Wednesday, January 14, 2015

A couple of weeks ago




I scrubbed my forty-year-old plates from Italy until they looked like new again. 

Then, I decided to paint a few new plates. 



And here they are. Brand spanking new. 

Only this group didn't have to come across the big pond.  






I also decided to add a few bowls to the mix.  








All look very similar to my original Italian plates which I purchased more than forty years ago. 

That is because I paint in the 600-year-old Italian Maiolica tradition using Italian pigments and Italian glazes.







The above set of 16 pieces is available in my Etsy shop.

Have a super weekend, 

Gina  

For Rosemary and Mark extra pictures of the plate rack 



16 comments:

  1. Dear Gina,
    this set of plates and bowls turned out beautifully and, as always, it is the color I enjoy so much in your paintings.If I did not have my set of Hortensia plates from you already..........................Of course, my Armorial plate from you ( I can hardly wait ) is even more exciting.
    Warmest greetings, Sieglinde

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    1. Dear Sieglinde, I am diligently working on your Armorial Plates. You have come up with a very interesting and beautiful design. It should translate well, especially since we are going to add a good measure of gold to the design.

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  2. Dear Gina,

    Your new plates have much charm, and I like the way the fruit and leaves graduate in color. As I look at the woodwork, I notice that the shelves and rails are hand-carved. Is that a piece from your father?

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    1. Dear Mark, You are correct. The plate rack is hand carved. It was carved by my Mr. Gene. I have posted a link, at the bottom of my post (see above), which shows additional pictures and it also tells a little more of how the plate rack came about.

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    2. Dear Gina,

      I left a comment with the link, but I'll say it again here — Gene's work is gorgeous, and I know his interest in carving must have made your father a very happy man. You and Gene have very complementary talents, that's for sure!

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    3. Dear Mark, Gene is one of those fellows who knows how to do everything well. Yes. he can carve wood but this farm boy also became Vice President of a very large company and at an early age. He can do everything better than anyone else. It doesn't matter what it is. Gene spent time with my Father because the two liked and respected each other.

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  3. Dear Gina - your plates and bowls are delightful, somebody will be very fortunate to own and enjoy them.
    Like Mark, I too was wondering whether the cabinet was your father's work, with the very fine and attractive carving down the sides?

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    1. Dear Rosemary, I added a link to the bottom of the above post. It is a link which will take you back to January 2010 when I featured my plate rack. It was carved by Gene in my Dad;s Atelier.

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    2. You are both so talented - Gene's cabinet is wonderful. The little heart he incorporated into it must indicate 'made with love for Gina'.
      My grandson is at University in his second term doing Product and Furniture Design, and I am sure that he would be very envious of that fine chest filled with your father's tools.

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    3. Dear Rosemary, How fantastic that your grandson is interested in Product and Furniture Design. It seems that so few young people are interested in the hands on skills. Bravo!

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  4. Hello Gina your plates are beautiful. I saw your blog on a friends bloglist and had to come visit. I do not live in the middle of an alfalfa field but I do have one right across the road and it is the view out my kitchen window. I love it and pray that it will never become streets and houses (at least not in my lifetime). Your blog is so elegant and quite romantic . . . your amazing talent shines out in all of your photos. I'm delighted to meet you, and to become your newest follower.
    Connie :)

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    1. Hello Connie, How nice of you to stop by and leave such a lovely comment. You have made my day! I will keep my fingers crossed for you so nothing will obstruct your beautiful view. I hope that you can always enjoy your Alfalfa Field.
      Thank you also for becoming my newest Follower.

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  5. Don't you love being an artist? You love your original plates, and drawing on your skills and background, you were able to create new ones that are almost spot on replicas. I definitely see your style, but also your skill. We both know those italian pigments are coveted and make all the difference! I am sure you enjoyed the process, as that is what we truly own as artist once the final results is sold and gone.

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  6. Dear Theresa, What you say is so true and I hadn't thought of it that way...it is the process we enjoy and how we learn from each accomplishment. It is always so gratifying to paint something that is liked and will endure for a little while.

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  7. Wow Gina - perhaps I need to rethink my all white plates! What stunning design and craftsmanship (or do they say craftswomanship these days)? You certainly paint like nobody else. Your skill is amazing and choice of colors perfect, and how wonderful to know you are gifting the world with such beautiful things for later generations to enjoy.
    You are the best -
    Hugs, Mary

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  8. Dear Mary, All white plates are always best. But it does't hurt to add a little color into your life. It is very satisfying to paint practical items that will last several lifetimes. I am so pleased that you like my plates.

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