For 11-year-old Fort Payne student Derek Flora, painting doesn’t start in a studio. It starts at the kitchen counter in his family’s home, where imagination, determination, and creativity come together.
That passion recently led to a major milestone — Derek Flora won the state championship in the Elementary Beta Club on-site painting competition, earning first place among Alabama students at the competition held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.
“I started drawing a lot when I was four, and I started painting in 2023,” Derek said. “I like to paint because it’s fun.”
The on-site painting competition required students to complete an original painting in just one hour based on the theme “Wired Up.” Students were not given the prompt until the competition began. Derek chose to paint a robot checking out books at a library.
To prepare for the competition, Derek spent weeks painting under similar circumstances he would encounter that day. He would lay out all his materials, and his mother would set a timer for one hour after giving him a surprise prompt such as animals, vehicles, or nature. Each prompt was different, helping him practice thinking creatively under pressure.
Despite feeling nervous during the timed competition, he stayed focused.
“Yes, I was nervous. I just kept painting,” he said. “I’m thinking about how Bob Ross would have done it, and I’m thinking about trying to make it look good.”
While art has become a creative outlet, Derek’s journey has included challenges far beyond the canvas.
Derek was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two weeks old and liver disease at age two. His sister, Madelyn, also lives with cystic fibrosis and diabetes.
Because of cystic fibrosis, Derek and Madelyn are homeschooled to allow time for vest treatments, medications, exercise, and numerous doctor’s appointments. They also limit their exposure to others during the winter months when sickness is rampant to protect their bodies from serious infections.
Despite those challenges, Derek continues to focus on what brings him joy.
“I don’t usually paint when I’m feeling down. I paint when I’m feeling happy,” he said.
Inspired by artist Bob Ross, Derek began painting more seriously and developing his own style.
“I really like watching Bob Ross paint,” Derek said.
Holly Jo Flora said Derek’s artistic ability became clear early in his childhood.
“When he was four or five, he’d copy logos, and they looked really good,” Holly Jo said.
Holly Jo said art has helped Derek build confidence and resilience.
“Art has given Derek something that he can work on, improve on, learn about, and feel proud of,” Holly Jo said.
After hearing his name announced as the state champion, Derek described the moment as both exciting and overwhelming.
“I felt really good,” Derek said. “I was terrified to stand on the stage in front of all those people, but I did it!”
Holly Jo said watching Derek walk onto the stage was an emotional moment. Derek has always been a shy child, she explained.
“We were so proud of him – not just for winning but for competing, doing his best, and for standing up on that stage in front of more than a thousand people,” she said.
Madelyn said watching her brother win the state championship was unforgettable.
“I think it’s awesome, and I’m really excited for him!” she said. “I screamed my guts out when he won first place!”
The siblings share a unique bond, supporting each other through both health challenges and achievements.
“Most of the things we go through, we’re going through them together,” Madelyn said.
After winning the state title, Derek will advance to compete at the National Beta Convention in June.
“I go to the National Beta Convention to paint again in June,” Derek said.
He hopes his story encourages other children to pursue what they love.
“I’d tell them to go for it!” he said.
Back at the kitchen counter in Fort Payne, Derek Flora continues building on his state championship win — one painting at a time.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
