Below are a couple of techniques when you paint your unique ceramics

Paint ceramics using brushstokes:

The paints we use at Paint the Earth are not designed to produce solid, opaque colour when fired.  All of your brushstrokes will be visible so don't be scared - use them to produce an artistic effect.  Load up the brush with paint and move it freely over the piece.  You can choose whatever width of brush will work best then go for it!  Use the brushstrokes to create flames, swirling water, curly hair, palm trees...

When painting ceramics, sponging can be used:

• to create patterns and shapes using shaped sponges;
• as an easy background effect;
• as shading – a darker shade of colour on top of a similar lighter colour, and
• to create textures - sand on a beach, grass, trees, furry animals, smoke from a steam train.

Here are 3 ways you can paint ceramics using stencils:

• Stippling - hold the stencil firmly to the ceramic piece and lightly sponge paint through the stencil onto the piece.
• Draw through the stencil with a pencil onto the ceramic piece, take the stencil away and then paint.
• Paint a background first using brushes or sponges and then place the stencil over the painted piece and using a slightly damp sponge wipe out the shapes through the stencil.

Etching is an effective technique when painting ceramics.  Use it for:

• outlining;
• writing;
• creating patterns;
• giving definition, and
• producing movement like waves.

To produce the best result, a light colour (e.g. white) should be painted underneath the top colour so that when you etch, you are scratching back to the light colour rather than the hard ceramic surface.  Click on the photos below to check out how etching has been used.

Using masking tape:

Masking tape can be used to create some simple and stylistic ceramic pieces. Here are a few examples but the possibilities are endless.

The masking tape can be ripped to give a jagged edge. A watered down wash of paint can then be painted like on this sushi and mug.