Andy,
I really like that #1 & #3 w/ crackle effect. I assume the darkened crackle is from previously applied oxide under the glaze? Nice colors.
My ash glazes I found I can easily "Tint" the color a tad by simply mixing in a bit of almost any colored glaze. I'm pretty sure my ash glaze was/is applied too thick which gave/gives me to much running like in these tests,but, yet I really like the look. Now, to find a happy medium
in going to art shows and studying pottery I've noticed over last couple years that these runny ash glazes seem to be the new rage, and ecery potter seems to have a very similar one.
"The Oak and Apple Ash I use at the moment looks great, dependng on the recipe, Oh and I never wash it. But then thats another great debate, to wash or not to wash that is the question "
Yes, I think it depends on which Japanese-studied potter you ask
and how "secretive" he wants to make it sound. Frankly, A chunk or two of some "unburnable" item in the ashes might make it more interesting. You know, like that Coke can you threw in the fire or that beer bottle cap!
Dale