Artist Flora Bowley! It all began in February with the start of Flora's Bloom True e-course which I had received as a gift! (You can read more about the first few layers in my earlier Bloom True post. )  I was ready to let loose and try something new and couldn't wait to get started.   I wanted to experience painting with total freedom and abandon--no limits and no expectations and that's exactly what the course delivered! 

I loved the entire process from start to finish--from blank canvas to full bloom!

My Bloom True Collection--finished and unfinished!

Above is my entire collection of Bloom True Canvases!  The original 4 canvases I started with are pretty much finished and are all beach themed (unintentionally/intuitively).  They are the Mermaid, the Underwater Scene, the Sea at Sunset, and the Bullseye.  Canvas #5 is on the easel and is pretty much finished as well.  None of these 5 are officially named, signed, or have the sides painted yet, so there may still be a bold move or two left.  They are also in various stages from more finished to more chaotic and almost tribal.  But for now, I'm declaring them done in all their various stages.  The other 6 smaller canvases are all in various beginning stages and still have several layers to go.  Most likely, they will have to wait until after the Artful Awakenings Beach Retreat I am hosting to get finished.

Below are photos of my journey and the transformations of the canvases in reverse order.  I loved seeing how each new layer totally transformed the painting!  For me, this was the most difficult part and the most rewarding!  Sometimes I resisted painting over layers that I loved, but when I did, amazing new layers emerged! The black and white layer was often my favorite.  I loved the wild energy!

I am looking forward to Blooming True again and again one blank canvas after another!  Thank you Bloomers for sharing this journey!  Thank you Flora for being such an amazing, talented, generous, inspiring artist and teacher!  I highly recommend this class and hope to paint with Flora and my fellow Bloomers in person one day!

The original 4 canvases in their black/white layer

The original 4 canvases in their  pink/purple layer

The original 4 canvases with another warm color layer

The original 4 canvases with the first cool color layer

The original 4 canvases on their first intuitive layer!

Original Canvas #1

Original Canvas #2

Original Canvas #3

Original Canvas #4

Canvas # 5:  (added during the class)

Two more small canvases I added during the class

Thank You Flora--you are Amazing!

"Grow WILD and free!"

Below are two examples of when Pausing Paid Off…

As I've mentioned before, I am currently taking Flora Bowley's online class Bloom True.  I had just finished another layer on my 4 original canvases and was loving the look!  My paintings looked and felt tribal and WILD.  I was not ready to cover them up and transform them with another layer of paint just yet.  So, I decided to Pause…Instead, I started (and finished) two new smaller canvases!  Here's what emerged when I let go and painted WILD and free!  Now, I am ready to move on with my original 4 canvases and see what magic happens there!  Stay tuned!

These two paintings are now at the "By Women, About Women" show in Old Town, Alexandria!

Bloom True!

I received Flora Bowley's Bloom True class as a gift from my family several months ago.  Class finally began last week and the timing was perfect!  It seems to be just what I need at this moment!  I have a feeling this is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come!  This class is so in line with where I am personally and with what I teach to others.  However, I have not been following my own advice lately.  I felt like I was limiting myself and my art.  I felt like I was painting more for others and less for myself as I was trying to create demos for classes and workshops, new pieces for art shows with a specific theme, and get ready for my spring retreat!  I was looking for a way to get back to painting just for the fun of it and with no expectations--no limits.  So far, Bloom True has been just that!  Thank you Flora--you are an amazing artist, teacher, spirit!  Thank you fellow Bloomers--I love each of your stories and creations!  I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!  I am definitely enjoying the ride!  Here's a peek at what I have created so far:

My sacred art altar

Layer 2

Layer 3--the toughest one for me so far

My mandala


I have created mandalas before, but this one is my favorite and is very special to me! Not only is it a reminder of my Bloom True journey, but each item I used has a special meaning to me.  I made the background with my leftover Bloom True paint.  The mirror at the center is a reminder to check in with myself and was received at a friend's baby shower.  The starfish at the center symbolizes my love for the ocean and was given to me by my mom. The tiny pebbles are reminders of my daily walks.  The shells were collected on the beach this New Year's Day.  The glass beads also remind me of the beach and I use them in my artwork.  The rose petals were from flowers my husband gave me for our anniversary.  The lavender was picked with my daughters for my birthday a couple years ago.  I can't help but feel love, joy and gratitude every time I look at it!  Hope you enjoy it too!