This section of our website is devoted to the work of Stephen Smith and Terry Halloran, artists with an international reputation in the freehand painting of copper enamels and china. Both artists have built up a dedicated following in recent years.
Stephen and Terry are now self-employed artists and deserve our support. Originally apprenticed and trained in freehand painting, and each with over 35 years experience in the field, the one thing you can guarantee from Stephen and Terry is top quality artwork and meticulous painting - these are not late entrants to the field!
Painting on china and copper are very closely related techniques:
Both use powdered metal oxides and coloured glass ("enamels"), mixed to a paste with a medium of aniseed and fat oil, to create the image.
In both cases the painting surface is non-porous, so the techniques required are more difficult than conventional painting on paper and canvas as the surface is very slippery.
A light delicate touch and the right consistency of paint is essential.
Several firings are required to fuse the enamels to the glaze and to build up the image, although copper enamels are flash-fired in a kiln for minutes rather than hours, otherwise the copper would melt.
Both techniques work superbly when applied to minature boxes and vases, although in general china allows the use of greater detail.
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