Sky blue may safely be added to blues, violets, and to some greens with good effect ; ivory yellow to greens, yellow , reds, and browns, the last being particularly deficient in glazing properties.
A good sample test for practice is to first note proportions of either flux or the fusible color used, and apply it in three different degrees of strength, -- full strength, medium, and the thinnest wash ; then fire, compare results, and make a mental, if not a written, note as a guide for the future.
A thorough understanding of refluxing by either of these means -- it is in material which -- is not only essential to the ultimate perfection of china-painting, but of vital importance ; and this fact cannot be too strongly impressed upon the beginner.
A color should be fluxed for the first firing, and it will not be necessary for a subsequent repainting.
A variety of browns is absolutely indispensable, as they enter largely into all designs. It is well to provide these in several gradations of shade, form light yellow to the darkest brown, which is almost black.
Once accustomed to using brown, no painting will ever seem complete without them. Yellow brown, chestnut brown, brown M, brown No. 3, Brown No. 4, Vandyke brown, and black brown are among those most useful.
