Inner Discovery Painting 2023

Using hair as a medium for art

I joined the Los Angeles Arboretum this November for an intimate painting experience. This was extra special because it was my first public hair painting performance. Years ago, I took a Shodo painting class in London. Shodo is one of the oldest and traditional art forms in Japan. I fell in love with the aesthetic, the simplicity, and the meditative aspect of Shodo during these classes. The movement of the brush, the imprint of the brush hair on the paper, and the vibrancy of ink after each brush stroke moved me to continue practicing my style of painting with calligraphy brushes. I’ve used several variations of brushes, but recently I’ve observed hair within the black community. In high school and college, I was a hair stylist. Conjuring up crazy twists, pin curls, corn rolls, and braids in my friend’s hair filled my weekends. I was always complimented on how relaxing people felt while getting their hair done by me. Little did I know that it was also a form of meditation for me and my client. I thought that I would go to cosmetology school at one point, but I choose to pursue fashion instead.

My appreciation for hair art continued throughout the years. I even did a fashion collection on the history of hair in fashion design school. So it’s kismet that hair is now my tool for painting. The black community is known for unique, expressive hairstyles and I want to pay homage to us through brushes that reflect that creativity. Guests sat as I completed a watercolor floral painting with my hair as I shared my story. I then led them through a workshop on using watercolors as a method of self discovery. We sipped floral tea and learned more about flowers that heal.

The workshop portion of the experience was even more magical. Painting with watercolors has an underlying lesson of surrender. It’s the only medium that you absolutely can’t control. During the process of painting with watercolors, it becomes the teacher and you become the student. You will inevitably learn more about yourself if you paint even for a few minutes everyday. The type of materials you use affects the vibrancy and texture of a watercolor painting.

I want to thank the sponsors Hippie Crafter for the watercolor paper and Viviva Colors for the watercolor colorsheets.

Return to the Los Angeles Arboretum

Join me for a multi sensory painting experience at The Los Angeles Arboretum November 4-5, 2023. In the sunset painting sessions, we will paint herbal flowers that are native to California. A blend of pigments, flower tea, music, and watercolors will set the soft mood for the evening. To sign up, visit the link below.

Inspiration behind the Inner Discovery Painting Tour

In conversation with Katyana Dandridge from K Belle Consulting, Kris Keys speaks about the inspiration and story behind the Inner Discovery Painting tour. This highlights the painting performance and workshop from her rose painting workshop with The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

What was your mission when you set out on the Inner Discovery tour?

Watercolor painting is my method of releasing mental blockages and healing. I use watercolor painting as a tool to calm the nerves and possibly provide healing while going through the process of self-discovery. I wanted to share that with other people, in hopes of inspiring them to begin a journey of self discovery.

Why do you think that flowers can unlock another level of mental wellness?

Flowers have a unique way of teaching us gratitude. Every single stage of a flower’s life cycle is significant. The sprouting, blooming, and even dying. Dead or dry flowers are often crushed into powders and used as herbs. I use this as an analogy for life. It's a symbolism that there's healing even when things come to an end. The same is true for our lives, relationships, seasons, etc.

As an expert watercolor instructor, how do you incorporate wellness into the creative process during the Inner Discovery sessions?

In my opinion, watercolor is the calmest form of painting. My creative process that I share with my attendees starts with breathing, stretching, then painting. I always pair my personal painting sessions with jazz music, a floral scent, and usually an herbal tea. I create that same atmosphere for guests in each experience.

What has it been like to work with herbalists and herbal educators? Why do you think this is an important aspect of the experience you create?

Working with herbalists has helped to educate guests and bring awareness to herbs in their region. There’s natural medicine all around us, and it’s important for attendees to know how to use plants and flowers in their neighborhoods to heal. Partnering with an herbalist educates guests on how the flowers can be used for physical healing.

Herbalist, Irena Cora. Founder of New Flowering Earth School.

Who are the Inner Discovery workshops best for?

If you struggle with surrender, if you’re in a creative block, and if you’re needing knowledge on natural healing methods; this experience is for you. If you have a hard time letting go, you would benefit greatly from this experience.

What is your favorite part of the experience?

There’s a moment in each experience where the garden or farm gets quiet. Everyone’s head is down, focused and the participants have settled into the groove of their painting. That’s when I know the magical trance of the watercolor is working. I love seeing the tranquility and amusement on everyone’s face from what they’re creating.

