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 National Beta State Convention on-site painting competition, earning first place among Alabama students.
“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-sight painting competition required students to complete an original painting in just one hour based on the theme “Wired Up.” The students were not given the prompt before the competition. Derek chose to paint a robot checking out books at a library.
“I felt really good,” Derek said. “I was terrified to stand on the stage in front of all those people, but I did it!”
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.”
His mother, Holly Jo Flora, said watching Derek walk onto the stage was an emotional moment.
“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,” his mother revealed.
Holly Jo 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.
Inspired by artist Bob Ross, Derek began painting more seriously and developing his own style.
“I really like watching Bob Ross paint,” Derek said.
Derek has faced significant health challenges throughout his life. He 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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking ahead, Derek plans to continue competing and pursuing his artistic dreams.
“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 reporter for 256 Today
