New Painting - Turkish Cup

Michelle Wiebe Turkish Cup 10" x 10" Acrylic on Canvas 2017

 I have a habit of collecting tiny little cups, bowls and plates on my travels. If it has a hand painted pattern, I find it very hard to resist adding it to the odd sized stacks in my cupboard. Many of these things get used for tiny amounts of sauce or to hold pieces of a craft projects. I like that they they step in to be used in a variety of ways.

 I don't think I've ever painted this little cup (or bowl?) before. I bought it in a market in Istanbul a few years ago. Although the walls look nice and sturdy, the glaze is fragile and chips easily. I unearthed it the other day in my art supplies where it was holding odd pieces of chalk. I decided I needed it out in the open so I could trace it's pattern and see the effects of different light hitting it. I gave it a new use, sitting near my chair where loose buttons and hair elastics land. It has brought me quiet joy in the past few weeks. 

 As I have been pushing into this new series, I have realized that I have been craving pattern and technical detail. This piece was a tricky delight to paint all the light hitting the plate underneath my little cup. Phthalo blue has an unashamed starring role in this piece. I feel like I've embraced my flaws by using it so much!