Mini Lesson with Flora Bowley : 5 Ways to Begin a Painting

Studio Diaries (florabowley.co...) is a unique and inviting way to dive inside intuitive painter Flora Bowley's art studio to give you an intimate look at her creative process, conversations with fellow artists and visionaries, and receive an array of valuable, inspirational content.
There are twelve themes that she explores, each in their own volume. You can choose any individual Diaries that call to your heart and what you're working on now, or purchase the complete set at a big discount! Each Diary comes with lifetime access, so you can go at your own pace and always return to it later to fill your cup with inspiration for years to come.
Check out what current Studio Diary participants are saying about their experience right here: florabowley.co...
And if you're craving even more guidance, the entire Brave Intuitive Painting process can be found over in the Bloom True E-Course, a five-week, self-paced, painting adventure: florabowley.co...

[@MindyZielfelderArt]

Thank you - such fun! I also like to work with "dirty water." I'll keep old water, which is in different shades depending on what you're using for paints, or I'll mix it fresh, and pour it onto the canvas, then let it sit overnight. It creates all these unique shapes and blends.

[@allisonjames2923]

Wow. That’s an interesting idea!

[@CindyLejeune]

Do you have a KZbin video? Great idea you have with the paint water

[@carolynmorley7173]

I absolutely love your work and methods. Seeing you makes me think about how proud your mother was of you. You are such an inspiration.

[@juliawalsh7934]

I've been painting for about 24 years and it's good to get back to some basics. This helps me to clear the visual palette and begin again with the joy of a child.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Julia, this makes me happy to hear! Yes to getting back to the childlike joy that comes from playing in the paint! xo Flora

[@vonlossberg]

No wonder your name is Flora..you show people how to grow like a beautiful flower they are inside. So fun to see the end of all the versions..that is what I do too. Bless you angel lady!

[@massosportdc6048]

You and your art are a breath of fresh air. Your transformed the meaning of creativity for me. Thank you!!!!

[@florabowleydesigns]

I'm so glad!

[@candacekerber8896]

This is wonderful Flora!!!! Thank you for your inspiration, encouragement and generosity in sharing!

[@dianecharest8365]

Thank you Fiona. I just came across you today and glad i did. I love your style.

[@chusoskever2649]

Let it goooo! Let it gooo!! I see brushes everywhere I go-o-oo!!!

[@anastasiarose9003]

Beautiful music. Thank you for the tutorial. It is good to start fresh. I have been painting for my whole life, especially the last 25 years and this is fun. Brings the joy.

[@florabowleydesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@Parharley]

"I'll Fly Away" is an old gospel song. Love it. Great video.

[@ellioteggler4464]

Thanks for the reminder to paint at different speeds.

[@flamencoartsandmusic4487]

Hello Flora, Thank you so much for this free mini lesson. I appreciate this gift. Bought your first book in 2013 and immediately fell in love with your style, process, and philosophy. I made a mental note to study with you; but too many distractions kept me away from this pursuit. Then last week, I came across information about your 2nd book. I immediately bought it. I've been sitting on this book for a few days, wondering how I could start to paint in your style. The universe must have heard my inner dialog, and tonight, it brought me a gift - this video on KZbin, which just popped up on my screen (I was watching another artist doing Layering with acrylics.) I am very grateful and very happy to have received this video with information on how to get started. Really appreciate you sharing your talent freely. I hope someday I have the opportunity to take a class from you in person. Till then, I'll be following your Studio Diaries online. Thank You, Namaste. :-) tina

[@oliviawalker4166]

I always learn something from Flora. I’ve watched her videos for several years.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you for your support!

[@barbmclean1722]

Thank you Flora...it’s nice that you showed us how you start your paintings. I just love your work😃

[@katievr9249]

I let the song direct my whole painting yesterday, it was enya, before I ever heard of this video or knew anything of you.I think it’s the best method, frees you up so much. I made such a great abstract/intuitive painting that way. I feel absolutely seen looking at your books and videos tonite, someone understands how I do things.

[@florabowleydesigns]

I'm so happy to hear!

