A bird painted in the meticulous style on silk is a fairly lengthy process. The picture you want to paint has to be described on paper first and then traced onto the silk.

Using a fine line brush, and thick, black, ground, stick ink, trace the picture carefully using wire-like strokes painted with an upright brush.

At least two layers of ink have to be painted and washed onto the feathers. The bird must be left to dry after each layer

At least one wash of colour covers the ink work and, once this has dried, fine lines can be added to show the tiny hairs on the feathers.