Sunday, April 30, 2017

Sunday morning is for taking it easy.




My little corner of the world. 

Where Sky and water meet as one. 





Where Spring is late this year. 



Where Blintzes rank supreme on Sunday morning.




And little errant tulips, when gathered together, make a big splash. 





That is how we celebrate Sunday morning. 

Wishing you a most wonderful and peaceful Sunday. 
Gina 


http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
https://floral-passions.blogspot.de/


Thursday, April 27, 2017

We are celebrating



All of Spring City, Utah is celebrating because 

Heritage Day is just around the corner. 



Every year, at the end of May, our little town celebrates Heritage Day.

Many of our historic homes are open to the public. 

So are the many Artist Studios. 




My studio will be open.





Everything from tiles to plates to bowls to murals will be for sale. 

And, as I have done every year, I will demonstrate the art of maiolica painting. 





 A method of painting, on tin glazed ceramic tiles,  which has not changed in the last 600 years. 

Why not join us? 

Gina 

Sunday, April 23, 2017

A little Sunday morning quiz



What do you think?

Can you identify this pink flower?


Happy Sunday to you all. 

Gina 


Thursday, April 20, 2017

Confection



Confection, as in Architecture


Bussaco Palace was designed by Italian Architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936) 





Palace Hotel do Bussaco is located in Luso, Portugal, a short distance from Porto, Portugal. 

We drove through Portugal this past late March and early April,
the perfect time to visit Portugal.

We travelled from Pousadas to Castles to Convents.  All transformed into beautiful and luxurious hotels. 

The People of Portugal so welcoming. 







Deep in the Forest stands Bussaco Palace surrounded by a magical forest.  





A forest with a collection of 700 varieties of trees including 300 exotic species. 





A Palace of extraordinary beauty.




A place where you will feel like a princess 
(or a Prince).

 



You may choose from sixty rooms.


  


Interior and Exterior walls are covered with large Azulejo tile murals. 





Azulejos are hand decorated, tin glazed earthenware tiles.


The technique of painting on tin glazed ceramic tiles was first introduced to Portugal by Italian Potters in the late 16th century, 
where they are known as painted in the Maiolica style. 


No architectural detail was left uncarved. 





Breakfast and Dinners are served in this large and very ornate dining room.  




The same technique of painting with color pigments onto ceramic tiles is known in Italy as  Maiolica







These ceramic tile panels were painted by 
Jorge Colaco (1868-1942) depicting scenes from Portugal's colorful maritime history.  




The very same technique of painting on tiles is still being used today. 







The only part that has changed is that kilns are now powered by electricity rather than wood. 

It makes it so convenient.  I don't have to wait
6 months to see how my ceramics turned out.  
All it takes is 30 hours from firing to cooling.  


Have a great week dear Friends, 

Gina 


Saturday, April 15, 2017

Happy Easter



Happy Easter dear Friends.















And Peace on Earth. 

Gina 



Thursday, April 13, 2017

I'm back



Will share pictures soon. 

Palace Hotel do Bussaco, Luso, Portugal. 

In the meantime I am working diligently on a few orders that were waiting for me while I was away. 

Hope you're having a great week. 

Gina