Porcelain Painter Barbara McGuckin Keeps a ‘ Lost Art ’ Alive
Story by Staci Elder HENSLEY Photos by Marise BOEHS
TOP : A variety of small porcelain pieces Barbara designed for her children and grandchildren .
BOTTOM : Barbara McGuckin in her home studio .
As the daughter of John Goodno , owner of Norman ’ s iconic Goodno ’ s Jewelry Store , Barbara McGuckin grew up surrounded by beautiful and unique items . So , it ’ s no surprise that she ’ s ended up creating her own amazing heirloom pieces , as one of the world ’ s master porcelain and bisque painters .
McGuckin ’ s work has made her one of the premier painters in her medium , and she continues to be recognized at the national and international level . Most recently , her art was highlighted by the World Organization of China Painter ’ s ( WOCP ) magazine , “ The China Painter ,” in its January-March 2021 issue . She ’ s also been honored at the International Porcelain Artists & Teachers Association international competition in Albuquerque , N . M ., and has work displayed in the WOCP museum . As if that weren ’ t enough , she has a good-sized bin that ’ s overflowing with dozens of Oklahoma State Fair award ribbons – most of them first place or “ best of show .”
McGuckin paints on both bisque and porcelain , preferring to use Dresden china purchased from France and Germany It doesn ’ t matter whether it ’ s a plate , vase , teapot , ornament , a commemorative baby shoe or any other item -- if it ’ s made from porcelain or bisque , then she ’ s painted it . She ’ s also tackled just about every subject matter , ranging from florals to portraits to zoo animals and more .
“ I like to do a little bit of everything ,” she said . “ The only thing I don ’ t do are matching sets of dishes . I like each item to be individual ; no two things are exactly alike .”
Painting on porcelain is a time-consuming and precise process , requiring specialized fine-point brushes , powder
22 NormanMagazine . com | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022