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Learn the Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving

Inspire Your Creativity with a Grinder, a Torch, and a Touch of Alchemy

Whether you’re an aspiring metal artist or a seasoned pro,

If you’d love to express your pictorial vision in steel,

My comprehensive metal art course will teach you how to harness the elements of fire, grit, and steel,

So you’re confident, capable, and innovative in making metal art pictures in your artistic style.

A Step on Your Path of Metal Art Mastery

For a sculptor or metal artist who loves drawing, painting, or printmaking,

Learning the art of heat-colored steel engraving may be the perfect way to inspire creativity and round out your artistic offerings.

Using grinding tools as your paintbrushes and your torch as your color palette,

You can create pictures with dynamic visual effects that are impossible to achieve using other media.

Fast-Track Your Learning

Hi, I’m Jeff Dean. I’ve been making sculptures and decorative metal art for individuals, businesses, and public art projects for over 40 years.

Stumbling upon this incredible metal art medium in the early ’90s unlocked a world of possibilities for making metal art pictures using tangible materials and familiar tools.

As artists, finding a medium we resonate with can be challenging enough; 

Mastering its techniques and subtleties through trial and error can be lengthy and frustrating.

Don’t get me wrong,

I’m a do-it-yourself kind of guy–

But a mentor teaching metal art classes on the fundamentals of heat coloring and decorative grinding could have saved me from the school of hard knocks.

I recently spent a year distilling my decades of experience into an online metal art course to teach how to make this type of metal art.

Now, through my in-depth videos and workbooks, you can ‘look over my shoulder’ to learn in a matter of weeks what it took me years to discover.

Introducing:

The Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving

Learn the art of heat-colored steel engraving in this comprehensive digital metal art course.

My metal art course will help you learn the fundamental skills to make heat-colored steel engravings.

After completing the course, you’ll have a firm foundation and be well on your way to mastering its subtle nuances, so you are confident, capable, and innovative in making heat-colored metal art in your artistic style.

A Comprehensive Digital Metal Art Course

Enroll today to get instant access to this six-module metal art course. 

"There is no other course like this!"

The Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving class is phenomenal! I learned new skills to add color, texture, and depth to my art - it really was a game changer! The course is comprehensive, well laid out, videos are well done, and you have lots of support along the way. This course will provide you with the knowledge to build your skills to take your work to the next level. There is no other course like this!

Coloring the ocean with a large propane torch. For larger piecs of thinner steel, I do the coloring from one side to the other rather than with a uniform even heat on the whole piece.
M.W.

Go at Your Own Pace in the Comfort of your Home or Studio

I’ve designed the course to help you quickly learn the fundamental skills of the art of heat-colored steel engraving while removing the guesswork from the process. 

Throughout the course experience, you’ll lay a foundation to build on as you incorporate what you learn into your artistic practice.

The course is an immersive experience.

Each video lesson brings you into my studio to look over my shoulder as I teach and demonstrate a particular concept or technique.

In addition, a workbook accompanies each module with a written overview, key takeaways, lesson descriptions, and action steps to guide you as you complete the exercises.

After completing the course, you will be well on your way to becoming confident, capable, and innovative using the broad spectrum of heat colors, abrasives, tools, and techniques available for your artistic expression.

"This is awesome, I am seeing all kinds of things that will bring our art to life. Thank you"

Coloring the ocean with a large propane torch. For larger piecs of thinner steel, I do the coloring from one side to the other rather than with a uniform even heat on the whole piece.
O.C.

Learn in a Matter of Weeks What it Took Me Years to Discover

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In the Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving metal art course, you’ll dive deep into each process of making metal art pictures using heat colors and decorative grinding.

As we begin to work in any new medium, our artistic vision will inevitably exceed our mastery of the fundamental skills we need to communicate using its unique language.

The course takes you step-by-step through the process I use to make heat-colored steel engravings.

I’ve designed each module to help you learn, practice, and master the fundamental skills of the art and begin to master its subtle nuances so you are confident, capable, and innovative in making heat-colored metal art in your own artistic style.

Each lesson and exercise encourages you to innovate and stretch the limits of what you can accomplish using each tool and abrasive.

You’ll finish the course with a firm grasp of the foundational skills and be challenged to stretch the limits of your imagination when implementing them so you are confident, capable, and innovative in making heat-colored metal art in your own artistic style.

And because it’s available online, you don’t have to find a local metal art class.

Enroll today and get instant access to the six-module metal art course. 

Dive Into Six Value-Packed Modules

"I am hoping this course will help me take my art work to the next level."

II have recently purchased a CNC plasma table to produce artwork as a supplement income when I retire. I am hoping this course will help me take my art work to the next level.

Coloring the ocean with a large propane torch. For larger piecs of thinner steel, I do the coloring from one side to the other rather than with a uniform even heat on the whole piece.
B.H.

