You can experience learning pottery wheel throwing in Pleasanton & Tracy California under the expert guidance of our art instructors. This focused instruction emphasizes precision, technique, and the development of your skills on the pottery wheel. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your abilities, these lessons provide a comprehensive introduction to wheel throwing, from centering clay to shaping and finishing your creations.
Wheel Throwing Pottery Classes
What if I have no experience
If you have no experience you should start with a lessons package to learn the basics. Once you are ready to start working on your own you can also get involved in studio credits. You can use studio credits and continue to schedule lesson credits when you need that extra help.
Can I mix classes with studio sessions?
Class Credits are lesson with an instructor while Studio Credits are so that you can work and practice at the studio on your own.
Yes, you can purchase both Class Credits and Studio Credits. You can schedule a lesson when you need one and in-between use Studio Credits to work self guided at your own pace.
Is clay provided for classes and studio sessions?
Clay is provided for lessons but it is not provided for studio sessions.
For studio sessions you can either purchase clay from Oam Studios (if we have additional clay to sell) or you can bring your own.
If you decide to bring your own clay and intend to fire it at the studio then you should be sure to purchase Cone 5 clay since we only fire up to Cone 5
Can I fire my pottery at the studio?
Projects created during Pottery Classes can be fired at the studio free of charge.
Studio work can be fired by purchasing a Kiln Firing which is $50 and you can fire as much as can fit in the Kiln safely.
Once or more a week
Pottery, Trimming & Glazing
Contact us by text message at (209) 629-6101
1
CLASS AGE
Adult pottery classes are available to people of ages 18 & up.
2
DURATION
Pottery Classes are 1 hour long and should be scheduled with the instructor. Studio Time is up to 1.5 hours long and scheduling is also required.
3
PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for ceramic wheel throwing. Just be prepared to enjoy the process of learning and don't expect perfection on your first try.
Wheel Throwing Curriculum
Wheel Throwing
Wheel throwing is a foundational technique in ceramics where a lump of clay is shaped into functional or decorative pieces using a potter’s wheel.
The process involves centering the clay, creating basic forms like cylinders and bowls, and refining them by pulling up the walls.
Mastery of wheel throwing requires an understanding of clay behavior, technique precision, and the ability to control speed and pressure.
It’s an essential skill for creating symmetrical pieces and building a strong connection with the material, leading to the creation of intricate and well-formed ceramics.
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Pottery Trimming
Trimming is the process of refining and detailing a piece after it has been thrown and has reached the leather-hard stage.
During trimming, excess clay is removed from the bottom and sides to create a smooth finish, clean footrings, and refined shapes.
Proper trimming ensures a piece is balanced and aesthetically pleasing, and it also prevents uneven weight distribution.
Key skills include knowing when to trim, how to handle the clay to avoid cracks, and using the right tools to achieve sharp, defined lines and details.
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Key Topics Covered:
- Timing for Trimming: Understanding when a piece is at the leather-hard stage and ready to be trimmed.
- Tools for Trimming: Essential tools like loop tools, trimming bats, and chamois for precision work.
- Securing the Piece: Techniques for centering and securing the piece on the wheel for stable trimming.
- Creating Footrings: Shaping a well-defined footring for both aesthetics and functionality.
- Refining Shapes: Smoothing and thinning walls to achieve the desired form and balance.
- Adding Details: Incorporating decorative elements like grooves, textures, or bevels during trimming.
- Troubleshooting Trimming Issues: Avoiding common problems like cutting too deep or uneven surfaces.
- Maintaining Tools: Keeping trimming tools sharp and in good condition for precise work.
Materials Provided:
- All materials needed
- Oil paints and brushes
- Canvas boards and palette knives
- Linseed oil and turpentine
- Easels and furniture
- Access to still life objects and reference materials
Glazing & Under Glazing
Glazing and underglazing are key decorative techniques in ceramics that add color, texture, and finish to the surface of the clay.
Glaze is applied to a bisque-fired piece and then re-fired to create a smooth, shiny, or matte surface that is often waterproof. Underglaze, on the other hand, is used before glazing to apply intricate designs or color to the surface.
These techniques involve understanding glaze consistency, application methods, and firing temperatures to achieve the desired effects.
Combining underglaze with glaze layers can result in rich, vibrant colors and unique textures on the final piece.
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Key Topics Covered:
- Types of Glazes: Exploring different glaze types, such as glossy, matte, and satin finishes.
- Applying Glaze: Techniques for evenly applying glaze with brushes, dipping, or pouring.
- Glaze Consistency: Understanding the ideal thickness and viscosity of glaze for proper application.
- Underglaze Application: Techniques for applying underglaze for decoration and color before glazing.
- Layering Glazes: Combining multiple glazes or underglazes to achieve depth and effects.
- Handling Drips and Runs: Preventing glaze drips and managing runs during firing.
- Glaze Firing: Understanding temperature ranges for glaze firing and how it affects final results.
- Testing Glazes: How to test glazes on small sample pieces to understand color outcomes and compatibility.
- Common Glazing Issues: Troubleshooting issues like streaking, cracking, or undesirable finishes.
- Surface Decoration: Using underglazes for detailed designs, stencils, and painted textures before glazing.
Materials Provided:
- All materials needed
- Oil paints and brushes
- Canvas boards and palette knives
- Linseed oil and turpentine
- Easels and furniture
- Access to still life objects and reference materials
Handles, Spouts & Lids
Creating handles, spouts, and lids is essential for adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to pottery items like mugs, pitchers, and teapots.
Handles are shaped and attached using a variety of methods, ensuring they are both comfortable and secure.
Spouts must be carefully designed for optimal pouring, with considerations for angles and flow.
Lids and tops must fit seamlessly with the body of the piece, both for function and visual harmony.
Mastery of these techniques ensures that the pieces not only serve their purpose but also have a refined and cohesive look.
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Key Topics Covered:
- Making Handles: Techniques for shaping and attaching handles securely to mugs, pitchers, or other pieces.
- Types of Handles: Different handle styles such as pulled, coiled, or slab handles.
- Attaching Handles: Proper techniques for scoring and slipping to ensure strong connections.
- Creating Spouts: Steps for shaping and attaching spouts to teapots, pitchers, or other vessels.
- Spout Design: Understanding the angles and flow needed for a functional and aesthetically pleasing spout.
- Making Tops and Lids: Techniques for crafting lids that fit snugly and seamlessly with the vessel’s body.
- Shaping Lid Knobs: Different methods for creating decorative or functional knobs for lids.
- Securing the Spout or Lid: Ensuring tight, functional attachments through scoring, slipping, and smooth finishing.
- Drying and Firing Considerations: Ensuring proper drying to avoid cracking and warping during firing for handles, spouts, and lids.
- Finishing Touches: Smoothing and refining the connections between handles, spouts, and the body of the piece for a professional look.
Materials Provided
- All materials & tools
- Clay and sculpting tools
- Lazy susans and trays
- Brushes and waxes
- Glazes and underglazes
- Kiln firings
Adult Pottery Tuition
| Pottery Supplies | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Price | ||||
| 1 | x | x | x | ||
| Blick Stoneware 25lb | $25 | x | x | x | |
| Grogzilla 25lb | $30 | x | x | x | |
| Laguna B Mix 25lb | $40 | x | x | x | |
| Full Kiln Firing | $65 | x | x | x | |
| Pottery classes supply the kiln firing and the clay | |||||
Adult Pottery Registration
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