Let’s get some background…..
Our three
figures need a place to hang out and we’re going to do that
with copper wheels. Today is about building on the foundations we’ve laid and
adding detail. Best place to start is with the pillars – a couple of easy
straight cuts. Start on the pillar furthest to the left – we’ll give this
pillar some depth with stone/diamond but do the other entirely with copper
later. Cut an upright edge on the left side first; now do the right side to
give us the nearest/facing side of the pillar and shade/smoothen out the area
in between. It’s ok if these cuts go through where the plinth and cap-stone
will be. To get the perspective right and show the side of the pillar, we have
to cut that 3rd edge and shade back from it. Using the same wheel cut a
parallel line beside the right side of the pillar – it will automatically give
the pillar a 3D look.
To do the
plinth cut two edges, one vertical (the side) and one horizontal (the top) that
should cut through the verticals of the pillar. You’ll notice where the two
lines meet at 90 degrees in the corner, a small 45 degree ridge forms, a
consequence of working with wheels that you won’t get with sandblasting – big
clue there to spot the difference between the two. Get a really small wheel to
soften it out.
The cap
stone is dealt will in the same fashion. Cut edges and shade/colour in the
area. I’ve only done half with the diamond as it should be shallower toward the
furthest away end. Revisit the rest of the scene, using smaller wheels to add
details, the smaller branches on the tree, the other stonework and ground. Once
completed, you can put away the stone and diamond wheels, the water supply and
tray and dry the place – we’re onto copper wheels at last.
Today’s Tip - Always ‘shade’ in a
circular motion - it will give a smooth finish
Meet the Engraver – Mr. I’m In The
Wrong Job.
My colleague here has a problem –
he’s a hugely talented artist but does not have the patience, the interest, the
passion or will to stick with it. He hates the workshop environment, the
repetitive nature of the work, the slow pace, it’s so mundane; putting ‘muck on
pennies’ to ‘scratch glass’ is not for him.……...but he needs the money. There’s
no style in his circle, it just done and he’s gone home.
Lesson – Engraving glass isn’t for
everyone, but is immensely satisfying to a few.
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