Post-fired finishes with Marie EvB Gibbons
Open for registration anytime.
This 4-weeks workshop with six weeks viewing is designed to introduce you to the possibilities of post fire finishes, also known as cold finishes. Once you have the understanding of Marie's technique you can apply them to almost anything. Give yourself the PERMISSION to stray from the norm. If you are creating non-functional work - sculptural pieces, post fired finishes may just be what you are looking for if you've been unhappy with glaze results, or are not in a position to use glazes and have work fired a second time. Having the freedom to work with color as it is happening on your work is an amazing thing!
The primary medium Marie uses for painting on her fired clay is fluid acrylic washes which are diluted and used in a very similar way to watercolor painting, building up saturation of color through multiple layers.
Students will be shown through videos how to prepare acrylic washes, the techniques used to apply washes and sealants to fired work, and discussion of the many possibilities available using post fire finishes, as well as the best clays and firing temperatures for pieces intended for this finishing method.
The primary medium Marie uses for painting on her fired clay is fluid acrylic washes which are diluted and used in a very similar way to watercolor painting, building up saturation of color through multiple layers.
Students will be shown through videos how to prepare acrylic washes, the techniques used to apply washes and sealants to fired work, and discussion of the many possibilities available using post fire finishes, as well as the best clays and firing temperatures for pieces intended for this finishing method.
Preview the post-fired finishes e-course
Contents of post-fired finishes
Week 1 - Preparing the clay work for painting.
Learn how to make your own ceramic tiles with different sculpturing tools. If you have bisque low-fire work available, by all means you can use that. If, however, it is an important piece to you that you have particular expectations for it is highly recommended that you create test tiles of spheres for your first experiences with the technique. Marie shows good surface treatment as preparation for this sculpting technique and demonstrates creating simple surface marks and textures that will react very well with the finishing technique we will be using. Once these pieces are fired you will be ready to start Post-Fire Finishing!
Learn how to make your own ceramic tiles with different sculpturing tools. If you have bisque low-fire work available, by all means you can use that. If, however, it is an important piece to you that you have particular expectations for it is highly recommended that you create test tiles of spheres for your first experiences with the technique. Marie shows good surface treatment as preparation for this sculpting technique and demonstrates creating simple surface marks and textures that will react very well with the finishing technique we will be using. Once these pieces are fired you will be ready to start Post-Fire Finishing!
- Introduction and overview (15:47)
- Materials and preparation (8:18)
- Making a test tile (7:56)
- Supporting software (4:22)
- Blackwashing (18:39)
Week 2 - Black washing on the fired clay.
Mixing up a batch of acrylic painting to do black washing on the sculptured tiles.
Apply black wash to your fired clay work.
Best ways of scrubbing off black wash from the high surfaces of your pieces to create a good black and white portrait as decorating.
Drying time and a peak at what’s next!
Mixing up a batch of acrylic painting to do black washing on the sculptured tiles.
Apply black wash to your fired clay work.
Best ways of scrubbing off black wash from the high surfaces of your pieces to create a good black and white portrait as decorating.
Drying time and a peak at what’s next!
- Blackwashing (18:39)
- Review blackwashing and color painting (14:06)
- Painting the tile (1) (14:09)
- Painting the tile (2) (10:35)
Week 3 - Adding acrylic color paint to clay sculptures
How to mix colors for painting.
Techniques for mixing color washes.
How to use layering sheer applications to build up color for cold finishes.
Tips for creating skin tones with acrylics.
Add special effects and detail accents.
Liquid Gold Leaf, and other special detail mediums you can use.
How to mix colors for painting.
Techniques for mixing color washes.
How to use layering sheer applications to build up color for cold finishes.
Tips for creating skin tones with acrylics.
Add special effects and detail accents.
Liquid Gold Leaf, and other special detail mediums you can use.
- Figurative painting (12:49)
- Artist expression of memory loss (4:47)
- Artist expression of Milagro or miracle (1:51)
Week 4 - wrapping up of the post-fired finishes
How to seal and keep painting on clay. work and wrapping up
How to seal and keep painting on clay. work and wrapping up
- Sealing and finishing off (17:50)
Registration policy
What do I need for this e-course?
- You must have consistent access to a computer, iPad or iPhone or related technology.
- You must have basic computer knowledge. (Although we will assist you with the viewing of the videos, we cannot teach you how to use a computer).
- Acrylic paints, fluid consistency which is bottled acrylics, also known as craft acrylics. they are a thinner consistency which makes them much better to dilute. you will need black for the black wash method, and colors of your choosing for coloring your work. Avoid pastels, such as pink, light yellows, blues, greens etc. pastels are mixed with white and can leave a chalky residue. Some brand names you can find in craft stores and also online: Ceramacoat, folk art, Anita's, Dick Blick also has a line of craft acrylics (I have no brand loyalty, any of these work well)
- brushes, soft bristol such as nylon in sizes varying from small to medium
- bucket for water, small container for mixing color washes
- scouring pad also called scrubbies and / or Mr. Clean magic erasers
- clear acrylic sealant - I prefer spray on, but brush ons can also work. My preferred sealant is by Rustoleum, 2x matte clear acrylic sealant (found in craft or hardware stores)
- we will discuss additional mediums that can be used, these would be optional add on's, such as liquid gold leaf
- white, low fire clay work to paint on. I work in a low fire white sculpture clay (Laguna Raku K) fired to cone 04 Work with surface texture such as carving, impressed designs, etc. is best with these techniques
- This class will offer you the ability to use post fired techniques to finish your ceramic work, specifically acrylic washes. How to dilute acrylics to a watercolor consistency, how to apply color and increase saturation by layering colors. Black washing, to obtain dynamic black and white detailing. Use of optional add on mediums such as acrylic gold leaf.
- No refunding.
- Submitting an online registration indicates your agreement with this policy.