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Soft Slab Basics

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What do I need to know how to do, and why?

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Processing through these challenges will help you understand the characteristics and abilities of your medium. Completing groundwork activities and skill builders continuously enhances your knowledge and helps you develop the essential skills to create your own artwork.  Deliberate practice helps you master those skills and makes you aware of issues before they become bigger problems in your final artwork.

1. Soft Slab Techniques

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What are some ways you can make a slab?

  • How thick/thin should a slab be before using?

  • How do you connect clay slabs effectively?

  • What is the best stage of clay for soft slab work?

  • What are the three kinds of molds discussed for building with slabs?

  • Describe how each of the three kinds of molds are used.

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Practice Slab Bowl

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

2. Underglaze Wash Technique

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • Why is underglaze wash a good technique to use with textured surfaces?

  • What kinds of colors work best for underglaze wash?

  • How do you do underglaze wash?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Underglaze Wash applied on practice bowl

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

3. Dipping Glaze

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What are the five basic components of glaze?

  • What happens when you dip a bisque pot into glaze?

  • Can a pot that's already been glazed be re-glazed?

  • Why do you need to stir dipping glaze before using it?

  • How long should you take when dipping your piece into the glaze?

  • What will happen if you flip the piece right side up too soon after dipping?

  • What should you do if your piece is too awkward to use the dipping tongs?

  • Why do you need to wipe the bottom of the piece if you've already waxed the bottom?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Finished practice bowl

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

4. Using the Airbrush (OPTIONAL)

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What are the two main parts of the airbrush called?

  • How does the airbrush move paint from the color cup to the surface you are painting?

  • How can you change from a fine line to a broad spray?

  • Why does distance matter when airbrushing?

  • How do you clean the airbrush?

  • What does masking do?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Completed airbrush diagram

  • Completed Airbrush Exercises 1-3

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

Slab

Reflections

What skills/ strategies did you already know?​​ What was new?
What did you learn as a result of completing this groundwork?
What did you expect?  What surprised you?  

What went well for you?

What could you have done better? 
What do you conclude about using these processes & techniques? Why?
How will you use these skills/ strategies in the future?

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