Third time must be the charm!

That is what the very talented and charming Theresa of

 Art's The Answer said.

I was commissioned by Theresa to paint an Armorial Plate for her.

This is the picture Theresa sent of her family crest.

This is my first drawing.

Theresa apologized for the complexity of the design and added that I could simplify it.  She did mention that I should include the "Lions because they would symbolize Firenze to me as well as me being a Leo".

This is the first plate I painted,  ready for the first firing.  Theresa also asked for diagonal stripes, three dots (for Medici Family) a checkerboard and family initial to be drawn within the shield.

 After gold was applied and plate was fired for the second time I noticed quite a few pin marks at the margin of the plate.  The glaze and the clay were not compatible.

Second Plate.  See the pink shadow at the bottom of the crest?  It appeared after the second firing.  It takes too long to tell you what actually happened. Suffice is to say I learned a valuable lesson.

So I added (only as an experiment) gold lines over the pink shadow to see what would happen. Into the kiln for the third time. Interesting, but no. 

 Third Plate.  All is well.  This is it!  Theresa's Armorial Plate. 

Have a great remainder of the week my dear Blogging Friends.

Gina

Ware for the Noble Table

"Ware for the Noble Table" is the title of Maiolica to be found at the Faenza, Italy Museum Collection

amyxart

This style of Maiolica is called the "Bianchi Style" or Faenza White Style.

Unlike earlier Maiolica, which was almost completely covered with decoration, the Faenza White, from the middle of the 16th to the end of the 17th century, is only partially painted.

I also spotted similar noble plates in the Leeuwarden Princesshof Museum of Holland. Both exhibits were indelibly printed upon my mind.


I promised myself that I would have such beautiful dinnerware one day. And why not, I can paint them myself.

Each one of my very large plates (8 of them) is different, however, they have one thing in common. They all incorporate my beautiful Allee, my tree lined path to my house.



I know, you say she is not of Royal Birth, but maybe she is. Maybe you would also like to feel special. I would be happy to paint a few for you.

Gina