The Innovative Artist: Art of Pyrography

Book excerpt: Learn to burn: illuminate your pyrographic art with mixed media, gilding and natural materials. Cherry Ferris throws open the world of wood burning with a new art-led approach and shows you how to use different media and materials to set off your pyrographic artwork. Packed with encouraging, practical and insightful advice on pursuing your own artistic path, this book covers everything you need to draw with fire – whether you are an experienced pyrographer or want to expand your horizons with a new medium. Containing: A brief overview and history of the subject A tools and equipment section An introduction to the basic techniques and information on surfaces that you can safely burn. How to transfer designs onto surfaces and incorporate a mixed media approach by looking at shading techniques Introducing color into your work Playing with backgrounds How to protect your finished pieces. Chapters include: Color: Incorporating colored pencils (for bright rainbow shades), watercolor (for its luminous transparency) and oils (for their buttery, blendable consistency and jewel-like colors) Using resin to finish your work – which results in a beautiful glass-like finish Using gold leaf to add a touch of magic