For the non-tea drinkers out there the Brown Betty teapot has quite a history. Its origins date back to the end of the 17th Century and the birth of the British Ceramic Teapot.The original unglazed teapot was made out of red clay from the Bradell Woods area in Stoke-on-Trent. Today the Brown Betty teapot is still the standard; a kind of workhorse of a teapot in use every day: rugged, sensible and practical. This still-life came about as I realized how we change our teapot when we have guests. Out comes Brown Betty's friend, a sleek, white European job with a ceramic stand in which is a little flat, circular candle keeps the tea hot. With Brown Betty we use a tea cozy, a sensible mug and sensible Orange Pekoe tea. No fuss, no muss. A glazed doughnut seems to fit the mood.
When our guests arrive we bring out the best Noritake bone china cups, saucers and plates. Elegant English Breakfast tea seems to match the home-baked biscuits. The contrast was enough to make me set up this still-life and call it Brown Betty & Friend. I expect your house is the same - right?
I worked from a photograph taken in natural daylight, with a Canon Powershot A-40 digital camera, using an iMacG5 computer, modified by Adobe Photoshop Elements3. The image size is 9 1/2" x 14", on Arches 300lb cold pressed paper, using W&N Artist quality. A full WIP (Work In Progress) on Wet Canvas!
