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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Zentangle hibiscus bowl

Experimenting with a zentangle design,

just having fun doodling on a greenware bowl 

using Duncan Cobalt Crystal Black cover coat underglaze.

Followed by a clear glaze and final firing.

Just thought I'd share the finished product with the friends who watched the process.

The Hunger Bowl...

created for the

silent auction of the

Annual National Hunger and Homeless

Awareness Week

Check out the other uniquely designed bowls donated by local and renowned artists.

And it's for a great cause, so please bid generously !

Read more about the event here

.....................'tis the season of giving !

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Free Range Chicken

my latest dish design

just back from firing

( notice the chicken is in front of the wire, not trapped behind it! )

thus the title

the perfect plate for serving this chicken appetizer on

Spicy hot and so good !

Jalapenos are washed sliced and the seeds removed

then filled with slices of grilled chicken breast

and wrapped in thin sliced bacon

popped in the broiler

for approximately 5 minutes on each side

until crispy !

Enjoy !

Seashell Teapot

My latest creation is just back from bisque firing

and looking so lovely all in white !

I am happy with how the placement of the seashells

on the lid disguise the opening,

and fit beautifully together when it is closed.

A little seahorse sculpture at the handle adds interest.

Summer fun and creativity continues at the Cottage by the sea.

To see it glazed and finished click here

Purple Irises

Inspired by Tina's post found at riverfront vintage

" Vintage Inspiration "

and loving the vibrant colors and stylized graphic design of Vera Neumann

I search the studio for a bisque ware dish

and create a new design

The iris's history is rich,

dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris,

the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow,

acted as the link between heaven and earth

I am inspired by the story I read on Vera's bio...

She was the first person to put print on a bed sheet.

She was the first person to bring bright colors to the table.

She was of the belief that fine art shouldn’t just be for the wealthy.

It should be available to all and it should be incorporated in everyone’s everydays.

By having Vera linens in your kitchen,

it puts a smile on your face while you’re doing the drabbest duties.

Vera had the philosophy that you should change the art around you

every once in a while

because you soon stop seeing it.

Grateful for shared inspiration !

Stay positive anyway

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Life has a way of taking us on some crazy twists and turns at times

there hasn't been much available time for creative play

. . . . . . . . . .

imagine my delight when finding these luscious beauties

at the courtyard door upon returning home from another long day

It is so nice to be appreciated

it brought a smile to my heart and a lift to my spirit

and the paint supplies came out of hiding

lovely inspiration for new ceramic dish designs

& spring is on it's way !

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Inspiration, Vintage Fabrics

Inspired by the sweet collection of vintage fabric remnants

so generously gifted to me by Kristen at Shabby Vintage Mom

Can you imagine my surprise and delight when I arrived home

to find this gift on my doorstep ?

I wasted no time ripping open the box

and getting excited about the lovely patterns and colors

I choose to create a ceramic dish in the same genre

using her color scheme as a thank you to send off to her.

Thank you Kristen

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Spreading a little sunshine

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another ceramic creation completed

inspired by nature

&

gifts from the garden

a large oval lemon platter

the lemons are profuse this year

here is a glimpse of what is growing in my garden in January

the camellias are full of blossoms,

the narcissus are popping their heads up and blooming,

and the English primrose plants bring bright spots of color into all the greenery

( I am loving this color combination of magenta, white and yellow )

white hydrangeas, orchids, Cleopatra white camellia,

English primrose and narcissus

& more English primrose

and a very happy white azalea topiary tree

{ for all the friends in cold climates I decided to add a few snaps

of some of the pretties blooming at Summerland Cottage this time of year }