Module 1 - Setting Up Shop

In Module 1, we dive deep into various tool options, the principal characteristics of the main abrasive types, and how to set up your metalworking and heat coloring workspaces for the greatest flexibility, efficiency, and ease of work.

• Including the must-have features to incorporate into your setup for working efficiently and avoiding unintended results.

Innovative, low-cost solutions to get you started on almost any budget.

• How to adapt or upgrade your current shop (or create a simple workspace so you can give it a try.)

Module 2 - The Heat Color Spectrum

"My biggest single problem is consistency and control of color."

I have several years experience with CNC cut artwork and heat coloring as primary decorative accent. – Biggest single problem is consistency and control of color.

Coloring the ocean with a large propane torch. For larger piecs of thinner steel, I do the coloring from one side to the other rather than with a uniform even heat on the whole piece.
A.S.
Metal wall art steel engraving of brown bear ambling beside a pond with tall cattails, the moon and a raven above.

• The nine critical factors for consistently achieving even the most fleeting colors

My go-to tactic for getting an even color, two situations where it may be insufficient on its own, and what you can do instead

Module 3 - Engraving Your Design

 

• How to choose the best tool, bit, speed, and pressure to convey the desired character of each line you draw in the best possible way.

The roundabout solution I seldom go without so engraving the most demanding curves feels effortless and natural.

• The unexpected benefit you get by engraving the drawing that you won’t find in other media.

Engraving a painted turtle with a Suhner engraver.

Module 4 - Decorative Grinding

Suggesting 3-dimensional forms with decorative grinding patterns
Wire brushing around a ghostly mammoth in one of the grinding and heat coloring sequences making The Way of the Mammoth.

In case you haven’t seen it, you may enjoy this article on decorative metal grinding.

Decorative metal grinding is a significant part of the art.

• I’ll show you how to take your mark-making repertoire to a whole new level, so you are innovative and resourceful with every abrasive, and can best portray your subject matter.

• How to suggest movement, form, transparency, and depth, so your art takes full advantage of the media’s dynamic qualities

• Why there’s more to grinding textures than merely getting to bare metal, and when you do this one thing, unsightly surprises become a thing of the past.

Module 5 - Blending Color and Texture

The little-known process for creating sophisticated color effects (that only you will know how to reproduce)

• How to save loads of time and money by merely knowing what type of steel to use

The real reason so many metal artists struggle to get specific heat colors and three things you can do to ensure your success

Examples of color and textural variations achieved using heat colored steel.

Module 6 - Creating Your Art

A weary salmon slips upstream while the fishing bear is distracted by friend raven.

• My secret solution for drawing on steel (This one took me years to discover), so your design looks exactly how you want before you commit it to posterity.

• An often overlooked factor you should always be sure of before clear-coating your artwork

The one thing you must always consider when planning your work to avoid working yourself into a corner.

Start Learning Today

The Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving

Learn the Fundamentals and Master the Art
$ 997
  • Six Value-Packed Modules
  • Module 1 - Setting Up Shop
  • Module 2 - The Heat Color Spectrum
  • Module 3 - Engraving Your Design
  • Module 4 - Decorative Grinding
  • Module 5 - Combining Color and Texture
  • Module 6 - The Creative Process
  • Downloadable Workbooks for each Module
  • Comprehensive Resource Guide
  • Private Course Community Group
  • Mobile-Friendly Course Platform
  • 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Two Payment Options

"Fortunate is anyone that has the opportunity to study art with Jeff!"

‘I took a clay modeling class with Jeff a few years ago and remember feeling pure enjoyment and inspiration. Jeff had a clear format to follow and interesting exercises that introduced us to the clay. Jeff models artful living and his classes are yet another example of this. Fortunate is anyone that has the opportunity to study art with Jeff!’

• Clay Sculpture Class, 2016

Modeling from natural object.
Carla Fabian
Using a large propane torch to patina metal wall art with heat.
With heat-colored steel engraving, you are harnessing the elements and your ingenuity to transform a bare sheet of steel into a richly textured and colored work of art.
 
The decisions you make as you work are informed by your experience, sensitivity, and knowledge.
 
Whether you make them in quiet contemplation or the heat of the moment,
 
that touch of alchemy that comes with playing with fire
 
can be your nemesis or your friend;
 
And the more you learn and the more experienced you become,
 
the better prepared you are to anticipate its subtle ways and capitalize on them.

There's a Touch of Alchemy in the Process

Answers to your burning questions

… if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. 

No worries. You may have to tool up and have a slightly longer learning curve as you become familiar with the tools, but the Art of Heat Colored Steel Engraving course will walk you step-by-step through the process. In my experience, art is all about putting a little on, and taking a little off, until we get it just right. It’s the same with any medium. The skills we develop working with one material will often translate to the next.

You can enroll today to get instant access, then go through the materials at a pace that fits your schedule.

The Modules and Lessons are laid out in sequential progression. After you watch each video, you can review the workbook and complete each action step. And if you have a question or need support, I’ll be available in the community to answer them.

