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PrintThe Limoges tradition of porcelain painting
Artist Ronda Roush on the revered tradition.
The Limoges tradition reigns in the southern region of France, where all the porcelain in the world has its birthright. This is believed to be the finest porcelain in the world. There is kaolin in the soil in this region of France, which is believed to create an intensely white porcelain. The texture of the porcelain makes it a dream to work with. My supplies come from that region and are worthy of the quality of the porcelain.
I prefer the French paints, mediums and metallics. I use generous amounts of real gold paint, which requires special firings and treatments after firing to give it its wonderful burnished appearance. I have six kilns, two of which I use almost daily, and a small jewelry kiln I use multiple times a day.
The French style of porcelain painting reflects a refined and delicate treatment of flowers, toiles, and a variety of pastoral scenes. Symmetry, balance and color are important, as well as the addition of gold. The French aesthetic takes years of careful study to achieve. Other porcelain collections that have influenced me are those in the museums of St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, and also in Germany.
The porcelain collections in St. Petersburg trump anything I have seen anywhere in the world. It is from all parts of Europe, not just Russia. For a comprehensive study of porcelains, this is the place to go. It inspired me to come back to my studio in Tulsa and try all kinds of new approaches to my art.
