Bullseye Quick Tip: Inky Blue Brush Strokes
Combining GlasTac and Aventurine Blue powder is the perfect way to make saturated, gestural brush strokes in kilnforming.
This Quick Tip is courtesy of Bullseye Glass Co.
Combining GlasTac and Aventurine Blue powder is the perfect way to make saturated, gestural brush strokes in kilnforming.
Think of sumi-e and other East Asian styles of brush painting and calligraphy.
Here’s how it works:
Using a brush, create your design in GlasTac on clean, dry 3mm sheet glass, then sift Aventurine Blue powder over the wet area. Tilt the sheet vertical, give it a swift tap to remove excess powder, and you’re ready to head for the kiln. It’s that simple!
Further considerations:
- Aventurine Blue is a colour-saturated indigo, so even a small amount can have an impact. Consider the tiny sparkles found in this style a bonus!
- Working on a sheet of paper makes it to easy to reclaim excess powder.
- For greater versatility in line quality, choose a brush that tapers to a point.
- Allowing the design to dry makes light editing easier but isn’t required. We’ve successfully fired both wet and dry works.
- If you’re not satisfied with the design, wipe the powder away to a container or surface and let it dry out. Once you break up the clumps, it’s ready to be used again.
- GlasTac is clear when applied. To better see the wet brush strokes, work with side lighting set up at a low angle.
Grab a brush and try this technique today!
