Demanding process

Bright colors and highly fluid patterns are pleasing to the eye, but the techniques behind them challenge one's patience and commitment to delivering the art.

"The creation of tangliucai seems simple, but it puts an artist's skill through its paces," she says.

"For instance, the color combination, the amount of pigment and the placement of the drops all require repeated consideration and judgment," she adds.

Other tough aspects include the selected angle and strength for painting, as well as the concoction of the painting liquid, all of which must be done to a turn.

"The strength in execution determines the smooth flow of the painting," Zhang says.

Regarding the painting liquid mixture, she formulated her own sizing (a gelatinous solution) by adapting her grandmother's recipe through a process of trial and error.

"If the liquid is too thick, the pigment won't spread; if it's too thin, the pigment will either sink or spread excessively," she explains.

Additionally, the painting process must be completed within 20 minutes to prevent deformation and the formation of grainy edges in the pigment. The most crucial stage arrives when transferring the pattern onto the medium after completing the painting.

"Maintaining a bubble-free transfer is paramount. The intrusion of air can lead to the formation of white spots, potentially ruining the entire piece in an instant," she says.

In the event of a misstep, the only recourse is to innovate based on the resulting error and transform it into art.

"In essence, it demands a tranquil mind, concentration on the water's surface and unwavering hands," Zhang concludes.

Even with decades of experience under her belt, she is cautious every time she starts a new creation.

"This is an art that can transform decay into magic, with success or failure occurring in an instant," she says.

For her painting content, it revolves around Chinese cultural elements, including clustered floral patterns, classic paper-cutting images and cultural relics.

From 2014, Zhang began to apply the art to decorative items for her friends' homestay businesses, which are popular among the owners and their guests.