Limoges
Some Enamel Techniques Enamel really is the most versatile of media, and this collection covers just some of the things that can be done with enamel. Unless otherwise indicated, these examples of technique are from Jean’s work. Some of the ’for instances’ are: Cloisonné Enameled copper forms a base for securing fine silver wire to make  compartments, or cloisonns, outlining the design. Firing secures them in a base coat of enamel. Then the cloisonns are wet packed with their respective colors and dried. This is then fired at about 1335°F, cooled, filled with more enamel, and fired again. This is repeated until the cloisons are all filled. It is then stoned to final smoothness and given a fire polish.
Two multi-media pendants using cloisonné to extend the design of semi-precious stones.
Abstracted tree. Cloisonné wire is used to incorporate the artist’s signature in the design.
Three pieces using the same design concept to create a set of pendants. Negative space is used to give each color its own voice.
Sgrafitto
Immediately before firing, the enamel is scratched off in a pattern to reveal the supporting metal. Colors are applied next
Hand raised free form copper bowl. Sgrafittoed to reveal copper and sifted color under-enameling
Here the enamels,  suspended in an acrylic medium are painted on a pre- enameled thin steel plate.  The design is carried onto the matting with colored pencils, creating a subtle visual expansion in a multimedia piece.
A look of age is added to the painted heart and accenting shapes sgrafittoed over a background of crackle enamel.
The blue crackled enamel background adds visual interest to the feel of the copper leaves with painted black accents in this dish.
Freehand Painting
Earth’s Aura Series "Aurora Borealis: Irregular, luminous phenomena, as streamers, visible at night in a zone surrounding the north magnetic pole and produced in the ionosphere when atomic particles strike and excite atoms; northern lights."        - Webster. Jean’s enchantment with the visual possibilities of the Aurora is presented in her "Earth’s Aura" series—enamels taken from actual Aurora Borealis displays. Here the depth of color in enamel is ideal for presenting the mystery of this outstanding natural phenomenon.
Earth’s Aura #8 A sifted background enhances trees of oxidized copper.
Earth’s Aura #9 The trees are painted with acrylic enamels to give a completely different feel to the scene.
Multimedia Collage
Australian Impressions #2 This plate includes a variety of additional materials to enhance the artist’s impression of Australia. The sense of depth is heightened through the use of many layers of transparent enamel. 4 1/2” Copper plate. Layers of gold and silver foils and transparent enamel.
Plique à jur
Plique ŕ jur utilizes transparent enamels to create a miniature stained glass window effect. Oceanic 15 Painted, sifted and wet packed enamel on engraved and shaped copper sheet, copper wire and molded fine silver objects on an enameled steel background. Return to Top Learn from Jean Contact Jean About Jean Artist’s Statement Enamel Techniques Enamel Gallery Jewelry Gallery Jean’s Home Jean’s Open Studio Back