Around the kitchen table. . . . .

I've aways enjoyed sitting around casual kitchen tables of friends, sharing a mug of

coffee, a cup of tea, plus of course a natter and catch up of any news.

Here in Gina's comfortable kitchen in the farmhouse in Utah, it was even more special.

Besides chatting - we sent our men away to check out vintage tractors in the barn, 

plus a visit to Mr. G's friend who builds beautiful Windsor style chairs in their tiny

 farming community - we got out the paints, brushes and blank bisque tiles and

 I received an awesome art lesson in Italian Renaissance style ceramics painting.

Gina's painted kitchen cabinet and many of her colorful ceramic pieces.

Note the walls - Gina painted them and embedded straw for this special farmhouse look.

I was a little nervous. . . . actually a lot nervous!

Having worked in an administrative capacity in commercial art and advertising

 for several years, I've never considered myself an artist. I decided to paint

 something with figs and Gina, with much patience, showed me the steps.

My practice tile - manipulating and learning the brush strokes, shading, blending

 the colors.  When my fig tile was finished Gina kept it - the practice one also - to glaze

 and fire in her kiln. My finished tiles arrived a few days ago and I'm so thrilled with them.

I love how the colors have come alive and can see myself perhaps painting more

 if I can buy materials and find a kiln service in my area to fire the tiles.

This is a 6X6 inch tile - I'm using it as a coaster here in the gazebo. I love how it

 turned out and many thanks to Gina for taking time to give me such an enjoyable

 lesson. It certainly got my creative juices flowing after such a long hiatus.

Here's the link to Gina's Etsy shop where 

you will see more of her beautiful work. . . . 

. . . . . and that special kitchen table!