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!

Una bella casa. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . yes, a beautiful home.

During my visit to Gina's lovely home I asked if I might take some photos to share

 with you and she kindly allowed me to do so. I didn't want to appear rude so tried

 not to walk about with the camera ever at the ready. . . . . . after all we were there

 to enjoy Gina and Mr. G's company, not for a photoshoot! The photos I did take

 inside the house show their exquisite work, from the Palladio architectural details, 

gorgeous tiled floors, and the colorful paint finishes, to the amazing collection of 

Italian accessories from lighting and art to Gina's own painted ceramics.

No further narrative required - please just look and enjoy these photos

of this beautiful home.

I will be posting soon on the art lesson Gina gave me and can then show you

 what I painted. I was really excited about this part of the visit.

Here's the link to Gina's blog Art and Alfalfa. 

Meet me at the museum. . . . . . . . . .

I purchased timed tickets in advance to take granddaughter Jasmin to view

 two fabulous exhibitions at the North Carolina Museum of Art yesterday

 afternoon. The museum was extremely busy and lines were lengthy -

it was good to be able to walk right in.

 Drawn from "The Museum Set," M A S T E R W O R K S features 48 photographs

 curated by Ansel Adams to serve as a succinct representation of what he

 deemed the best work of his career. These stunning black and white photographs

 reveal the importance Adams placed on the awe-inspiring power and beauty of

 the natural world.

In a career that spanned more than five decades, 1902-1984 - (his first photo

 was taken at age 14 with the gift of a Kodak Brownie box camera) - Ansel Adams

 became one of America's most renowned and beloved photographers.

Included in this exhibition are Ansel Adams' most iconic images of

 majestic American landscapes such as El Capitan and the Half Dome in

 Yosemite National Park, The Golden Gate (before the bridge was built!) in

 San Francisco, and the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Ticketed with the Ansel Adams exhibition was Glory of Venice - 
Renaissance Paintings 1470-1520
I'll share this beautiful art in another post soon.

Askew by Roxy Paine

North Carolina Museum of Art - my photo from yesterday, a windy, chilly Sunday afternoon.

Yes, the tree is silver metal and is shown being installed HERE. It really is lovely.

Photography was not permitted inside the Ansel Adams exhibition gallery.

A thrilling Sunday at the museum made even more enjoyable with Jasmin,

 a budding photographer also, sharing it with me.

Do you enjoy visiting art museums?

Hoping you have one nearby.