Still....learning to China Painting

Platter with 2 fired layers- will require up to about 10 layers to complete

China Painting on Porcelain

China painting -also called porcelain painting- involves painting mixed oil paints onto porcelain (or ceramic) surfaces, and then firing at low temperatures in a kiln. The paint is applied in layers to create more vivid and dimensional images. As an artform china painting has faded as the well trained teachers are passing on.

To find contemporary uses of this art is also far and in between. I have been taking classes from Nancy Myatt for about 3 years. A traditional and well known painter, she can teach the basic skills but allows us to move out into our own personal ways.  Our small group have fun painting on dishes while we share stories and the outcome of our projects. Though most china painting is a traditional approach steeped in certain practices and styles,  I am drawn to the more modern expressions of porcelain art .

ABOVE: three pieces I have been working on. The bowls are only three layers and they are ready to sell. But the platter will be more complex with up to 10 layers fired on.
BELOW: I showed some of my student work at SPLASH gallery earlier in the year. Though they were not for sale, it was fun to show off.