Water color on porcelain using soluble metal salts
Soluble Metal Salts Online Workshop with John Shirley.
Join renowned South African ceramic artist John Shirley in his in-depth online course at TeachinArt School of Art — where over 50 years of passion for clay meets ethereal, translucent beauty!
Since starting his ceramic journey in 1970, John has mastered bone china and porcelain, creating delicate, light-filled pieces that glow with subtlety. His signature technique? Soluble metal salts — applied like watercolor, these magical compounds permeate the clay body, producing soft, flowing colors, dreamy gradients, and an unmistakable ethereal quality that feels almost painted in light.
In this comprehensive workshop, John guides you step-by-step:
- How to mix and prepare soluble salt solutions safely
- Techniques for painting, blending, and layering colors on translucent porcelain and bone china
- Creative combinations on test tiles and finished forms
- Essential firing tips, considerations, and safety precautions
Whether you're new to soluble salts or looking to refine your approach, John's patient, expert instruction helps you capture that quiet, luminous beauty he has pursued for decades — now shared directly from his Johannesburg studio to yours.
Perfect for ceramic artists ready to add painterly, atmospheric depth to their work.
When you register for the class, use "00000" for the zip code if your address is not in the USA.