Virtual Workshops

TES Virtual Workshops

Drawing and Painting Freely with Enamel - Alisa Looney

Thursdays, September 18th, 25th, and October 2nd (three weekly 3-hour Zoom sessions)

Have you been longing to draw and paint freely, using fine lines or expressive textures in your enamels? This class is for you!

Learn to apply liquid enamel using granular spray, resulting in a powdered finish that allows you to sgraffito (scratch) clean lines with ease and control, and no chipping!

We will work on pre-enameled steel (black board and white board) in this class. Experiment with several sgraffito tools to create varied line qualities and thicknesses in mark making such as cross hatching, stippling, brushing, and combing. This technique opens avenues for the freedom to work in virtually any style: loose and expressive or detailed and precise, and will result in a beautiful black and white base that you can then build upon with transparent enamel mediums. Stencils and gradations will also be covered. This is also a wonderful way to enamel 3D forms!

After firing the granular spray layer, we will add depth and color by painting with watercolor and acrylic enamels, and lusters. By layering additive and subtractive techniques with washes, blends, brush work, and sgraffito, you will create colorful shapes and textures in your own style. Appropriate kiln-firing temps and techniques developed for best color retention will be covered. You can expect to complete a series of small panels and optional jewelry elements during this workshop.

Live demos and instruction in three weekly (3-hour) Zoom sessions will allow time to practice between classes. A private Facebook group will be provided for posting your progress, questions, and discussions between classes.

You will be provided a materials list and a handout on how to make your own spray box upon registering.

Additional Notes: In addition to the watercolor enamels, acrylic enamels, and lusters (micas), there are several additional enamel mediums and techniques that have been applied successfully over the fired granular spray layer which will be discusses to expand your creative possibilities further.

This granular spray technique was originally invented by my teacher, John Killmaster, and will open new worlds for many! Most importantly though, experiment and have fun!

Click here to visit The Enamelist Society's store and register for the workshop