Creating Island Delft Blue

A New Idea on an Old Classic

What can be more coastal than the color blue?  I have always been a fan of delft blue.  It is a really cool idea.  It is simple blue and white, but with a lot of detail.  Delft blue comes from the Netherlands, specifically Delft.  Yes, that is where the name comes from.

Classic Delft Blue

Delft Blue is the world-famous "porcelain" earthenware that has been produced in the city of Delft.  The Delft blue was not really Chinese porcelain, but a cheaper earthenware.  It was not made from the porcelain clay, but a clay that was coated and glazed with tin after it was fired.  Despite this it was popular with rich families.  They would put it out on display in order to show off.  Delft blue was first created in the 17th century. 

Island Delft Blue

I took this classic earthenware, delft blue and wanted to create artwork out of it.  Paints and ink form the colors and line.  The bowls and cups are replaced with canvas that you can hang on your walls.  Gone are the windmills and farm scenes instead you find manatees and turtles.  I had experimented with this idea for a while, but the end result is amazing and a whole new way to look at the island lifestyle.

 

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