Majolica painting

When I first started out painting on pottery, I had spent alot of time(hours) doing detailed designs but was always disappointed with the final result (after it comes out from the kiln from the final firing).  My designs were blurred or crackled(the person I paid to do the firing for me then was impatient and was trying to hurry up the firing & cooling down period which can take up to 2 days sometimes.  That was one of the reasons why I finally got my own kiln).

After much research and talking to experts in this field, I discovered this technique call 'Majolica painting' which should eliminate the blurring or fading of fine detail painting.  I was so excited to try my hands on this technique.  After shopping for new glazes, I decided on this 'Fortune Boy' sketch.  I drew it from a cross stitch design.

I have to say I really love this new technique.  You do everything in reverse and its worth all the hours you put in to paint all the details cos they do not fade.  In fact, you have to be extra careful cos this glaze will pick up ALL and ANY marks, spots, fine lines, fingerprints, etc.... and will be permanent.

I was like a little kid and couldn't wait for the kiln to finally cooled so I could open and see the final result of this plate.  I was so happy with the result that all the fine details were there and the colors were just as I envisioned them.  I actually used quite a fine brush to do this painting and was so amazed that it didn't blend in or blurred. 

My chinese calligraphy needs work though.  First, I used the wrong brush and second, I only studied chinese for a year and have never done chinese calligraphy with a brush.  I should have practise first and do some research but....... thats ok.....

Anyway, I am really happy with this plate.  I have three more different sketches of this 'fortune boy' series to paint.