November 30th, 2014 by Ron Branch

Etching clouds for some door panels.

What a challenge clouds can be… takes a bit of study, especially when going “free-hand”. Here’s a video of some of the practice involved.

Note: In photographing etchings I use a black background and lighting, but when etching glass for a client, first considerations are for where the glass will be installed. What will the real lighting be like? What will be on the other side of the glass. There are different ways to etch for different situations.

Art Glass, Clouds, Sandblast

August 20th, 2014 by Ron Branch

These birch trees are an example of a style I am developing that is a combination of carving and shading. The idea is to have the design hold up in any lighting conditions.

Often the details of an etching which is just shading are only effective in front of a dark background. I’m trying to combat this by including carved elements in a strategically balanced way.

Birch Trees, Etched Glass, Sandblast, Vancouver Wa

August 8th, 2013 by Ron Branch

Finely detailed etching on a wine glass.

Some of the lines are only a tiny bit thicker than a human hair.(click on the image for a larger view)

Sorry to say I’ve decided not to include wine glass etching as something I offer as a service. I had previously decided to pursue it because of the regularity of calls asking fot it, but upon looking into it, silk screening is a much cheaper way to go and so that is what I am recommending to people.

Glassware

June 6th, 2011 by Ron Branch

This latest etching is composed of 12 stages. It’s the face of Abraham Lincoln obviously, and is based off of Alexander Gardener’s amazing photo which I love very much for it’s shallow depth of field. From here I’m going for a 20 stage image – I haven’t yet decided on whose face to do. I’m also anxious to get beyond just the face, so I think it’s time for a full body composition.

Click on the image to see the comparison between 9 and 12 stages.

Portraiture

November 1st, 2010 by Ron Branch

The first attempt at Elizabeth Taylor was tiny in size and consisted of what is called “stage blasting”. It was a six stage blast, and because it was so small, that was more than enough to do the job. This next one is larger and is a nine stage blast. The enlargement allowed for more detail, but nine stages were not enough to maintain the softness. The result is an edgier look that in many cases is a fun way to go, but I think for a female face I like a softer look and so, I ‘ll do this one more time with more stages.

(click image to enlarge)

Portraiture

October 31st, 2010 by Ron Branch

These beautiful flowers are cut and painted into this latest mirror designed and hand beveled by Micky – with each new piece we see more and more possibilities. She is experimenting right now with different shapes and sizes as well as playing with different design concepts and styles. Its safe to say we are leaning toward focusing mostly on achieving an antique look. This is going to turn out to be a perfect medium in which to translate her outstanding photography talent.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Mirror

October 16th, 2010 by Ron Branch

There’s been another improvement on how I approach photo-realism. This is not a photo-resist process. It’s really just traditional stage-blasting, but taken to an extreme level.

This example (based on Philippe Halsman’s photo “Elizabeth Taylor 1948”) is the first in a series I’m going to be posting. The ones to follow are going to be much more intense, more dynamic, and more detailed.

Portraiture

September 16th, 2010 by Ron Branch

This is a small mirror hand beveled by Micky. The artwork is sandblasted into the back. She also added a touch of color to the lettering.

The mirror is for a new retail shop opening mid-October in Portland called “mag-big” that will feature the work of local artists and designers. There will be clothing, jewelry, household items, and more. We are planning on contributing our work there as well.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Mirror, Signage