Hello my friends,
Last weekend I had another workshop to work on the two tableaux of decorated tiles for the back wall of the fireplace of the drawingroom of Huis ter Swinnendael.
During the last Workshop in april. I had drawn all the lines of the two different drawings in blue porcelain "ink". Now it was time to fill in some colour and add some shade where needed.
But first I had to reattach all 144 tiles and remove the dust. This dust is what remains of the pritt buddies with wich the little tiles are stuck to the large tile. With the firing in the kiln the moisture evaporates and all that is left is this powdery dust.
It took me over two hours to fix every tile in place. But now the painting could finally start in earnest!
It is hard not to put to much porcelain paint on your brush. It would make thick and dark patches of coulour. It gives you much more control and a much better result when you build up the colour through two or more thin layers. Making the translucent blue deeper and darker with every go. On the other hand, when you keep brushing you take some of the paint away, making the colour lighter again.
At the end of the day. I added the colour where I wanted it. In the above picture you see a "before & after" compilation of Prince Hendrick. Or actualy I should say an "after and before"compilation...
What happens next? Now the tiles will be fired again in the kiln. Next time (the end of june) the process of today will be repeated so I can add the final touches where needed. Hopefully I can start on the construction of the fireplace itself.
Huibrecht
Wonderful tiles, Huibrecht! You have a very steady hand to get this level of detail in one-twelfth scale! I can't wait to see the tile panels in place....
ReplyDeleteThank you Marijke, that is quite a compliment. It took me several tries (and days) to get to this stage (and loving every step of the way).
DeleteHuibrecht
I saw your post last night as I was settling into bed and I could not wait to get up this morning to see these astounding tiles on a big screen! I am not disappointed. In fact, it is thrilling to see these fine gentlemen come into existence. Patient, painstaking but pleasant work has lead to perfection, Huibrecht! The tiles are just beautiful, and though the end of June seems a long time off, in no time you will be installing these marvels on the fireplace. It is an exciting prospect to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi, I am glad that the boys have not dissapointed you on the big screen. :-) I have added a photo with a compilation of the before and after situation to make the comparison easier.
DeleteHuibrecht
Wow! The side by side photo IS dramatic! It's wonderful to see how the layers enrich the tiles SO MUCH! I love learning about this process, Huibrecht! Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us!
DeleteThank you Jodi!
Delete¡Gran trabajo! Es precioso.
ReplyDeleteMuchas Gracias, Isabel!
ReplyDeleteHuibrecht
I could hardly take my eyes away from the last collage - the difference is STUNNING!!! Of course I need to congratulate you once more - your painting skills are awesome and you must have a really steady hand. And a lot of courage too... I suppose it needs taking a deep breath before adding new lines and shades because of the risk of having too much paint on the brush etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to see these royal fellows develop. The after- and before-picture of Hendrick shows so well the difference shades and details make. He already gained some depth and does look less 2-dimensional... and best of all with the details you added to his face he turned into a character.
I'm already looking forward to see the next step after your next meeting.
Hugs
Birgit
Thank you very much for the compliment, Birgit. I hope to show the end result next month.
DeleteHuibrecht
Your tiles are MAGNIFICENT, Huibrecht!!! I am truly Amazed at how Beautiful they are AND ARE becoming. The additional shadows you've added around the fine gentleman, has made the entire scene come alive! What an extraordinary talent you possess along with good eyesight and the patience of a saint! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm already chomping at the bit to see how they'll look once installed!
elizabeth
Thankbyou Elisabeth. I am not sure about the saint part but it takes quite some time. But it will be worth it.
DeleteHuibrecht
Dear Huibrecht, seeing the "before" and "after" pictures tells a very clear story of the benefit of the delicate shading you have added to the tiles! It is a detailed , perfectionist project, but you are succeeding! I am amazed at the number of "firings" required to get the beautiful glazed art on the tiles. Your brush work looks excellent to me! I have not worked in ceramics, and it always seems to me to be a mystery how they turn out after the firing process. I look forward to seeing the finished project! :):)
ReplyDeleteI agree that the difference between the two are big. But if you do not compare the pictures directly next to each other you may miss half of what has been added. That surprised me. The number of firings is nearing the realms of alchemy. đ but they are needed. I trust Cocky's judgement on that. I look forward tobthevresult very much too! Not because I'm impatient but to see if everything works out as planned. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteHuibrecht