Tile Painting
Tile painting can be a lot of fun. There are two basic type of tiles: g;azed and bisque. A glazed tile is a tile that already has a glaze coating on it, and a bisque tile is a tile that has no coating on it and is porous.
Different types of glazes (paints) are used on these tiles. When they were first demonstrated to me in class, and I saw the techniques used for each type, I was certain I would be working on more glazed tiles. Bisques tiles allow the designer a more watercolor and controlled type of work, whereas glazes for glazed tiles allow the designer to "glop" on a bit more, not requiring "artistic" talent. Of course, keep in mind this is my own opinion and my own interpretation of how I saw everything! My teach, Shelley, is what I would call an "artist", someone who can draw or paint something and it really looks like what it is supposed to be! Me, now, on the other hand, is quite a different story, so I thought the less "precise" glazes and glazed tiles would be my cup of tea! However, as it turns out, I enjoy working on bisque much more than I thought I would.
I haven't been able to go to class for a long time now and my tile painting has suffered, funny thing, wedding plans took first priority! Now, however, I am hoping to get back in the swing of things. Hopefully sometime this year I will be able to get my own kiln. Cool!
So, if you think you are not an "artitst", never fear, you will be able to do tile painting. It will take a little time and a lot of practice, but when you compare your first tile with your most recent, you will see the difference!
Enjoy!
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Updated January 16, 2000