Art and Alfalfa: Maestro Romano Ranieri

Thursday, November 10, 2011

I'm in Hog Heaven

When I can be in Deruta

Where more than 200 ceramic shops line the Via Tiburina at the foot of centro storico.

At the top, the historic center of Deruta, you will find the Museo Regionale dell Ceramica, the most important Museum of its kind in the region. You enter the historic center through the Porta di S. Michele Arcangelo, where remains of early furnaces are evident.

I love strolling through the historic center, early in the morning, when shopkeepers are sweeping their sidewalks and shouting to each other. Then I can admire their beautiful work.

Antique reproductions are my favorite ceramics.

Hand painted ceramic tiles are found everywhere in Deruta.

Facades, window and door surrounds, sidewalks, fountains, garden walls...everywhere.

There is so much to admire.

Modern ceramics based on ancient designs.

Artisans from Deruta have been painting their special ceramics for over 300 years.

Maestro Romano Ranieri

The highlight of my visit is always an invitation to paint with Professore Nicola Boccini and Maestro Romano Ranieri at the Scuola d' Arte, Deruta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQktRiOKka4

Gina
http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-day-of-class.html

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

First Day of Class

I will be teaching several one and two day workshops in July

ginaceramics
Vividly, I remember my first day painting at the Scuola d' Arte Ceramica in Deruta, Italy

I painted the tile you see above on my second day of instructions

This is "my" desk at the Scuola

This tile was my first assignment. After a few hours of painting, Professor Nicola Boccini decided that I could move on to a more difficult pattern. This is the way the school tests your level of expertise.

I've painted at this fantastic school several times. Students walk in and out all day. They are encouraged to paint when they can. Always, the most revered Maestro, Romano Ranieri, is painting while keeping an eye on every student. He graciously offers his help whenever needed.

The Maestro gave me this beautiful book which contains many of his important works.

Forever I will cherish the lovely message he wrote.

And now you're in for a treat