Les Fleurs Decorative Painting

The works of art

I must say that I am so lucky to have great students (actually they are more like friends to me) who are very motivated, committed and hardworking. Furthermore, they are cheerful, friendly and considerate.  So it really helps when 8 of them turned up for the class today, twice the normal maximum of 4 students. This is partly due to my unavailability tomorrow and the holiday season in the last few weeks. Each one had to make little sacrifices like giving up their favourite spot and be contented with one-eighth of my attention instead of a quarter. But they got on very well with the usual cheerie mood, fun and laughter. As usual, everyone made themselves at home and did a good job. In fact, all the students I have are wonderful painters. And as the English like to say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Their works are really good. They will definitely go a long way, and I am so proud of them. Here are some examples of their works of art.

Le nouveau studio

I still receive inquiries from time to time, originated from this blog, on where I conduct my painting classes. So here it is - my painting studio - which has recently been given a fresh new makeover. The french door gives it a more continental look. Previously, it looked like this. What hasn't changed is the fact that it is my home. Yes, I paint and conduct painting lessons at home. In that way, going to work is not a big hassle to me - no traffic jam, no toll charges, no parking fees, no lunching out and never far from the kids. Some students may take a while to get used to the idea but others may take no time at all to feel at home. The facelift is designed, among others, to give better physical and sensory comfort - more space, more natural light, better air circulation, better acoustics, the natural outdoor feel and the soothing sound of gentle cascading water from the water fountain just outside. The french door and clear glass all-around enhances the aesthetics and reduces mental constraints caused by the indoor effect to make you feel more relaxed and encourage creativity. Sounds like an advertisement? You bet. Although the renovated studio at times has the tendency to increase distraction and reduce concentration. I think we all try to do the best for and take pride in our own home.

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.

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.

Creativity among friends

It feels awkward sometimes to respond to enquiries I receive on painting classes. Perhaps I should call it something else. Mention the word "class", and people tend to have an idea of a formal setting, registration, academic-type syllabus, classroom-type facilities, timetables, etc. My painting classes are actually held in a very informal, relaxed and fun setting - a very homey atmosphere, complete with roaming kids (when they are not in school, mine as well as neighbours'). Students make themselves at home and feel free to help themselves to whatever is available on the dining table and in the kitchen. In short, there are no rigid or formal rules other than the common courtesy. As classes are held in the mornings, very often the students bring with them all kinds of delicious Malaysian breakfast - nasi lemak, mee, meehoon, kuih-muih, etc. that they buy near where they live or on their way here. Some even take the trouble to bring their own homemade food or cakes, usually their specialities, to share with the others. And good food is not the only thing that they share during the classes. Although this group in the picture may appear rather absorbed and serious at work, a typical session can be so much fun and laughter as everyone is comfortable sharing their lighter sides of life. And it is such a rich experience as students come from different ethnic groups, from all walks of life and from a variety of professions (or just home ministers or ladies of leisure), but they share a common passion - decorative painting.

Some days are so sad

Teaching decorative painting at home not only gives me the precious opportunity to stay home with the kids, but also to have “friends” coming to my house regularly. After a few lessons, your students will be as good as your friends - you see them often and you get to exchange stories, opinions and notes on each other’s children.

I might have taken things too much for granted and failed to fully appreciate the effort and trouble some of the students have taken to come to my place for their lessons, until yesterday that is. I was supposed to have 3 regular students for yesterday’s class. But unfortunately, none of them were able to make it for the day. One of them, a middle-aged lady who has been my student for a long time was admitted to a hospital for a heart endoplasty surgery. Her good friend, another student of mine had kindly taken her to the hospital because her husband was away outstation. She had been complaining of tiredness for some time. I wish her the best and hope that she will get well soon.

The other 2 students decided to come together for the class in one car. But as Mr. Murphy would have it, on their way to my house, the car they were travelling in was knocked from behind by another car. So bad was the accident, the rear bumper of the car dropped to the ground and the rear lights were shattered. Very unfortunate for them but luckily neither of them were injured in the accident. But you can imagine the trauma and the trouble they have to endure before things get back to normal again.

As I spoke to them over the phone last night, I couldn’t help feeling very sorry for what happened to them. I felt so bad for what they had to go through yesterday, but they, on the other hand were so apologetic for missing the class. I hope our friendship can only grow stronger.

Uncommon courtesy

One of my students recently went to the USA to visit her brother and to visit an art convention in Philadelphia. While there, she took the opportunity on one of her free days to visit The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. By the time she reached Kansas City, it was already late in the afternoon and the Museum was about to close. Realising that she might miss the chance to see the many European and American decorative art collections there, she called the Museum and managed to speak with one of the officials. She explained that she had come all the way from Malaysia to visit the Museum. She was pleasantly surprised when the Museum official agreed to extend the visiting hours and to show her around the decorative art section. It was a truly enjoyable afternoon for her.

What a wonderful common sense courtesy that is so uncommon in our country.