[@midnitemoon577]

Love these ways to start paintings! Can't wait to try each one. Thank you so much for sharing with us! 💕💥💕

[@florabowleydesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@debrathain]

I love it! And you! How fun!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you! 😃

[@melodybeierly7222]

Oh my gosh you're so much fun! I love that you dance and just let go, I subbed as soon as you started dancing. Great song, too! Great inspiration thank you.

[@kriswashburn274]

Thanks for sharing this. 😊

[@susanvanduijkeren5695]

I love your technices, thanks very much for sharing the startings!! I paint for more than 20 years, and also paint sometimes with music on, but never used the music at the start, love it!!!

[@vickifallon9182]

Flora I have been following you for a while now and you continue to inspire me. I enjoy abstract and mixed media and you cover both with your tutorial,s for me to expand my ideas to flow.

[@vel0811]

Thanks for these suggestions. I was already doing the final one, but on a much smaller scale (junk journal covers, collages etc.). I can't wait to try the others!

[@WildIrishToes]

This video inspired me on many levels! Thank YOu! I'm definitely gonna give these techniques a go!

[@lagunamangano]

I agree with Julia although she wrote her comment two years ago, but I loved this video. Thank you so much Flora. I am really getting into more abstract art and it is TRULY FREEING. Thanks again!

[@wildatartcamp]

you had me at Rising Appalachia. Great and inspiring video.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Love them!

[@mariakapatos9545]

So enjoyed the ways to start a painting thank you Flora

[@GinaHaffie]

absolutely a divine gift to find you ...... thanks for sharing your joy and passion and happy!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thanks Gina! Happy you found and enjoyed this video! xo Flora

[@leeojascastro711]

Love that deep yellow candle!

[@peteskyrunner4845]

That was a great tutorial. I've just subscribed :-). Please do more.

[@beatrizgavinho502]

Wonderful Flora... thanks!

[@debtempleton9424]

Just found this clip Flora - thank you so much. I love your painting style. Your work is drop dead gorgeous. Cheers, DEB T

[@gbear768]

how inspiring! Im definitely going to try every one of these beginnings!

[@rachellpaula3859]

Thank you Flora!

[@merlinporterarts]

Fab video...such diversity and playful encouragement!

[@kathleenstrode455]

Love how you do what you do.....trying to understand the intuitive process...started late in life with being creative..very very mind elevating..love colors..thank you ! You Tube has been my instructure !

[@girllovesbike5597]

Thank you for sharing this Flora!💜

[@dianecourtney2724]

I’m new to painting and this helped me 🥰✌🏼

[@berniesteadman7676]

Inspirational, thank you Flora

[@RBrown-zl6wo]

Super enjoyed!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NicKleemann]

Thank you!!! I finally got started on my first canvases. Loved to paint and dance to your playlists.

[@florabowleydesigns]

That's wonderful, Nic!! Keep dancing and painting it up! xo

[@rodneyharalson9807]

Ij

[@rodneyharalson9807]

Ok

[@lorikurtzlarkin3141]

Thanks to you Flora; I just discovered you today when I searched 'intuitive painting.' LOVE these videos and your work is stellar!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you!

[@rolandanielsjamie]

Rising Appalachia is one of my faves!! What a fun way to paint

[@jim7684]

A big thumbs up for your inspiring tutorials thank you so much

[@judithgillam5074]

Just loved this video . Fantastic advice and so helpful to see you actually demonstrating each approach . Thank you so much . Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@wendysartsparks]

thankyou thankyou Flora - I really needed this inspiration today! xo

[@florabowleydesigns]

So glad you enjoyed it! xo

[@allisonjames2923]

Would love to see how they all ended up. Thank you for the ideas 😊

[@ikabroukman6012]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@raerae6422]

Omg, so appreciatetive of your tips. You are a wonder to behold 🙌

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thanks for being here!

[@mariecummings7290]

Fast and intuitive. Thanks.

[@willdixon9525]

Nice video, love the song also. good energy.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thanks! Happy painting~ xo Flora

[@esmedessine8711]

Thank you Flora🌞

[@florabowleydesigns]

You are so welcome

[@creativejazzpianistrobertr2172]

Enjoyed very much Flora--U R SO CREATIVE-- Smart and so many ideas :) tks

[@annairena8979]

This is wonderful to see. It brings joy , no fear. And you are a very beautiful woman too. :)

[@tess2626]

Really great video! Especially for people like me that are full of fear of the canvas. Thank you!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you Tess, so glad you enjoyed this video! Hope you're able to shake the fears and use some of these tips to get you going! xo Flora

[@tess2626]

You give me hope!

