Today, I'd love to share my newest art piece with you! It took nearly three months to complete, but I'm quite happy with the result.

Since I've taken step by step photos, I'd like to show them as well. If they give you a better idea of how I paint, I’ll be glad.

First, I drew outlines and fired the plate at 780 ℃ in my electric kiln. Then, I added deeper colors in the shadow areas of the design. The picture below shows the step.

After firing it at 780℃ again, I added more colors. Then, I fired it at 780℃ again. Except the background, I added many colors. I used enamel on the stamens and pistils of each flower, the white part of each bird and white petals of cherry blossoms.

After firing it 780℃ again, I added matte black color on the background. I enjoy using matte black with glossy colors so that the shiny parts look more standout, and it adds visually more interest to the piece .

After firing it at 780℃ again, I added more details on the background. I created a checkerboard pattern with the matte black and glossy black. I think this gave more attractive effect on the piece.

Even though this was the final fire at 780℃, after firing it again, I added more fine details with pure gold and fired it at 630℃.

It's getting closer to finish, and I was excited when I opened the lid of my electric kiln. The piece already looked pretty, but I added three more details.

I added white enamel on the camellia flowers, tiny dots on the camellia leaves to create shadows and to use pure platinum and gold, I drew a decorative pattern on the edge. Then I fired it at 630℃, which was the final fire. In total, I fired this plate 8 times. No doubt, it was a long journey.

You might be curious about the underside, so I've added one more photo. You can see it in the picture below.

I've been still working on a couple of pieces, so you'll see them sometime soon! I also want to start some new pieces. Since I've not painted anything with Western techniques for a while, I'd love to try it!

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