Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Flora Bowley and Bloom True

This past weekend I took a painting class from Flora Bowley.  She is such an amazing artist.  When she was demonstrating her techniques, she made it look so easy and then I would go and stand in front of my canvas and wonder what I just witnessed.  I had a blast though.  It was two full days of loveliness.  The ladies in the class were so nice and encouraging.   I wish I could show you what their paintings looked like because each one of them was totally different from the rest.  I think that is what was so amazing to me.  Each of us was able to take what Flora was teaching and make it our own.  Two of the ladies in the class had never painted before and you would never have known.   Fun relaxing music was played throughout the two days.  There was even a live cello artist who played for us the last day.  Flora made this experience special and I would recommend taking a class from her the very next chance you get. 

          

The food was incredible! 
Pixie Retreat catered our lunches and they almost convinced me to become a vegan it was so good and it was packages so adorably too.


 I stuck with similar palettes for both paintings, mostly because I loved the colors.  My camera did not do these paintings justice.  The depth and rich colors are pure yumminess.  One of the problems I had was when we had to cover up huge parts of the painting.  As you can see, I didn't follow instructions very well.  I liked too much of what was going on to cover it up.  I will have to work on that apparently.


 I was amazed that I walked away with two 30 X 30 inch canvases pretty much finished.  When I heard we were going to be painting on such large canvases, I didn't think I would finish even one.  I did discover though, that you really do have to use high quality paints to get the right effect.  I tried some things when I got home and the cheaper paint just does not work the same.  We used Golden paints in the class and I am going to invest in the colors I really liked. 



I was so jazzed by the weekend that on Monday I painted this pretty goldfish on one of my 24 X 24 canvases.  For some reason, that size doesn't seem so big anymore.
 

13 comments:

Mary said...

oh Teri, i love this so very much.
i think it is incredibly beautiful. the colors are scrumptious.

one of your best!!!!

Unknown said...

Great job, the colors are so lively!

spindelmaker said...

Taking workshops are so much fun, getting new ideas, learning new techniques, meeting new friends...
What kind of paint is it? Liquid acrylic? I really like your color-scheme too :-) Keep on ARTING!

Healing Expressions said...

Can't wait to see these up close and personal Teri! See you at CAFE!

Laurie Linn said...

Teri - these are just gorgeous. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for her next class. And your colors look very yummy! Thanks for sharing!!!

Teri Leigh said...

Thanks everyone for the positive encouragement. I am loving this journey I am on of discovering and developing into the creative person God intends me to be.

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Wow! These are so gorgeous! i love your goldfish! That aqua-greenish color is yummy. I really love your palette...♥

Butterfly Works said...

What a fun workshop and to leave with these wonderful paintings....I love the colors you used...love the goldfish one....
I can just sense your excitement....

michelle allen said...

GORGEOUS Teri! looks like an amazing workshop and your paintings turned out beautifully. can't wait to see more :) keep it up!

Unknown said...

Teri what an awesome workshop, and your creations are beautiful...love the colors you've chosen...

Louise Gale "Dream-Inspire-Create" said...

LOVE Flora and LOVE your pieces above. I took a class with Flora at Squam in September, AMAZING. Enjoy using the process to make some more wonderful creations. :-)

Montgomery Family said...

These are amazing!!! I love them!

Juliette Crane said...

this looks AMAZING! i cannot wait to assist/take her class at the do what you love retreat in may!!!

-juliette