[@daniellemolenaar]

Wonderful. Thank you!

[@JenStorerAuthor_GirlandDuck]

Totally gorgeous in every way. Thank you!!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you, Jen! Happy Painting~ xo Flora

[@tess2626]

Love this!!! Thank you.

[@inspiredflower]

Thanks for inspiring me to let go....❤️

[@florabowleydesigns]

Happy to inspire! Let Go ~ Be Bold ~ Unfold! xo Flora

[@marilynbarker8255]

I like it!! Good exercise ideas for getting started! Thanks!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thanks for being here!

[@simaabedini3617]

This is what I need since I have not done anything for long time .🙂

[@ajaylack4252]

I am captivated by your whole process. Thanks for sharing these techniques. I just purchased your book and am eagerly awaiting delivery.

[@ingerlisegaarder268]

Flora u are an inspiring artist. Thank u 🙆🏻‍♀️🙆‍♂️

[@judyschiavone3962]

Great work ...and very nice music

[@EvieD]

It's a joy to watch you work. I have always wondered how canvases are affixed to the wall to allow painting for large pieces. It seems very stable. Is there a trick (hopefully this is not a silly question - I am coming back to painting from many years away).

[@katievr9249]

also you have the best taste in music.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Thank you! It's a true delight to share.

[@irmamunoz2912]

Muy simpática flora me gusta mucho tu trabajo saludos flora mucho éxito

[@giliarmson7293]

So just various mark making exercises !

[@florabowleydesigns]

Enjoy!

[@mariabanholzer5960]

🙏🙏🙏💖frim South of France ☀️

[@minihoney13]

I so love your work and your methods, Flora, you're inspirational. I just love watching your 'flow' Do you sand your canvas? 🤔 However, my paints don't seem to flow like yours and retain their colour. Do I really need to spend out on Golden paints? I'm using Daler rowney and similar, mixed with fluid medium sometimes. Where am I going wrong?

[@petrafreis5586]

❤

[@brendaoquin]

Wonderful video and great suggestions. What colors do you use to paint the edges?

[@22222murray]

I love the idea of working with your fingers and hands. I've been reluctant to do this on a regular basis so with Invisible Care that will be helpful. Where can I find this? I have an amazing skin technology product that is good for dry and chapped skin, as afterwards, but Invisible Care sounds like the perfect product to use before. You can abandon your hands to the paint and movement. Wonderful.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Eileen, Invisible Care can be found at DickBlick.com - Dick Blick Art Materials‎. Happy Painting~ xo Flora

[@anuradhabhalla5483]

Hi Flora. I love 💕love. How u paint. Your techniques nd so freely nd beautiful colourful it turns out ... do u gesso the canvas before u start or raw canvas ... u said u use acrylics fluid .. any medium added

[@Andeana13]

thankyou so much

[@gypsysnickerdoodle4354]

I have a new album tonight THANK YOU!

[@LittleCherryHill]

Thank you for sharing these little tutorials with us!! I am in the middle of watching your creative bug tutorial - so much fun! Can I ask what the turquoise looking fluid colour is called, that you used on your last canvas?? I must have it - such a vibrant blue! love it!

[@florabowleydesigns]

So happy you're enjoying them! I think the turquoise hue you're referring to is Golden Turquois (Phthalo) or the blue hue I love is Golden Prussian Blue. I hope that helps! xo flora

[@LittleCherryHill]

Thank you :)

[@CindyLejeune]

How much do you get for your paintings ? I love how happy you are and I love the paintings.

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi dear, you can find my available work here: florabowley.com/available-work/

[@CindyLejeune]

@@florabowleydesigns thank you so very much

[@saschamudge2311]

Thankyou

[@GayleReicheltArt]

I love these and plan to try them. Just curious, how do you then proceed?

