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Brave Intuitive Painting-Let Go, Be Bold, Unfold!: Techniques for Uncovering Your Own Unique Painting Style
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 “You don't begin with a preconceived painting in mind; you allow the painting to unfold.” 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.
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 “You don't begin with a preconceived painting in mind; you allow the painting to unfold.” 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.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
28 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 24, 2015
I had been intrigued by this book for a while, so it was doubly disappointing to read the book and discover how little worthwhile information is in it. Worse still, what it does contain, at least in the first part, is some disturbing ideology and lingo swiped from the Law of Attraction folks. As in, if your life sucks it's only because you haven't visualized your life not sucking. I have huge issues with that (who wouldn't?) and I also have issues with that stuff making its way into a book about painting.
So, yeah, the first third or so of the book is a lot of "inspiring" quotes and stuff about the importance of self-expression. I felt like these ideas were fine and good but also so general as to be really useless. And, more importantly, a lot of the content was geared toward telling readers to just let go, stay true to their own voices, etc. while giving zero instructions on how to do that.
By the time Bowley does finally start talking about painting, it's too little, too late, and her actual instructional stuff is insubstantial, to put it mildly. I liked maybe two or three ideas, like fingerpainting with one's eyes closed. I think she devotes a bit too much time to recommending dancing around the studio before painting (do people need instructions on how to do that?). I won't be keeping this book or utilizing it, sadly.
It may seem strange to write a review this detailed and harsh over a beginners' painting book. But knowing how to create and express myself has kept me alive more than once. So It troubles me to think of people shelling out for this book and trying to make better art, only to get frustrated that their art doesn't improve because of it or that they aren't able to fully let go and be themselves enough. I'm not saying that instructional art books need to be uptight tomes without mention of dancing or yoga; I just want readers to get their money's worth without having sunshine blown up their asses.
So, yeah, the first third or so of the book is a lot of "inspiring" quotes and stuff about the importance of self-expression. I felt like these ideas were fine and good but also so general as to be really useless. And, more importantly, a lot of the content was geared toward telling readers to just let go, stay true to their own voices, etc. while giving zero instructions on how to do that.
By the time Bowley does finally start talking about painting, it's too little, too late, and her actual instructional stuff is insubstantial, to put it mildly. I liked maybe two or three ideas, like fingerpainting with one's eyes closed. I think she devotes a bit too much time to recommending dancing around the studio before painting (do people need instructions on how to do that?). I won't be keeping this book or utilizing it, sadly.
It may seem strange to write a review this detailed and harsh over a beginners' painting book. But knowing how to create and express myself has kept me alive more than once. So It troubles me to think of people shelling out for this book and trying to make better art, only to get frustrated that their art doesn't improve because of it or that they aren't able to fully let go and be themselves enough. I'm not saying that instructional art books need to be uptight tomes without mention of dancing or yoga; I just want readers to get their money's worth without having sunshine blown up their asses.
May 14, 2012
A beautiful offering that has many photos of Flora's amazing paintings. This is *not* a step-by-step project-based book where if you do 1, 2, & 3 you will get the finished project, but rather a look at the tools and techniques that Flora uses in creating her own art (with many prompts along the way), as well as her wonderful approach to art and life that is playful, soulful, and encouraging. This book will have you trusting your own instincts as a painter and feeling inspired to sit down and get messy with paint because she's like a friend gently whispering to you that there are no mistakes and every mark on your canvas is there for a reason.
This is a fantastic companion to refer back to after you've taken her online class.
This is a fantastic companion to refer back to after you've taken her online class.
November 21, 2024
Nice book! I am very impressed by this artist's style, persistence, and productivity! I got a few good ideas and enjoyed what I see as a feast for the eyes - her multiple wild paintings and even photographs taken of her while she worked.
After reading the entire book I copied the pages of painting prompts onto papers I could cut up so I could put the prompts in a jar and pick them out one at a time for a fun painting experimental journey. I'm doing this art in my "junk journal" where I do a lot of my experimental art after reading art books similar to this one. Great fun! I'm still doing that as a warmup exercise before painting on a canvas.
I took off one star because of the New Age type philosophy she included in this book. Other than that this was a great book and a good effort on the part of the artist.
