Monday, July 26, 2010

I'm a copycat


More than 30 years ago I purchased a set of every-day dishes, hand painted in Italy
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They are showing a lot of wear but only a few pieces are missing. I have enjoyed using them, they have a charming and simple design. Now, one thing that has always worried me; the lead content found in early pieces.



So, I am painting a new set. What do you think? Here are my first samples.










Should I copy the originals more closely, i.e., add a yellow border and simplify the design?

I would love your opinion. Please comment.


Gina


https://betweennapsontheporch.net/


17 comments:

  1. Copying is under-rated. Isn't that's how we learn from infancy everything?! About the plates, I don't like the original design as much - too sparse for my taste - and I love your right hand plate. It's perfect. No yellow border.

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  2. They're really charming. I love your interpretation. I'm undecided about the border. I almost feel that a border would work better if the fruit were slightly smaller...but they're lovely whatever you decide to do.
    Best,
    Catherine

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  3. I also prefer your plates. Can you try various colors of borders?

    One thing to consider- the original plates have more blank/white space. This may or may not feature the food better, if that is even a consideration. Obviously, totally up to you.

    Such talent you have!

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  4. Dear Francesca, My Father used to say that "Nothing is New". You are right, we learn from copying. Sometimes, copying even gives us an opportunity to expand and improvise, possibly ending up with an original.

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  5. Hi Catherine, You gave me a lot of good ideas. If I decide to add a yellow border, as in the originals, then the designs should be smaller as you have suggested. Thank you for visiting my blog and helping me with the design.

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  6. Hi Ann, thank you for your comment. I will have to think about using different colors for the borders. Often, this is done in collections of soft Porcelains of France. I do think that I should make the designs a little smaller. Maybe an in-between scale of design and open space.
    You have all given me great ideas and I thank you.

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  7. I love your interpretation!!! And I think a little border would look good...what do you think?

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  8. Hi Barbara, I think you are right. Most Italian plates, of this type, have yellow with a little orange, borders.
    By the way, your plate is on its way.

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  9. I love the plates just like they are but agree that a border would also make them very special as well. You are so talented!

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  10. Hi Jan, Who knows, I might just paint a few with borders and a few without.
    The good thing about not having a colored border is that if they get a little nick, it won't show. Hee, Hee.

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  11. Beautiful, Gina. I do think the border is lovely. As for the size of the design, I agree something in between the two. But I like your fruit and leaves better. :) Amazing work, as always. – g

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  12. Both are beautiful, but I prefer the smaller pattern with border.

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  13. You are extremely talented...they are beautiful.
    Shel

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  14. Hi Linda, I have taken your advise to heart and I agree with you...smaller looks better.
    Gina

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  15. Hi Shel, Painting ceramics is not difficult and it is a lot of fun. Thank you for visiting my blog...it is so appreciated.

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  16. What a clever girl you are! I like the originals but like even better the way you have interpreted them using a larger scale. I also like the dishes because they lend themselves to so many color combinations.

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  17. Hi Lulu, You are right...the dishes can be paired with many other designs and/or solids. Andmost of allthey are easy and quick to paint.

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