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About Pyrography – Tools & Techniques


Tools of the Trade

Pyrography in Greek literally means “fire writing.” It is the art of burning an image.

Unlike other mediums such as graphite or paint that is applied to the surface, pyrography actually alters the surface by charring it with heat. There's no erasing in pyrography. Every stroke of the pen counts.

burner-unit Some folks remember small plug-in pens from their youth. They only have 35 watts of power. Professional burner units range from 135-150 watts. Important because every time the pen touches the surface it loses heat. Higher wattage means faster recovery time, which is key to consistency & control.

Temperature is controlled by dialing up or down, which allows for a wide range of tonal qualities from pale beiges to deep charcoals.

Cate uses a Nibsburner “Best of Show,” an electric-controlled burner unit that heats metal-tipped pens to temperatures of 500 to 900 degrees (F). Her Detail Master solid-state vented pens are wrapped in leather to protect her fingers from heat. The Ace bandages are applied to provide a better grip.

writers pen tip

“Bird & Berries” as a work in progress to the finished illustration. Several layers of burning are needed to achieve the right results.


Surfaces to Burn

art on wood and paper art on wood and paper

Side-by-side comparison of illustrations burned on Russian Birch versus Arches #140lb. Cold Press watercolor paper.

Surfaces to Burn

Pyrographers usually burn on wood, as Cate first did beginning more than 25 years ago. Others choose different surfaces to burn like gourds or leather.

In 2009, most of her illustrations burned on wood had sold. She knew it was time for a change. Her preferred wood, Russian Birch plywood that she bought from a cabinet maker, was becoming harder to find & expensive. That's when she decided to try burning on paper.

It took over a year of experimentation on a wide variety of papers. Cold press outperformed hot press papers because the smooth surface of hot press cannot handle being burned. Smoother papers flaked & cracked.

In the end, Arches #140lb. Cold Press watercolor paper was the clear winner. Something about Arches' paper fiber held a very dark burn, almost black. Others did not. Being able to achieve that contrast was key.

Burning on paper has many benefits: it's easily obtained, has nice contrast & consistency, it can be scanned for reproduction & framed like traditional art.

While the unique sepia tone qualities of pyrography are central to her illustrations, being able to add color opened up new avenues of creativity. Her latest collection was born.

Burning on paper does have its challenges. Wood can be sanded smooth. Paper cannot. Its inherent texture can be either friend or foe. At times it's more about burnishing rather than burning the surface. Atmospheric conditions can affect the paper. Too little or too much humidity can change the outcome. Challenges & steep learning curve aside, paper burning has many exciting possibilities.


Colorizing Pyrography

color pencils

Assortment pencils & supplies used in her illustrations. Cate's favorite watercolor pencils are Caran D'Ache & Derwent InkTense.

Colorizing Pyrography

At times Cate uses a variety of watercolor & regular colored pencils & paints her illustrations. Derwent InkTense pencils have vibrant dye pigmented colors are used in many of her colorized illustrations. “Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly” is a good example.

colored butterfly shipwrecked

She also resorts to some home brewed pigments like black tea or coffee to stain the paper. “Shipwrecked” shows how staining the sea & sky with black coffee first gave in this piece a certain sense of movement.

iris blooms In the case of “Iris Blooms” its background was burned black, watercolor paint washes were added, then regular colored pencils on top of that to accentuate shading & texture.

In some cases Cate will burn over the color in order to change its intensity or to get the color to incorporate better with the burned portions.


History of Pyrography

Peru vase

Examples of pyrography can be found throughout history, dating back to pre-historic time, like this pyro-engraved cup (circa 0-700 AD) from the Nazca culture in Peru.

Picasso burned box

Pablo Picasso (yes, the famous one) burned this box for his friend & barber, Arias in 1960.

History of Pyrography

Victorian pyro ad

It can be said that pyrography is one of the oldest art forms. From early cave etchings to burned decorations on every day household items dating back to ancient times. In marquetry there's a technique called “sand burning” that created shadow effects to the edges of inlayed wood.

“Poker Art,” as it was once called, was done by sticking a poker in hot coals. Pyrography really reached its peak of popularity during the Victorian Era. Back then they used butane torches with open flames.

While other companies made butane burner units, it was also known as “Flemish Art” for the company that popularized the art form during that period.

Beginning in 1916 electric controlled models replaced the butane torches. Although some artists today prefer the old ways, most of us stick to this safer method.

There's a renewed interest in pyrographic art. Museum curators & historical societies are currently looking to reclaim antique pieces from private collections.

Many fine pyrographers from around the world are having exhibits & introducing this art form to a whole new audience. History marches on.


Resources

Cate has used a Nibsburner “Best of Show” for many years. She recently bought a new Razortip unit from Parsons Wood Artistry. Michele Parsons is a wonderful pyro artist who also gives demonstrations & teaches classes.

Pyrography Magazine has great articles, projects & forum boards to connect with fellow pyros. Issue cover shown here had articles by Cate & she was their featured artist.

Minisa Robinson is a very talented pyrographer who offers a series of instructional videos & DVDs.

Sue Walters from Australia is another excellent pyrographic artist who offers many lessons, tips & tricks.

For pyrography supplies & informative articles, visit Nedra Denison's web site.

Lora Irish is an experienced pyrography teacher who offers free lessons, patterns & books.

To see pyro artists from around the world & for more about the history of pyrography, visit the Pyro E-Museum curated by Kathleen Menéndez.

Pyrography magazine

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by Cate McCauley.
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