After reading the entire book I copied the pages of painting prompts onto papers I could cut up so I could put the prompts in a jar and pick them out one at a time for a fun painting experimental journey. I'm doing this art in my "junk journal" where I do a lot of my experimental art after reading art books similar to this one. Great fun! I'm still doing that as a warmup exercise before painting on a canvas.
I took off one star because of the New Age type philosophy she included in this book. Other than that this was a great book and a good effort on the part of the artist.
December 6, 2012
Luckily, I took Flora Bowley's online painting class before reading this book, so everything she shares makes perfect sense to me. It really is a digest of her class. Unfortunately, I can see how if you have not taken her class, this book might seem like a bit of a jumbled mess of ideas with no coherent structure. The images are gorgeous, but this book is really not a "how-to" in the mainstream sense. It is more a book of creative philosophy, a "how this could maybe work for you." I really encourage anyone interested in this book to take Flora's online class. It is completely worth the fee and then some. She shares lessons and creative approaches to painting that will stay with you for a lifetime!
February 24, 2014
Yeah, well if like me the title got you all excited, you might be disappointed with this book. It has wonderful photos, and I like the art the author creates, but the language is too flowery for my tastes, and while there are a few painting tips, there was not much cohesion or structure to this book. This read like a workshop put to paper, and there seems to be much lost in translation.
May 28, 2013
2.5.
The language is too flowery for me. And I like a bit of flower! But there is a lot of finding your brave inner self and focusing on your desires and brave self. Art really is a way of life for the author, as it should be. I'm just not sure it is a book for people who don't have 2 hours free to work on simultaneous canvases, as a warm up exercise!
But I think my biggest thing, is some people are just gifted and talented, and can make magic out of paint and canvas. Flora is one of those people, for a lot of us, no amount of dancing like nobody is watching and turning the canvas upside down is going to create beautiful pieces of art. I am fine with this! But this book makes out creating art is this brave, learned thing. I'm just not convinced it is.
The language is too flowery for me. And I like a bit of flower! But there is a lot of finding your brave inner self and focusing on your desires and brave self. Art really is a way of life for the author, as it should be. I'm just not sure it is a book for people who don't have 2 hours free to work on simultaneous canvases, as a warm up exercise!
But I think my biggest thing, is some people are just gifted and talented, and can make magic out of paint and canvas. Flora is one of those people, for a lot of us, no amount of dancing like nobody is watching and turning the canvas upside down is going to create beautiful pieces of art. I am fine with this! But this book makes out creating art is this brave, learned thing. I'm just not convinced it is.
July 20, 2012
This is a very pretty book with very little substance. There are some interesting ideas in here and one might find it inspirational but I also found some of it very discouraging. The author talks about how one really needs to work on a large surface to get the most out of her way of doing things and should work on at least two canvases at a time that are at least 30" x 30" and doesn't seem to take in consideration that some people just don't have the luxury of that kind of space. I found that very discouraging.
I don't feel that this was worth the money I spent on it, I should have just waited until the library picked it up and borrowed it.
I don't feel that this was worth the money I spent on it, I should have just waited until the library picked it up and borrowed it.
November 22, 2012
This is definitely my all time favorite art book!!
I sat down for an hour and read and completely understood Flora's process... I have tried her method in my own art and it does work!!!
Rather than trying to perfectly paint my own photographs and stifle my own creativity in the process, I now paint unique pieces of art!!
I feel liberated..!!! YAY!!
I sat down for an hour and read and completely understood Flora's process... I have tried her method in my own art and it does work!!!
Rather than trying to perfectly paint my own photographs and stifle my own creativity in the process, I now paint unique pieces of art!!
I feel liberated..!!! YAY!!
November 20, 2012
This book is not about "how to" but about helping you free up some of that creativity bottled up inside. I found the exercises helpful to tap into some of that fun you found in art class as a little kid! Beautiful color and honest writing.
November 24, 2013
Very pretty, but not terribly useful for people who don't have the space she does. Where am I going to work on 2 30x30 canvases at once? Good tips on using fingers and random things to make marks. I did like some of the prompts to get creativity flowing.
June 20, 2021
This book is interactive, creative and transformative. I loved reading along, stopping to stretch and moving on with these innovative painting techniques! Love, love, love this artist and author!
June 10, 2018
Flora is the absolute most influential artist in my life and kickstarted my love of abstract painting. I took her Bloom True course and this book is such a great reference after the course. I refer to it often for inspiration and reminders on how to really create from the heart. It’s full of great painting techniques but goes way beyond that into using different facets of creativity as metaphors for life.
