I just got back from an amazing trip to Sicily, and one of the highlights was a lesson with a master cart painter, who showed me and my mother how to paint beautiful plates! Neither of us had much of any experience with oil painting or really much painting at all, but he patiently walked us through each step and we each produced a really beautiful plate! Here’s mine:
Our teacher was Damiano Rotella of Cinabro Carrettiere in Ragusa. He learned from a previous master cart painter, and now he and his carpenter partner have an apprentice of their own. Cinabro has even done collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana; it really felt like an honor to get a personal lesson from such an expert!
I’m so relieved that my plate made it back safely on the plane! I actually held it in my lap for a lot of the trip. It has a wire on the back to hang it up, so I hope to display it in my kitchen, once I figure out exactly where.
I really really enjoyed this experience and hope to paint some more in the future!
This is so awesome!! Love that you shared this experience with your mom.
I also love your concentration face and you steadying your hand. I would so be the same! Especially with such a distracting teacher.
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AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
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What plate?
Seriously, what a wonderful opportunity to learn from a pro and come away with a beautiful memory and souvenir from your trip! Both you and your mom did a fabulous job!
What an amazing souvenir and experience! I love that you took advantage of the opportunity to learn a new skill while visiting a foreign country. Both you and your mom created beautiful plates!
I would so be the same! Especially with such a distracting teacher. 
Congratulations! 
Your super cool craft is one of this week’s Featured Projects! 
