Sgraffito Technique Step by Step.

Final Pair, Sgraffito and painting technique step by step.

Below is a step by step account of the sgraffito technique of the rat on the left. I use paper cutouts of the symbols and insignia to trace the designs onto the surface before painting the base colour over the entire body of the rat. Once the rat is painted there is really no room for error. One needs to work quickly because the base colour is drying (surface to brittle to carve - due to the binder in the Amaco under glaze colour). There is a high shrinkage (1220 degrees celsius) and the designs are therefore much more refined. See previous post entry (image) for the fired surface quality.

Stage One, Tracing and Painting on the Design.

Stage Two, painting the base colour around the symbols and insignia.

Stage three, Incising the tattoo inspired designs.

One needs to wait a while for the base colour to dry before incising (not too dry or too wet).

Stage Four, Integrating the design over the entire form.

Final Stage, Incising the detail.

Sgraffito and Painting; latest developments

Sgraffito Surface Quality up close. Fired.

Two pairs of Rats. Sgraffito and painting, Black and white including colour - unfired.

Getting into the swing of things - three weeks to go before the exhibition. I just love decorating and incising. Here are images showcasing the refinement of the sgraffito technique (up close). It was necessary to include painting, especially with the inclusion of symbols. There was not enough differentiation / tension between the symbols and overall texture (in the background).

Pair of rats, Close-up of colour painting and sgraffito - unfired.

Pair of Rats, Close-up of Sgraffito and painting technique (black and white) unfired.

Sgraffito and painting; Black and white close-up (detail).