What draws us to art? Why do we prefer one style to another? Everyone interprets art in their own way. Some artists illustrate reflection and optimism. Others encourage us with their groundbreaking originality. #ClayCafeStudios is inspired by different painting styles and artists. Here are 3 that we especially admire:

Henri Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri Toulouse-Lautrec was a 19th century French painter. He was famous for his creations in lithograph drawing and highly famed for his posters. In fact, you may have a print of one of his famous posters hanging in your home.

Amedeo Modigliani

Amedeo Modigliani was a 20th century Italian painter. He was known for his portraits painted in a modern style, characterized by the elongation of faces and figures. We think his portraits have a funky feel that works well in today’s art.

Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who works in a variety of media. Her style is characterized by bright colors, repetition and patterns, especially polka dots. She has done artwork for Lancome and for Louis Vuitton, on products such as handbags, shoes and jewelry. There is currently a 50-year retrospective of her work at the Hirshhorn Museum, here in Washington DC, that runs through May 2017.

All of these artists’ styles translate well to pottery. At Clay Café Studios, we especially like the polka dots!

It’s that time of year for school auctions. #Fingerprintpottery is a great way to net your school a lot of money. Parents love anything their kids create and bright, hand-painted pottery can help fund important programs. Let us show you how it works at #ClayCafeStudios.

Step 1: Pick Out Your Pottery

Platters, large bowls and vases are popular items for auctions. Fingerprints are a great way for an entire class to contribute their talent. We have lots of ideas and would be happy to help you decide on a design that will get the bidding going at your school auction.

Step 2: Take Pottery to School for Kids to Paint

We will loan you several colors of paint and help you plan your project. You take the pottery and paint to your school and complete the project with the kids.

Step 3: We Do Finishing Details

Once you bring the piece back to our studio, we would be happy to do the finishing details, including any writing you would like. We will glaze and fire it in our kiln.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Finished Masterpiece

You pottery will be ready for pick-up in one week.

Give us a call or come by #ClayCafeStudios anytime and we will help you make plans to make your school top dollar this year!