March 30, 2019
A beautiful book with good sturdy pages that feel good to touch. The author offers suggestions to begin painting without a preconceived idea or plan. I like that the suggestions are brief and open ended. The author’s painting examples are lovely but not intimidating. Her suggestions would be equally useful at a self retreat or time with friends. The pages are so engaging, I struggle with the urge to place a big blue handprint...or some paint splatters on them. 🎨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
For someone who is curious about painting with acrylics, this is a great book to start with IF you already have a pretty laid-back attitude about life and art. Flora is a very intuitive soul, and paints that way. Get a layer of paint on the canvas, then keep adding layers until you are satisfied with the results. The book and her YouTube videos have been fantastic to get me started. She is a very fun, spiritual being.
February 24, 2018
I read this in a day and likely will go back and tease out elements of the book and infuse that knowledge into my art. It’s also a great resource for my Mixed Media class. I’ve been struggling with teaching my High Schoolers about Intuition and I believe this will be a game changer.
August 3, 2018
I adore Flora Bowley and this new world of Intuitive Painting she has introduced me to.
Both of her books are worth owning. This one in particular is the how-to for beginners.
Read this one first!
Both of her books are worth owning. This one in particular is the how-to for beginners.
Read this one first!
November 11, 2017
Flora is more than an art teacher, she is a life teacher.
December 22, 2017
I am not a painter, but I wish I was and I admire people who are. I loved this book because anyone can get inspired by it. And who doesn't need inspiration?
April 22, 2018
Great book for encouraging and helping artists to develop their own styles of painting.
May 27, 2018
excellent, going through the exercises now
June 19, 2018
very philosophical, no techniques
September 17, 2019
Not much substance. See Erin's review (with which I agree): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 5, 2020
Beautiful images to stroll through and let your i
January 3, 2022
More information on painting techniques, technicalities, paints, physical moves in painting and confidence building techniques, inspiring!
April 19, 2022
This is a great guide for stepping into a space to be creative. It's not a how-to guide or instruction manual, rather techniques and prompts that inspire you to find your own expression.
December 29, 2022
HÄRLIG.
November 25, 2025
Not my thing.
January 3, 2017
This is one of those books that goes against what I have learn throughout my (artistic) education, what we learn the "great masters" did and what most technique/medium-specific books teach. But this is a good thing. I was in need of a fresh perspective on things and this book inspired me to try out some things I have been meaning to try out for quite some time. All I need to do now is be brave enough to try them out!
September 24, 2020
This book was bought to help me jump start my painting exercises again like in the past. It is a great book. It has offered me many ideas to get me going again back in the saddle. Full of techniques for me to do incredible stuff on my canvas like I used to, or YOU may want to.
January 1, 2014
I didn't actually work through the exercises in the book, and the author's style may not ever be mine, but I found the ideas freeing and fostering creative thoughts. I just completed my first painting class and found this book inspiring to continue my painting journey.
Some of the quotes in the book were ones I want to keep close, so bear with me while I enter them here.
"The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place." --Barbara de Angelis
"By choosing your thoughts, and by selecting which emotional currents you will release and which you will reinforce, you determine the quality of your light. You determine the effects that you will have on others and the nature of the experiences of your life."--Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."--Albert Einstein
"Work like you don't need the money. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never een hurt. Life life every day as if it were your last.--Irish Proverb
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. BEcause what the world needs is people who have come alive."--Howard Thurman
"I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center."--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."--Alan Alda
P.S. I have to return this book to the library. As I wrote the above, I realized I may have to purchase this book so I can return to its wisdom.
Some of the quotes in the book were ones I want to keep close, so bear with me while I enter them here.
"The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place." --Barbara de Angelis
"By choosing your thoughts, and by selecting which emotional currents you will release and which you will reinforce, you determine the quality of your light. You determine the effects that you will have on others and the nature of the experiences of your life."--Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."--Albert Einstein
"Work like you don't need the money. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never een hurt. Life life every day as if it were your last.--Irish Proverb
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. BEcause what the world needs is people who have come alive."--Howard Thurman
"I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center."--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."--Alan Alda
P.S. I have to return this book to the library. As I wrote the above, I realized I may have to purchase this book so I can return to its wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews