The Power of an Almost Dry Brush

Sometimes I’m a little slow to catch on.  I’ve learned from a bunch of talented teachers.  I’ve read dozens of books and hundreds of blog posts about metal clay techniques.  I’ve watched demos and online videos.  I know I’ve heard this before.  So, how did it take over a year for me to really “get” the power of an almost dry brush?  I was so obsessed with the power of a wet brush, that I guess I overlooked its less moist cousin.  But this week, in a fit of production, I discovered a dozen ways to use a nearly dry brush to smooth out the rough spots without causing a wash out.  I often joke that my pieces suffer from “too much love”.  I fuss with them too much, getting pieces too thin, and washing out lovely textures that would have been better off left alone.  So, if you haven’t gotten friendly with that almost dry brush, I strongly encourage you to give it a try.

Some of my online friends commented on the neatness of my worktable in my studio tour photos. Well, here’s what it really looks like when I’m on a roll.  Notice the stack that starts with a pencil box, includes two trays and a sketchbook with a few fresh-from-the-kiln pieces scattered on top.  This technique is essential for working in a small space.