Author: James Beard

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2014-06-10

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781500150877

From the INTRODUCTION: THIS little work is not only intended as a guide to the particular art of china painting, but is especially designed to meet the needs of those who may be unaccustomed to the use of either brush or pencil. With this end in view, the strict attention which will be given to practical detail, and the careful instruction in the rudiments of the art may prove somewhat fatiguing to those who, already experienced in oil and water colors, desire only such instruction as will aid them in the use of mineral colors upon the glazed surface of hard porcelain. Let these amateurs in china painting remember that the most skillful artists have failed in attempts at china decoration through ignorance of a few secrets pertaining to this art alone, which, when learned, seem simple enough, but by their intelligent use enable the artist to produce results that add materially to our home decoration. First attempts are always more or less discouraging. Difficulties, unknown in oil painting, are here encountered at every step; but these difficulties, insurmountable by the uninitiated, are, after a little careful study, easily overcome. For the encouragement of beginners it may also be said that if obstacles are encountered in the first "manipulation" of the vitrifiable colors used in china-painting, so also are more agreeable results possible from the hands of the amateur than in any other branch of art; and articles in china, decorated by purely mechanical means, sometimes compare favorably with the valuable productions of accomplished artists. Success in this art depends greatly upon the patience and perseverance of the decorator, and a proper selection of colors, brushes, etc. It may also be added that perfect order and cleanliness are not only desirable but positively necessary in order to obtain satisfactory results. It would be hard to find an accomplishment more refined or elegant, or that will yield a better return for the time, labor, and thought expended on it, than china painting. Many beautiful and original modes of decoration, and, it may be added, many novel and interesting artistic ideas, which would otherwise lie dormant, may here find expression as the tyro in this branch of art becomes more proficient and better able to finish and perfect the work. Many persons in the great cities earn a comfortable livelihood by practicing this branch of art, and, in proportion as they excel, find both profit and delight in its pursuit.