About
Marilena Patronicolas
Beginnings
Marilena Patronicolas' creative path began with enamel painting on copper, a medium that taught her to respect heat, timing, and the elemental patience of fire. For ten years, she refined her technique, working with the contrast of texture and the unpredictable magic of heat-fused metal. But it was in 1976, when she first encountered the fine, delicate surface of porcelain, that her true calling revealed itself. The white element provided a neutral background for countless creative endeavors and opened her perspective. Porcelain required a unique touch — softer, more reflective — and from the very beginning, Marilena approached it not only as an artist, but as a lifelong partner in creative expression.
A Lifelong Passion
From the very beginning, porcelain painting became a deeply personal and passionate endeavor. By 1993, she had turned this dedication into her own space: M.P. Porcelain, a workshop and showroom located in the historic Thission district of Athens. The studio was more than just a place of work — it was a sanctuary for her craft, where the gentle rhythm of the brush on glazed surfaces spoke volumes beyond words. Driven by a constant eagerness to learn, Marilena traveled across Europe, attending seminars, exploring workshops, and immersing herself in time-honored techniques. Each journey broadened her knowledge, and every return enriched the depth of her artistry.
A National First
Encouraged by the growing demand for her expertise and with the support of students and friends, Marilena established Greece’s first porcelain painting school in 1998. What started as small, personal lessons quickly developed into a well-organized curriculum that honoured tradition while embracing innovation. More than two hundred students studied under her — some pursuing porcelain as a pastime, others finding their true calling through her guidance. The school evolved into a place of both learning and artistic growth. Marilena taught with kindness, discipline, and deep respect for the creative process, fostering a community built on both structure and creativity.
A Gentle Pause
After decades of creating, Marilena has gradually stepped back from the hands-on practice of painting as time has gently slowed her pace and softened her eyesight. Yet her artistic spirit continues to shine through the works she crafted, the students she inspired, and the creative community she nurtured. Although the school and multi-art space closed in 2017, the ground floor of her home has been transformed into a smaller model studio, always welcoming students and friends by appointment. This website celebrates not only her art but also her enduring essence as an artist devoted to detail, tradition, and the joy of lifelong learning.