9781592537686

Adopt a spontaneous, bold, and fearless approach to painting as a process of discovery-one that results in lush and colorful finished works that will beg to be displayed. This inspiring and encouraging book for both novice and experienced painters teaches how to create colorful, exciting, expressive paintings through a variety of techniques, combining basic, practical painting principles with innovative personal self-expression. Flora S. Bowley's fun and forgiving approach to painting is based on the notion that â€œYou don't begin with a preconceived painting in mind; you allow the painting to unfold.â€ Illustrating how to work in layers, Flora gives you the freedom to cover up, re-start, wipe away, and change courses many times along the way. Unexpected and unique compositions, color combinations, and subject matter appear as you allow your paintings to emerge in an organic, unplanned way while working from a place of curiosity and letting go of fear.

The author of Brave Intuitive Painting, Creative Revolution, and Fresh Paint, Flora Bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, workshop facilitator, author, visionary, and inspirationalist. Her soulful and transformational approach to painting has inspired thousands of people across the globe to "let go, be bold, and unfold" as they move through fear and welcome joyful, spontaneous expression back into the creative process. Combining twenty years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, massage therapist, and lifelong truth seeker, Flora infuses her teaching and painting style with a deep connection to body, mind, and spirit. This unique fusion offers up a truly transformational experience—one that honors intuition, self-discovery, and the perfect, ever-changing present moment. Flora's vibrant original paintings are sold in several galleries throughout the United States and her licensed product lines and prints are available worldwide. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Introduction

Chapter One - Let Go: Opening up to a World of Creativity Where Anything is Possible

Chapter Two - Be Bold: Working with Wild Abandon and Committing to your Aliveness

Chapter Three - Unfold: Finding Your Unique Voice and Allowing your Paintings to be Born with Ease

About the Author

Acknowledgments

What is included with this book?

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The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Connect: Change Your Thoughts. Change Your Life.

Before you dive into the painting process, sit quietly with a journal. Notice what stories emerge in your mind as you consider your creativity. How do you respond to the questions “Are you creative?” and “Are you an artist?” Write your stories down honestly as they arise in your mind. Choose two or three stories to re-create into positive affirmations. For example, if your story is “I don’t know how to paint,” your new affirmation might be “I paint with joy and ease.” You can transform “I don’t know how to work with color” into “Painting with color is effortless and spontaneous.” Write your new affirmations as if they are already happening instead of as goals to aspire to. Post them where you’ll see them every day. Share your positive new declarations with your friends and speak them out loud often and with confidence. Changing how you talk to yourself and others has tremendous power to transform what feels possible in your life. Remember, you have the power to manifest whatever life you choose, so be specific about what you want.

As you tend to your new stories and grow into their truth, notice what other stories might still be holding you back. What do you tell yourself about creating abundance through your creativity? How do you feel about belonging to a creative community? If you notice any more limiting ways of thinking, create new affirmations around these blocks and begin again. This is a lifelong practice. There is no end point. There are simply layers to peel back and beautiful gems to uncover as you step into your most powerful and authentic self. Be patient, be gentle, and don’t forget to notice all the simple treasures along the way.