Sunday, January 15, 2012

Bloom True Here I Come!

I've admired Flora Bowley and her work for a while now.  Not even sure where and when I first discovered her amazing work, but I was mesmerized right from the start.  Her paintings are so free and so interesting with all their layers and almost hidden pictures throughout.  I was originally thrilled that she was coming out with her first book.  Yay!  I absolutely love colorful books from my favorite artists, like Kelly Rae Roberts and Christine Mason Miller and now I will have one from Flora Bowley too for at-home, anytime inspiration.


As far as her workshops go, it seemed like she was always teaching in some faraway place like Bali, Mexico or Australia.  Places I just can't get to right now due to finances.  I had almost given up on painting with her when an email from her said she was teaching an e-course.  I was super super thrilled and instantly registered and paid with paypal.  The minute after I did that I thought I'd just browse through her in-person workshops and even said to myself, "not Wisconsin."  As I scrolled down the list I saw Valley Ridge Art Studio in Muscoda, Wisconsin.  My heart skipped a beat I think.  I started shaking. What!!??  I quickly emailed her and asked if I could cancel the e-course because I would so rather paint with her in person.  Not even thinking I'd hear back from her.  Well, she replied within five minutes and took care of it.  The rest is history.  I don't want to go on about every single step of this journey of signing up for her workshop, but this Saturday, I registered and I am going to paint with and learn from Flora Bowley herself, in person.  My husband said he's never seen me so excited.  Believe me I was flying all morning after getting into the workshop.  I even went nuts cleaning our bedroom and bathroom because I was in such a great mood, full of energy.

(image courtesy of http://florabowley.typepad.com/)

Now I just have to wait nine months till this dream-come-true weekend finally gets here.  I can't wait!  You'll definitely hear more about it when it happens.  Thanks for stopping by today.


12 comments:

  1. Yahoo! So, excited for you! FYI: Muscoda is pretty much in the middle of no where so my only advice is that you make sure you have all the supplies you need/want. I am so glad that you making your dreams come true. <3 <3 <3

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    1. Thanks, Lori. It's neat to know you are familiar with the area. I like that it's in the middle of no where--it will seem like an amazing, peaceful art retreat.

      Jill

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  2. Jill, I'm so happy for you! Make sure and take a ton of pictures when you are there!

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  3. I will take tons of pics for sure, Linda. I'm hoping to have a smartphone by then so I can post to FB to share with you all as it happens. (Yes, I still don't have a smartphone-probably the only person!)

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  4. This is such a thrill! So excited for you and really enjoyed reading the story behind it. Yay!!!

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    1. I know, it is a thrill. A highlight for me this year for sure. Something to really look forward to. I'm turning 40 this week, so I told my hubby this could be my b-day present. What a present it is:)

      Jill

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  5. So inspiring! You've got something great to look forward to!

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  6. I am SO excited for you, Jill! This is going to be such a wonderful experience for you. I know you can't wait, but I can't wait to hear all about it either!!!

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  7. Yes, this is definitely something to look forward to! I wrote it down last fall as a goal and it's really happening:)

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  8. Oh Jill, I'm so happy and excited for you! Yay!! Have a wonderful birthday today, and the best Saturday at the workshop.

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  9. Awesome for you, Jill!! I just discovered Flora a few months ago - she does amazing work. I hope you get everything out of her workshop that you want to!!

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  10. dear jill,
    we are all home from our glorious week with flora in san miguel and i want to thank you for writing while i was away. i am thrilled you will be having your bloom true in the flesh experience soon! i can hardly begin to reveal the depth of hearts ignited in passion for creativity under the wings of flora.
    i promise to post soon with the hopes of conveying our remarkable unfolding!

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