Turtle Teapot #2: All Done!

Remember Turtle Teapot #2? Where I was concerned about twisted spouts? Here it is again, all painted...

And glazed...

...And all done! The spout twisted just enough to turn out straight. Mission accomplished.

Finished teapots

Look! Crocuses!


Okay, maybe I was a little heavy-handed with the iron oxide on these teapots. I'm still getting used to how they turned out, but I think I kind of like them. I'd like to try the same ideas again, but with glazes that contrast better against the dark brown. Are the spouts twisted? Only a little.

In Progress

Had a great time today at this month's 5 hour pose figure painting session!

Laura Unfinished

On Thursday I had the opportunity to substitute teach for Jeff Yost's wonderful figure painting class at BayArts. I painted this small nude of model Laura along with the students. It was a great experience! Everyone approached the composition very differently, and it was fascinating to watch. I did my best to offer advice when they needed it and hopefully they got as much out of it as I did!

I am also subbing tomorrow and Wednesday, so hopefully I'll have some more to post then.

Turtle Teapot: second attempt!

My second attempt is ready to go!

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the twisted spouts. The teapot on the left is my failed first attempt. The spout had been cut straight, but then twisted clockwise. I cut the second teapot's spout slightly crooked. The idea is that it will twist clockwise and come out straight. Pottery is hard, man!

These bowls turned out well: I'm liking the brown dotted ware. The snake and fish teapots are in the kiln right now... Stay tuned!

Still glazing...

I'm still glazing in my kitchen... I'm excited about these new teapots. They combine my two favorite motifs: dots and scaly animals. The glaze colors are identical to the mugs in my last post (dark brown background with turquoise, white, and greenish brown). These teapots still need to be fired... I hope they turn out well!

I don't actually like snakes very much... They kind of creep me out.

"Sweet is the swamp with its secrets,
Until we meet a snake.
'Tis then we sigh for houses,
And our departure take
At that enthralling gallop
That only childhood knows.
A snake is summer's treason,
And guile is where it goes."

–Emily Dickinson

Phipps Conservatory

Today while visiting my brother in Pittsburgh where he goes to school, I had the chance to experience something special - the Phipps Conservatory. This immense Victorian-era greenhouse is home to hundreds of species of plants from all over the world and is literally next to the Pitt and Carnegie-Melon campuses . Touring it is truly a magical experience. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day:

Lovely statues everywhere

There were several Dale Chihuly sculptures hidden among the plants, as well a s huge chandelier in the foyer

In the Bonsai Room

Bonsai!

This is a Cocoa Plant! Really cool.

The Orchid room was one of my favorites. I took a ton of photos!

Orchid room

Orchid room

Orchid room

There were this thin ghost-like glass sculptures all over the orchid room. You don't notice them at first, which really adds to the experience I think.

Orchid room (again)

Orchid room (again)

This is called a stag horn fern. It was so neat looking!

Puff balls....

...From the powder puff tree!

Another Dale Chihuly

Gorgeous orchid installation and cherub sculptures

I really liked the Victorian-ness of this vase

Another cherub sculpture

Love this

Wish we could have walked through this room, but it was closed off. If you look closely (or click) you can see the goddess sculptures on the other end of the room.

I loved the people watching too! It was neat to see them experience it with me

The cactus room - very neat!

Cactus room again.

This is called a "swiss cheese" plant!

My mom and brother were getting a little annoyed at all my picture taking!!

I am so glad to visit the Phipps Conservatory and am looking forward to doing some drawings and paintings based off the photos I took. If you're ever in Pittsburgh, be sure to stop by and "Encounter something of the secret life of plants".