Underglaze Technical Assignment
List of artists due___________
10 Sketches due______________
Tiles on to be bisque fired shelf due______________
Tiles on glaze fired shelf due________________
Research 10 artists who use underglaze as a decoration and research the techniques listed
below. You will turn in a list of the artists you chose for me to review and approve. Create 10
different sketches that are in color of an original design created by you (no words, religious
symbols. Imagery must be school appropriate). You will create 10 tiles that are 4 ½ in x 4 ½ in
(AFTER FIRING) on the thick setting on the slab roller. On each tile you will have one of each
design you created. The design can be a running theme in all your tiles but each tile must look
different. You will need to use one technique listed below on each tile as well. You will
include a write up describing the technique and design you used on each tile, the artists that
you researched and how they inspired you.
THIS IS A RESEARCH PROJECT! YOU MUST RESEARCH THESE TECHNIQUES ON YOUR ON. YOUTUBE
OR CERAMIC ARTS DAILY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND!
90-100. Student turns in list of artist research, 10 sketches, 10 complete tiles, and a write up
on due dates. Tiles are smoothed out with no canvas texture and measure 4 ½ x 4 ½ in AFTER
firing with straight 90 degree angles and not warped on edges. Each tile contains a different
design and one underglaze technique. The back of the tile has the name of the technique used
carved into the clay. Designs are out of the box thinking with care taken to include intricate
details. Underglaze technique is used appropriately, with a concentration to craftsmanship.
Tiles are overglazed appropriately. Tile is not one solid color. Student uses each work day to
work and works the entire class period, student should not finish before due dates.
80-90. Student turns in list of artist research, 8 sketches, 8 complete tiles, and a write up on
due dates. Tiles are beginning to warp and are not at a 90 degree angle with some canvas
texture. Underglaze and lines are smudged and smeared. Underglaze is not wiped completely
away during mishima, Student only uses 80% of studio time. 20% of the tile is a solid color.
Student has a beginning understanding of the techniques. The back of the tile has the name of
the technique carved into it. Each tile contains a different design.
70-80. Student is missing artist research, or write up, only completes 7 sketches and 7 tiles.
Tiles are warped and edges are not at a 90 degree angle. Tiles are 40% solid color. Student uses
70% of studio time. Tiles have canvas texture, name of technique is not carved into the back,
design is smudged or has razors of death, underglaze not wiped away during mishima, Student
uses the techniques incorrectly. Tiles have the same design.
60-70. Student is missing artist research and write up, only completes half of tiles. Tiles are
warped and edges are not at a 90 degree angle and have “razors of death” Tiles have canvas
texture, design is the same on all tiles and is either smudged, smeared, or contain “razors of
death”. Name of technique is not carved into back of tile. Student uses techniques incorrectly.
There is no focus on craftsmanship and originality of work. Underglaze covers 50% of the tile.
59 and below- Student did not turn in artist research, 10 sketches, 10 complete tiles, and a
write up. Tiles are broken, Underglaze techniques are not used appropriately. Underglaze is
used as a substitute for an over glaze. Student finishes project in 2-4 class periods.
Underglazing techniques
Underglazes are used in pottery to create designs and patterns
that will come up through the glaze covering them, which can give
the surface more visual depth and character. Although they are
often used under clear glazes, they can also be used under other,
generally light colored, transparent glazes. UNDERGLAZES ARE NOT
USED AS A SOLID COLOR TO TAKE THE PLACE OF AN OVERGLAZE!
Mishimia-slip inlay
Apply to leather hard clay. First, the leather-hard clay is incised in the desired pattern.
Contrasting slip is then applied to and forced into the incised design. Slip will need to overflow
the incised designs, as the slip will shrink somewhat as it dries. After the slip has stiffened, the
entire area is scraped flush to the original surface level. This reveals the original clay body and
the slip which remains embedded in the incised design.
Brushing
Apply to clean, dust free greenware. Apply by letting the brush bend gently to halfway, but at
the first feel of the brush dragging re-load and begin again. Allow the first coat to dry
thoroughly before applying the second or the third coats in different directions to prevent
streaking.
Sponging
Pour required amount of color onto a glazed tile or palette. Using a slightly dampened sponge
apply to greenware. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly. Apply 3 separate coats.
Banding
Apply with brush or sponge. Place greenware on rotating banding wheel. Do not allow brush to
touch greenware when wheel is not rotating.
Polishing
Apply color on greenware. When ware is almost dry buff up with soft tissues gently in a circular
motion. If polishing a large area spray moisture on underglaze or use a dampened brush to keep
surface moist.
Antiquing/Underglaze Wash
Thin watered down color of underglaze and apply to bisque surface. Add more layers of colors
if want to. Texture with a clean damp sponge then glaze with transparent or semi-transparent
glaze.
Sgraffito
After application of color and while color is still damp use a needle tool to etch the design
through the color to the clay body.
Slip Trailing
Dampen greenware first to help adhere to ware. Fill slip trailer with color. Hold the nozzle
close to the surface and squeeze gently. Allow to dry and fire and then glaze normally.
Spattering & Stippling
Use a stipple brush. Load the brush sparingly. Keep the brush approx. ½ in from the surface,
hold the brush in one hand and flick the bristles with the index finger of the other hand. Use 2
or 3 colors. Apply 3 coats.
Wax Resist
Applied to greenware. Paint designs with wax resist. Allow to dry. Paint color over the design.
Fire to burn out wax. Glaze normally if desired.