some weeks, i am blessed beyond words.
last friday, not only did i get to meet flora bowley, i got to photograph her in action.
this was her first time at valley ridge art studio and for months, i had a spot in her three day class.
i was going to be a flora bowley student.
but, as class time got closer, i got cold feet. you see, i've taken painting classes before and well, i'm just not a painter. i have issues with perfection that seem to run amuck when a paintbrush is in my right hand, a paint palette with glorious colors is in my left hand and a blank canvas sits in front of me. staring at me. daring me. egging me on. finally begging me to touch it.
so i gave up my spot to someone on the huge waiting list and was lovingly given permission to photograph flora and all of her students.
she's one of those beautiful people, inside and out, and you know it immediately upon meeting her.
not only does she teach students to paint, she gives them a spiritual journey into their own hearts.
i took 362 photos in five hours,
and watched in awe as her students morphed into amazing painters right before my eyes.
can you even imagine what saturday and sunday must have been like?
originally i had planned on being there for all three days...but i love seeing and being with my hubby on the weekends and decided i just couldn't give up our time together.
~
if you want to see more of my photos, they're over here and if you want to find out more about flora,
you can do that here, on her website. my advice...if you love to paint and flora's scheduled to be at a studio near you, TAKE HER CLASS. i promise you...you won't be disappointed.
~
thank you flora for everything
*
You certainly paint well with your camera. Going over to check out the other photos.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I could paint. Both my father and grandfather were artists, but failed to pass the gene down to me! Bet you were thrilled to photograph Flora in action. She seems like a lovely person.
ReplyDeleteYou gave up a spot to paint in order to use your camera...your fear of the blank canvas put you in the spot you were intended to be -- behind the lens creating art of a different kind. Off to check out the other photographs...these are just a tease!!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Flora and she lives right here in Portland. I love to paint, but a different style that Flora's. I can truly enjoy what she does though and to tie that in with yoga and spiritual would be an amazing class, of that I am sure. Now I will be looking for her art in the galleries.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wise person who knows herself:) These pictures of Flora and the class give me a real sense of how it was in the studio that day and of her personality...that is your talent for sure!
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC!!! i've heard about flora from other bloggers, but i think it's wonderful to have your bird's eye view of one of her workshops. somehow you made it all seem so personal, as if i was there too :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE her style ♥
Looks amazingly beautiful...sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience, Sweetie! Flora oozes good energy and spirit. Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteOh, how wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI've said this to you before, you are an artist. You just don't paint.
ReplyDeleteVery cool that she let you sit in and watch and record. I'm going to go check out her site.
How cute is she and her polka dot apron!
ReplyDeletei can paint but i dont ... why? well because nothing i paint ever comes close to what i see .. turns out i want to be a photorealist .. you know the painter/artist whose paintings look like photos? well, once i 'got' that, i got a camera and have been very happy (well more often than not) with being able to show you exactly what i see ..
ReplyDeleteSusan got is spot on. YOU PAINT VERY VERY WELL WITH YOUR CAMERA! What a way to expose your work...lots of colors. Love it.
ReplyDeleteHugs Dagmar
What a great experience! Her paintings are beautiful, but you are a true artist with your camera, too, Beth. And I don't blame you for wanting to keep your weekends free to spend time with your husband. I enjoy working at the winery, but I'm looking for another job so I can free up my weekends again!
ReplyDeleteEven through photographs I get a sense of her amazing vitality. Wow.
ReplyDeleteanyone with the name of Flora has got to be creative!!
ReplyDeleteWow. I would LOVE to take a class with her. I've seen articles on(by) her in Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Tracy of Prana Light raved about her online course, which is on my bucket list for retirement! Must check your photos and tell Tracy!
ReplyDeletewell, sometimes things just work out the way they are supposed to :)
ReplyDeleteit looks like it was wonderful!
amazing photos & artists!
ReplyDeletei have such a girl crush
ReplyDeleteon her hair!
seriously inspired
about those layered locks.
thanks for the share,
Jennfier
It was so exciting for me to see all of the beautiful pictures you took, and all the inspiring words you wrote about Flora. I recently read her fabulous book, Brave Intuitive Painting, and used one of her quotes in my most recent blog posting. I am really crushing on her.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a wonderful gift of beauty.
XOXO
Oh, I bet she is delighted with these!
ReplyDeleteam totally envious...sometimes living across the pond is frustrating that way. you captured some beautiful moments, beth
ReplyDeleteEven though I think you would be surprised at your own ability... if you let go and just had fun with it, you definitely are a photographer, and a very good one at that! I bet Flora loved the photos. You seem to have captured her spirit with these.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, missy-girl! Took her online class and loved it, but would have loved even more to be up there with you (and Flora) - much love! Heather
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos, Beth!! I can just imagine what fun you had being a part of Flora's class even behind the camera...what a treat for you to have the opportunity to experience her in action. I took her online class and loved it! Love all the great moments you captured of her creativity!! Hugs to you from the beach! :)
ReplyDeletewonderful to see your photos, beth! i knew you'd be snapping so many...it's all amazing and color in flora's classes.
ReplyDeletebest wishes!
-juliette
Oh, oh, oh-- So very lovely. I can tell from your fabulous photos that Flora is quite a spirit. You captured her perfectly.
ReplyDeleteAnd your Chicago photos-- Love that city and the images you captured.
Hope you're great. xo jj
How cool!
ReplyDeleteAt my artists' studio tour this weekend I met another artist who has taken Flora's workshop in Portland. She said it was fabulous. Thanks for taking all the great pictures, it looks like fun.
ReplyDelete