Sunday, April 12, 2015

Paul de Longpré



The self taught artist Paul de Longpré was my inspiration 

to take up watercolor painting.

I fell in love with a large watercolor painting of roses, 

bumblebees and butterflies that I had the joy of viewing 

at the Irvine Museun years ago.

What a pleasure to spy one of his originals 

currently on display just inside the 

entrance to the  Laguna Art museum.





It is the inspiration for my latest ceramic creation currently being fired.






When it comes out of firing any touch up needed will be done and a clear finishing glaze.

Then it becomes the perfect serving piece for the annual 
Art in the Garden Party 
held here each May at Summerland Cottage.


Paul de Longpré (1855–1911), was a French painter of flowers.
He was born in Lyon, France in 1855
 In 1876, at 21, he first exhibited at the Paris Salon. 
De Longpré arrived in Southern California with his family in 1899. He found inspiration in the 4,000 rose bushes he planted on his 3 acre Hollywood estate.



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Monday, April 6, 2015

Mosaic glass and ceramic seashore themed tree




I found the basic block wood tree at TJ Maxx and more.





It had a quirky lean to it even though it stood tall and strong.

Something about its simplicity and shape pulled me in 

even before I saw that it was marked down to $9.00




 It hung out with me in the cottage studio and bits of this and that visited

 just to see if they were compatible 

and what creative direction we would be taking.

                                                                           

It began to come together with some cool glass tile pieces leftover 

from a back splash in turquoise and blues 

and a few of my latest color tests on tiles 

in analogous colors cut into strips to fit in.



Bits of sea glass, ceramic seashells, pearls and even a few stray

 buttons, bright colored marbles all found a new home.




                                                                         

Here are a few fun closeups...

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Thrilled to share the fun in Somerset's Holiday issue!




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