[@florabowleydesigns]

Check out my online courses, especially the Bloom True E-Course, to learn how to make a full sized intuitive painting from start to finish: florabowley.com/online-learning/ecourse/

[@whyducks1]

Loved these ideas, but what would be the next stage please? That is where I would be stuck. x

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Kathy! If you're interested in more intuitive painting videos (and how to finish a painting!), visit my website to learn all about Studio Diaries: florabowley.com/studio-diaries/current-diaries/ There's even a free sample Diary there! xo flora

[@whyducks1]

Wow oh Thank you so much Flora. I will certainly take a look Thank you x

[@karinberger2964]

I love the first song....which Band is this? Thank you Your pictures are great!!!!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Karin, glad you like it, me too! It's called, 'I'll Fly Away' by Rising Appalachia. xo Flora

[@murryumm445]

hi there what paints are you using? they look quite the funky! haha

[@guadatagalogpante1163]

I love your work so much Flora. I'm an intuitive artist too and I'm learning a lot from your videos and looking at your art. I hope to really meet you one day!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hello Guada! I mount the canvas on the wall with two screws, or you could use nails. For my palette, I actually just put a large piece of glass right on top of a table! It works great:) I hope that helps! xo flora

[@fingcat]

Hi Flora, I was wondering what kind of paints you use? Are they acrylics? I've just discovered your website and everything, haven't tried intuitive painting yet but very keen to give it a go, you're very inspiring, thanks for posting these vids :)

[@florabowleydesigns]

Yep they're acrylics! So happy that you're enjoying the videos--there are more freebies on my website too! Click here: florabowley.com/diaries/sample-studio-diary/ xo flora

[@debterry1007]

Hi Flora.... I know you like to use your fingers alot when you paint... do you ever have any trouble with the chemicals in the paint.. ? I don't see you use rubber gloves.... but do you use that lotion Art Guard i think its called... does it work??? I would love to paint with my fingers but am worried about it............Hugs! deb

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Deb! I always use 'Invisible Care' before I begin a painting, so if I feel like using my hands in the moment, I'm protected:) xo flora

[@_Y___]

Subtítulos en español please ✨💓✨

[@moisessambo4057]

we need to do workshop...many things i need to now...

[@florabowleydesigns]

I'll be posting upcoming workshops soon! florabowley.com/workshops

[@stoneycase5440]

I really hate the term "mark making". Not exactly sure why. Love this video tho!

[@macchiato021]

You are incredible ,,,,,, come paint with me !,,,,,

[@ericatfresco5691]

Hi Flora! I love your work!! So much!

[@florabowleydesigns]

Hi Erica, Thanks for writing! I understand your need and would like to accommodate. Right now we are building an e-course which takes up much of my time. I will make a note to look into future options for subtitles. Sending love! xo Flora

[@ericatfresco5691]

thank you so much!!

[@ThePetravic]

Flora Bowley Hi Flora! Your style has all my attention! That is the attitude i like in respect to art, a natural flow! Do you have classes on line? If so let me have information regarding this. Your answer is appeciated! Thanks from Puerto Rico!

[@pomponettedetriana1879]

hello Flora thanks a lot for your transmision. can toi translate tours videos in french please? ? ans is it possible to translate your lessons by month too? ? thank you very much Amandine

[@leetravathan]

You are my kind of artist. This is the way I paint and have for a long time. And, strangely, you and I could be sisters. LOL Similar look. Tribal? Hmmmmmm...

[@Fers_Ibarra]

I cant feel it 😔

[@amitapopli5986]

u r too gud

[@johncastle8254]

Did you find that cd in a skip behind a thrift store .

[@madeleineduxbury9877]

John Castle are you denigrating the performance?

[@yvesfremin4388]

Quel plaisir de barbouiller ! Yves Frémin, peintre à Plouézec (Côtes d'Armor) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabHaWR8q7KXZrs

[@dianecharest8365]

Sorry Flora. Lol Thought it was Fiona.

[@CobraDove1111]

Is this a joke??

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

lol

[@marciabradley7660]

I tell my students they have to be willing to ruin their work

[@florabowleydesigns]

Yes!

[@mariarascon5031]

19:58 Se escribe 'Easy peasy'. En español: 'Pan comido'.