M Arnspiger China Painting

On this webpage you will find examples of the creative genius of Mildred Arnspiger. I met this remarkable lady in 1970 and was captivated by both her and the beautiful china, hand-painted by her, which adorned her home.

Mildred was a student, contemporary and friend of Sonie Ames and other well-known porcelain painters in California and Arizona. I can still remember the frantic preparations for the large China shows in California and Arizona in which she was a major vendor. I would help in her booth, selling many of her beautiful creations.

As a testament to Mildred's ability to paint anything, I would like to relate this story. Shortly after I married her youngest son, Gene in 1970, she offered to paint me a wedding plate and suggested I choose a design. When I showed her the design I wanted her to paint, she was a little surprised. You see, it wasn't bells and a few flowers, no, it was the Wedding Plate shown on this web page in the Misc category. It is an heirloom now and continues to be one of my most cherished possessions.

Mildred has four daughter-in-laws, each of whom have been the recipient of many of her beautiful pieces throughout the years. To this day, at birthdays and Christmases, we all hope for a piece of her art. Thankfully, she is most generous with it.

Mildred has been a teacher of porcelain painting since I have known her. Many are the afternoons I sat in with her classes, trying to learn this unique art, but mostly enjoying the camaraderie. She has been President of several Porcelain Art organizations, both in California and Arizona, and has operated her business from her home as well as a commercial location. She has created patterns of her own design which are available on this site. Many times I have watched her recreate the pattern and color exactly of the old antique glass lamps.

As the years have gone by Mildred's expertise continues to grow. The mural tiles shown on this site are from my kitchen. I had always wanted painted tiles of her roses in my kitchen and one year ago, I got my wish. No challenge is too great for this lady. She can paint anything on porcelain and with a masters hand.

Many of these articles are for sale. Please contact Mildred's agent, Jo Arnspiger to inquire about purchasing or special orders.

I hope all who visit this site enjoy the beauty created by Mildred Arnspiger.

Thank you for visiting -- Jo Arnspiger

The following is an article written by a student of Mildred's in 1991. I think all who have ever been associated with this wonderful lady will agree with the sentiments of the article.

China Decorator April 1991 by Mildred Ruhr
It would take a long list of adjectives to describe our china painting teacher, Mildred Arnspiger. Besides being a very qualified teacher, she has so many other charming qualities. One of these is patience with her many students. She makes each of us feel as though we are special and capable of painting anything we desire. Her enthusiasm permeates her classes and even beginners are surprised at what they can accomplish. Not only do her students paint with joy but they share good fellowship and harmonious rapport of accomplishment and helpfulness to each other. Her finished paintings exude a special energetic drama that sets them apart from the ordinary and so perhaps it is this same inner quality that makes her a teacher that is far above ordinary. Her specialty is large ruby roses and giant chrysanthemums which seem to miraculously bloom as she casually sweeps her brush in bold and calculated strokes and wipeouts; but any subject including portraits come alive at the touch of her magic brush.

Her painting career started in California in 1964. She has taught for many years, but has recently retired to Prescott, Arizona. She has been a member of IPAT since 1966 and was president of California Teachers in 1966. She is a member of the following organizations: Arizona China Painters Guild, Cactus Brushes, Porcelain Art Club and California Art Association.

©Mildred Arnspiger This website and its contents in the format presented are copyrighted 2005 by Mildred Arnspiger unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to link to this site from other FREE sites however, these pages in the format presented and including such pictures as have been included may not be copied, altered, converted or uploaded to any electronic systems, BBS or linked in any manner to another site so that these pages appear to be a part of that site, including "frame" capturing. Nor may they be included in any software or print collection of any type without the express written permission of the artist. Mildred Arnspiger