Introduction

Painting is both craft and art. Paint is the artist's medium of expression. Craft is the combination of application of the chosen mediums. A motto I embrace is

"By learning you will teach. By teaching you will learn." author unknown.

This course will introduce a simplified technique for painting portraits on porcelain. I will explain

• brush techniques,
• use of colour
• and firing times.

NOTE: all porcelain painting must be fired in a kiln to preserve the paint application and intensify the colours.

Painting portraits on porcelain is a slow process, this requires patience but the end result is most rewarding. To paint a portrait is one of the most challenging of subjects for the artist, but there is a joy experienced when an artist has captured the expression of a true likeness.

• You will paint a portrait on porcelain by using a photograph as a guide. (you can follow my guidelines in colour)
• Portrait colours will be specified to simplify the colour mixing process.
• The correct ratio for feature measurements will be explained with a b/w diagram.
• Colour will be discussed and the qualities of colour explained.
• Colour harmony and basic design are essentials that will be taught.
• Students can expect to learn to be creative without an artistic background.
• Artistic expression will develop with these lessons.
• The chemical process of paints/mediums and firing procedure will be covered.

No part of a portrait exists by itself and we will learn to look at the face as a whole and not one feature at a time. One cannot improvise for the features must be placed in the correct position to achieve a likeness.

We will explore colour and colour decision making. Porcelain painting is a fascinating form of art. The craft involves the painting of a subject with 'on-glaze' colours onto a glazed porcelain surface. Many shapes and varied pieces are available, including figurines and tiles which can be framed. The pigment used is derived from the pure minerals such as gold, silver, iron and sulphur and so must be used carefully, always washing the hands after use.

Depth of colour is achieved by applying paint and firing in a kiln after each application. Colour must be applied softly and translucent layers building up between firings to attain the depth of colour.

One does not need to be able to draw to paint on porcelain. Patience and careful observation provides a foundation for good work. KIlns come in various sizes and the pieces are stacked with stilts between each piece as it is imperative that they do not touch. Firing temperatures are supplied with the paints. Most pottery and ceramic suppliers have firing services. Preparation: your work area must be clean and free of dust. The table should be covered with plastic and a cotton or silk shirt worn over woolen clothing.

Various mediums are used, some open to allow slower painting time and others fast drying. The brushes are made from deer or squirrel hair and the best are hand made. A white tile ot glass panel is used for a palette. The colours usually come in powder form and then mixed with the chosen medium. There are new and different colours coming on the market all the time as there are many and varied techniques of painting being developed. It is a generous art form, as artists often permit their original works to be used for design and generating ideas. I have just touched the surface of this intricate and delicate art form and it is hoped that you are inspired and can envisage the many hours of loving expression that goes into a finished decorative piece.

The technique covered in this course is a simplified technique I have acquired and many students have produced portraits with this method.

List of materials required for this course:

• Porcelain shape to paint your subject. e.g. Porcelain plate, oval plaque or tile.
• Chinagraph pencil for marking out your subject.
• Paints (selected colours)
• Brushes sizes 20. 15. Small pointer and Large stippler.
• Square of silk...10 cm.
• Cotton wool (small quantity)
• Wipe-out tool or rubber pencil.
• Small spatula.

White tile or glass panel for palette. Medium. Suppliers names can be suggested.

And so to paintng pleasure. :-)

What Students Are Saying...
I have had a wonderful experience. Very good communication and instruction.

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus