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!
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