You will have ongoing access to the course content.

It’s a self-paced, so you can go through the lessons at your convenience. I’ve divided each Module into easy-to-consume lessons. For best results, plan to block out a minimum of a few hours a week to practice and implement what you learn.

The essential tools are a flexible shaft, or pneumatic die grinder, a selection of abrasives, and a propane torch. An angle grinder or even an orbital sander is also handy to have.

I made the vast majority of my early engravings using only a Foredom flexible shaft grinder with a straight handpiece. The scale of your work will determine the size of the torch you need.

(If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll find a good selection of used equipment on eBay.)

You will also need a selection of small rectangular sheet steel blanks. These can be cut by your steel supplier, or with a metal cutting jigsaw or plasma cutter, or shear. You’ll find specific recommendations in the course content. I’ve also included a comprehensive resource guide.

I’m creating the course for both beginning and experienced metal artists.

Yes. I’ve included a section in the Setting Up Shop Module just for you. I’ll give you examples of ways to create a simple workspace in your home, a garage, or a covered outdoor area. Your particular situation may affect the scale of work you can produce. Still, you can make beautiful work even with limited space. You will need a well-ventilated area free of flammables for heat coloring.

As with any medium, you can adapt it to almost any style of art. Once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes second nature to find ways to use a new medium to enhance and complement our artistic vision.

Yes, I’ll be available to answer your questions and give you feedback in the community.

Since you’ll be working with power tools, sharp edges, and fire, it’s important to do it safely. I’ll go over general safety considerations throughout the course. Still, it is your responsibility to read, understand, and follow basic shop safety practices and your tools’ safety instructions and to wear personal protective equipment.

Whether you live in the big city or a rural area, it’s not always easy to find a metalworking class near you.

Being able to learn from an online metal art course in place of a local in-person metalworking class means you have the freedom to go through the course modules at a pace that fits your schedule.

"I thought your knowledge would help me understand what I can do, and some tricks you have found to help get the results you want"

I am new to metal art, and am interested in what I could do with engraving and coloring metal. I like to recycle/repurpose things so thinking about doing a couple projects using old car body parts

I like to push the limits, when I am doing a project, no matter what medium I am using and thought your knowledge would help me understand what I can do, and some tricks you have found to help get the results you want.

Coloring the ocean with a large propane torch. For larger piecs of thinner steel, I do the coloring from one side to the other rather than with a uniform even heat on the whole piece.
G.B
Creative Fires Workshop

Now to Action

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably already imagining how great your art will look in heat-colored steel.

If you’re a self-learner (with a lot of extra time for trial and error), you can do what I did.

But, I’ve learned a few things over the years about heat coloring and making metal wall art,

and if I’d had the opportunity to learn what I know in an eight week online metal art class, I’d have jumped right in.

PS. If you could see how just one of your ideas or artworks looked in the medium, which would you choose?

Best regards,

Jeff Dean, instructor for The Art of heat Colored Steel Engraving online metal art class.

Jeffrey H. Dean

Heat Coloring Steel Workshop

I also have a 90-minute~ online metal art workshop called Heat Coloring Steel Essentials – Taking Control of heat coloring your metal art.

I share exactly how to set up your workspace, choose the right torch, and get each color consistently. You’ll learn to get a light straw and dark green and all the colors in between. It’s just $47.

Learn more and purchase it here: Heat Coloring Steel Essentials – Taking Control of heat coloring your metal art.

Follow this link to See more examples of heat colored steel engravings. 

What clients, teachers, and students have to say…

"He exceeded the expectations of all involved in the project."

• Through Your Spotting Scope

"Jeff Dean was a pleasure to work with and provided an exceptional piece of artwork months ahead of schedule.

His website was used to provide real-time updates, detailing every step of the process. 

I was most impressed with his ability to collaborate with the client and design artwork which synergized with the vision and purpose of the Interpretive Center facility. 

He exceeded the expectations of all involved in the project."

Jeff Dean stands beside Through Your Spotting Scope, recently installed at teh new Kesugi Ken Interpretive Center.
Eric Hershey, P.E.
Project Manager
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities

"…exemplifying a true quest for knowledge."

• Artists in Schools Residency, 1984

"… Jeff demonstrates enthusiasm in his sculpture pursuits, problem solving skills, and a willingness to accept responsibility.

He's reliable, industrious, independently oriented, open minded and willing to try new challenges and endeavors. Jeff has an excellent work ethic; he's tenacious; experimenting with a variety of ideas, media, and techniques exemplifying a true quest for knowledge.

He's cooperative and sensitive to student needs and feelings. Jeff is truly professional!
Clay tile relief made with Ben Eilson High students.
Carol Hilgemann
Retired High School Art Teacher

"His engaging nature and strong talent held the students attention throughout the classes."

• Artists in Schools Residency, 1978

Quick sketches of natural objects from memory.
Elizabeth A. Mitchell
Retired High School Art Teacher

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