Enameling On Ballpoint

1 Minute Read

Home Learning Center Jewelry MakingEnameling On Ballpoint

Multicolor enamel ballpoint pens can provide the artist graphic versatility and direct color enhanced drawing never before possible. In combination with enamel painting and other drawing mediums - (watercolor, oil, and crayons) - the possibilities seem limitless.

By firing between drawing and painting stages, alternating, built-up layering can be realized as richness

in depth and detail unfolds. Ballpoint line-work can be added when needed to reinforce earlier linear effects.

My example demonstrates simple alternating drawing and thin washes of painting zxnha
; other combinations, for example, crayons and/or vitreous enamel powders, could be used for varied effects. Take the ball and run with it and explore the possibilities!

Figure 4. Red and yellow oil (screening) enamels, thinned with paint thinner (turpentine or rubbing alcohol), were applied with a waterproof brush. Fired for 2.5 minutes at 1325°F.

Figure 5. Next, a blue wash of enamel, oil in this example, was laid over the fired red and yellow. The oil wash was dried with a heat gun to burn off the oil ("smoked"). The dry blue powder was sgraffitoed or rubbed off in some areas with a stiff brush.

Figure 6. The blue enamel was fired 2.5 minutes at 1350°F. I turned the tile and reinserted it in the kiln to maintain an even firing.

Figure 7. The enamel panel after firing the blue layer.

Figure 8. Additional drawing was added to carry the linear aspect further by using various ballpoint colors ,and a wash of blue enamel watercolor was painted on the lower right. Final firing was for 2.5 minutes at 1350°F.

Kettle Point, Lake Huron, Ontario. 2004. 8" x 10" enamel on steel, enamel ballpoint, enamel watercolor, and oil enamel.

By John Killmaster [Volume 23, Number 2, April, 2004]

In association with

Glass on Metal is the only publication dedicated to enameling and related arts. Technical information, book reviews, how-to articles and insight on contemporary enamelers highlight each issue.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.