How have your artistic and personal journeys led you to the current moment in your career?

My personal journey started with my parent’s discovering that I have a genetic blood disorder. I’ve had a lifetime of discovering medicines, remedies, and self care practices to make me feel better. Watercolor and flowers have been a consistent theme in my healing journey. Merging my art with nature has been beneficial for my peace of mind, so I’m sharing it in hopes that it’ll have the same impact for people around the world.

Thank you to our sponsors Viviva, Arteza, and The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden for contributing to this wonderful experience.

Inner Discovery Painting Experience at Black Seeds Urban Farm Memphis

I collaborated with Black Seeds Urban Farm in Memphis, Tennessee for a relaxing Mother’s Day floral painting experience. In the workshop, I led participants through an exclusive watercolor painting session focusing on flowers such as evening primrose, honey suckle, and marigold. In this experience, founder and ethno-botanist of Black Seeds Bobby Rich helped participants explore the herbal benefits and the historical context of each flower and herb. The watercolor session was paired with floral teas sponsored by Mid South Coffee and Tea.

“Healing through art, in nature, eliminates subconscious blockages that prevent us from reaching the peak of who we were really created to be.”

— Kris Keys

Jerry Sanders, Owner of Midsouth Coffee and Tea

Smelling herbs like honeysuckle and lemon balm brings back nostalgic memories of being in my great grandmother’s garden. Those same smells helps me to tap back into those childhood dreams I had as a child. I wanted this class to be a full circle moment for everyone.

I want to thank Bobby and Derravia Rich for partnering with me for this experience. If you’re interested in using the materials used for this experience, please visit our wonderful sponsors Arteza for the papers and brushes and Viviva for the travel sized paint sheets. If you’re ever in Memphis, please do yourself a favor and visit Black Seeds Urban Farm located very close to the downtown area.

Inner Discovery Painting Experience at The Los Angeles Arboretum

I led two watercolor painting experiences at The Arboretum Los Angeles. I led participants through an exclusive watercolor painting experience utilizing the therapeutic qualities of florals to catalyze self-discovery. My swift flow of painting focuses on the release of endorphins while she calmly imparts beginner water coloring technique. Through sharing the discoveries of my own journey, I cultivate a uniquely luxurious practice that both uncovers and deepens intrapersonal understandings of creativity, healing, and reflection in order to improve overall wellness.

Here’s what people are saying about the class.

My first class with a paint brush in my hand, and I loved it! Please, teach more classes for beginners. A series would be perfect for myself and a few friends. I just completed two months of botanical illustration, which I enjoyed and learned a lot-including my desire to use water colors and be more abstract.”

-Karen Rabwin

“Music and ambiance was relaxing and enabled me to focus on painting. I loved Kris's energy and support throughout the class.”

-Nobuko Kikekawa

“I went and bought more watercolors and paintbrushes that hold water. I watercolor my roses. It is very relaxing and helps shut off the mind. Thank you. Would love to watercolor a scarf.”

-Pam Frizel

Watercolor Painting in Koh Samui, Thailand

I traveled to Koh Samui, Thailand November 2019 to lead a series of watercolor meditation painting workshops. A few months prior, I was tempted to postpone it. I’m so happy I didn’t, because this trip was a few months prior to the Corona virus shutdown. My workshops were based around the concept of surrender. Allowing the watercolors to work its magic without much interference is what I reiterated throughout the day. I was constantly reminded of those lessons as we all faced a year with little to no travel.

I taught guests and staff at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Spa how to paint florals that were grown and harvested in Thailand. Flowers like orchids, hibiscus, and marigolds were prominent. We painted them using watercolors while listening to the most soothing playlist on Spotify. I’ll leave the link for you below.

Kamalaya was the perfect place to unplug and relax. Their detox philosophy is perfect for recharging. The biggest takeaway I received was the importance of nutrition according to your body. I have a genetic blood disorder, and traveling long usually causes a lot of fatigue and sometimes pain. Each menu has a description of the benefits of each ingredient for the dishes and juices. I ate according to my body’s needs, and that made a huge difference in how I felt post travel. I hope you can join us on the next painting experience somewhere around the world. To stay updated on future painting workshops, leave me your email at the bottom of this page.

I found this playlist by The New York Times years ago. It’s my go to when I need a chill vibe for creating. Check it out.