Too Much Fun in NC...

Ah, day three at the wonderful Kathman residence! I arrived Thursday evening for nearly two weeks of visiting, painting, glazing, and (of course) eating good meals (Lesli had some wonderful stew in the crock-pot, with fresh bread, waiting for me when I arrived!). It's been great fun seeing Lesli and her family again (and meeting her dog Emma, and horse, Sprinkles!). I also had the added bonus of getting to see our mutual friend Mel, who drove down for the weekend. So fun!

Lesli, the fabulous shiny pony maker, runs Blackberry Lane Studio. She also has a blog about her work, and decided to blog about my visit to her studio. So, not to be outdone, I thought that I should blog about her blogging about my visit. And thus we have:


As for the projects I am working on, well, let me say how tickled I am that Lesli is letting me paint a couple of ceramic Vixens and Imps (sculpted by the super-talented Sarah Minikewicz-Breunig)! I'm just jazzed. And it has been interesting to learn about some of Lesli's methods and painting techniques. I've always admired her dapple greys, and just how soft and delicate they were. Being here, of course, that was one of the colors I needed to try- dapple grey a'la Lesli! As you can see below, I've started on one of the Vixens in this color- she will need many more layers and firings before she is done. I really hope all of y'all don't mind, but... she is for me! Yes, I cannot tell you the last time I painted something for myself, so I've decided this one's a keeper. But I'm happy to share photos!


Because I knew Lesli was casting some bisques for me, I thought I'd bring over a few of my pieces for her to play with. Here she is with Mel (and Emma), discussing what color to paint the Jellibaby she is holding:


I'm pretty sure that's what I recall they were saying, anyways....

All in all, it has been a fantasic trip so far! I hope to post more when I get a chance!

Until then, I'll let you meditate upon this thought: Right before I left for NC, I finished Jelli's mom... my new Mini Mare, "Toot Sweet"! I'm rather excited.... :)