Les Fleurs Decorative Painting

More than just students

One of the blessings that I get from the classes, perhaps due in some part to the homely environment, is the friendship with the students. I truly count my blessings. The students I have are such a wonderful bunch of people. They make the classes real fun and lively. And the friendships are not confined only to the hours of the lessons. They go beyond the painting hours. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, or even embarassed, by the kindness and generousity shown by the students, not to say the least the risk of getting overweight. They would drop by - sometimes out of their usual way - at the least expected moments with delicious gastronomic goodies such as homemade cakes, muffins, cookies, and even rojak, on top of the usual nasi lemak, mee and kuih that they bring at the start of the lessons in the morning. Yesterday afternoon I got some delicious blueberry chocolate chip muffins for tea. And whenever they go around town and other likely places to shop for their painting materials and supplies, they would call me to ask if there's anything that they could get for me, and even to the extent of buying me some hard to get brushes and other items when they know that I would be needing them. They would share with me their excitements upon discovering new places, new things or good discounts. Sometimes I doubt myself and wonder what have I really done to deserve all the good things done by the students. They really are spoling me that I have to skip normal meals just to make sure that I don't go overweight.

The bosses

In case you are wondering, my painting studio is indeed a home studio, or rather, the home itself. It takes me only seconds to go to and return from work, but unlike working away from home, I don't leave my bosses at work. I have to take care of the little bosses before work, after work, and beyond work. It's the choice I made - to stay at home to take care of the little bosses and to watch them grow, and hopefully they will take care of me later in life. I know it can be a little awkward for some of the students and I am very grateful for their understanding. Rest assured that classes are run with no or minimum interruptions, if any. They start after the kids have gone to school and finish before the kids are back. Therefore during weekdays, I can only hold morning classes. In the afternoons, the kids have their extracurricular activities, Quran classes, meetups, or are simply doing their homework at home. Yes, it is exhausting - to ferry them around, help them with their daily chores and errands, and take care of the housework - before I can find the time to sit down and concentrate on the customers' orders. I am happy that my customers understand and are willing to wait patiently for their painted items. It may be a little traditional but I'm not complaining. I call it parenting with tender loving care, and it's something that I'd rather not outsource or delegate to others.

Le studio

Voici le studio of Les Fleurs Decorative Painting where I hold my painting classes. I learned a little bit of French many years ago when I was a student and I paint a lot of flowers. So when the magazine publishing people asked me last year what do I call my decorative painting set up, the word Les Fleurs popped up. And it has been called that name ever since. The name also has a historical significance as tole painting has its origins in France before it was exported to the new world some two centuries ago. Prospective students frequently ask me at what level they can start the lessons. I take students at any level from beginners to advanced, or for specific lessons, techniques or projects such as multi-loading, faux finishing, different types of roses, Rosemaling, Zhostovo, etc. To ensure that eveyone gets sufficient attention, I keep each class to a miximum of 4 or 5 students only. But as each student maintains her own schedule, depending on convenience, level of progress or project deadlines, the number could go higher than 5 on occasions, especially Saturdays. Each learning program is structured, but at the same time can be made flexible and personalised to the need and constraints of a particular student. There is no undue pressure and students take ownership of their own progress. I believe that talent and creativity should be nurtured and not suppressed, and wherever there is a will, there is always a way.

Collectible cans

I must admit that regular blogging is not one of my strengths. Finding the time to do it is one thing, writing it nicely is another. I find painting and teaching easier than writing. But others may find it otherwise or both equally well. Unlike face-to-face or phone communications, I will not know who visits this blog, reads the stories and views the photos, unless the visitor leaves a comment or two. Some do, and I really appreciate it. I do know that some friends, fellow painters, students and customers do drop by and read the postings from time to time. Although they don't say very much or at all online, they have a lot to say when they speak to me over the phone or during the classes. Some out-of-town customers do call to check if I have posted the photos of their orders before they come and collect them.

Occasionally I receive calls from people whom I have met before but as it happens sometimes, the name and the face may not click right away. I received a few calls like that when I posted the story of my daughter being hospitalised for virus infection. But what happens today is a little unusual. This afternoon I received calls from 2 ladies whom I have not met before. Both are folk art enthusiasts who are interested in attending classes. Apparently they have been visiting this blog and asked me why I have not been updating it for some time now. Well, I hope the above explains it. And for no special reasons today, instead of posting a photo of my painted item, I have decided to show my collection of tin cans.