This client asked for a "blue bird with pink flowers". Carol
Helen Beule found this image, and they agreed to use it for the pot. Then Carol chose the most appropriate “body" for the image.
The first stage of a pot's painting is to paint in the background color, in this case an off white or cream.
Then, draw the image that is wanted in pencil, which will fire away in the high temperatures, and begin to decide on the colors.
Finally, to begin painting the image and shading as needed - eventually.
Progressive additional work continues until the image is complete.
This image is complete, but the areas where gold will be put has not yet been designated.
See the light pencil markings that indicate where the gold will be.
The image has been finalized with shading and the areas of gold have been painted.
If the gold areas are not designated beforehand, the area for gold is very difficult to determine once the pot is glazed with either a matte or a glossy one.
The pot is now glazed and fired a seond time.
The glaze has been fired on. This is after the
second firing.
The gold has been applied and the pot fired a
third time.
Finally - the crackle glaze that was applied is rubbed with "SUMI" ink to define the cracks, giving the pot an “antique" look.