About me
My work is mostly representational, depicting Nature's beauty in its many forms. My style leans toward traditional porcelain artwork, with my attempt to add a bit of contemporary flair. Living with art enriches your life, and my reward comes in creating it...I do hope you will enjoy it. I have been painting on porcelain (or china), tile, and glass for 35 years, and I've had the pleasure of sharing my love of this medium with students in classes, seminars, and club demonstrations.
Process and Care
The paints I use are overglaze enamels (china paints), and the techniques used are the same as have been used for centuries along with some new adaptations. The paint is applied, and then kiln-fired to about 1450 degrees; the firing process fuses the paints to the glaze on the porcelain or tile, making it permanent. Due to the transparent nature of the paints, details, depth and shading are added and the work is fired again. The painting usually can be completed in two or three subsequent paintings and firings. As with any hand painting, each one will be unique. The artwork is smooth, durable, is not affected by light, humidity, or grease spatters, and will tolerate any type of mild cleaning product (Windex, Top Job, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, non-abrasive Soft Scrub). You should treat your painted tile just like you treat your porcelain sink; scouring powders or pads may scratch it, just like they will the factory glaze. Care should be taken with gold trim, as it can be scratched. The sand-free grout used for a mural will not damage the painting, and it should be sealed every few years to prevent discoloration from cooking spatters.
Tile Murals
Hand-painted tiles have a myriad of uses throughout the home. Imagine being able to coordinate your fabrics, countertops, floor covering, and wall colors with tile in the kitchen, bath, foyer, fireplace, or pool area.. Working from your photographs, samples of fabric, paint chips, wallpaper, or pictures, I can create original artwork to grace your home. I can adapt any style of painting to satisfy your wishes, but I will not duplicate a copyrighted design. This work could include random tiles to be set in a border, backsplash, or tabletop, an entire border, fireplace surround, or a mural to be used over a range, tub, or shower wall. The painting will reflect your personal style of decorating, whether traditional, coastal, or contemporary. Glossy or satin finish tile works best, either in 4.25 inch or 6 inch size.
Sinks
A hand-painted sink would give your bathroom such opulence! Picture your sink painted to coordinate with your window treatment or decor. Countertop or pedestal sinks are available.