_This is a question submitted by Julia H.:
My biggest problem is eyes. Do you have a book for beginners on that? Also, I can't figure out how to make the pieces look smooth (example: like Precious Moments pieces) or your pieces for that matter. Is that wet brushing? or dry brushing?

Thanks for the option to ask :>)
very much appreciated.
Signed,
Julia H. alot to learn
   ***************************************************************************************
Hi Julia,
Eyes seen to be a struggle for many!  I have a Basic Eyes technique sheet on the Technique page that you can download.  It is also helpful if you watch the 3 minute How to Paint Eye Lashes Video that is also on the Technique page while you follow use this technique sheet to learn to paint lashes.  Watching the video may help you follow the instructions on the technique sheet better.  Feel free to ask me as many questions as you need and I will try to help you conquer this beast! lol!  I will be adding more videos soon, I am almost finished with my studio remodel so I can get back to work! :)
The best thing to remember when getting started is to choose a brush that is long and flexible enough to give a little bend when you apply pressure to the tip, but not so long that you can't control it.  Squeeze a little paint out on a tile and pull a little water into the paint to thin it, just enough that is glides smoothly and gives you a nice thin line that doesn't skip, drag or clump.  Roll the tip of the brush as you pull it through the paint to smooth any stray hairs together making a fine point.  Try some practice strokes on the tile to see how your paint and brush is working.  Then try some strokes on paper.  Remember that your strokes will flow on tile, and drag a little on paper because it's absorbing all the moisture, painting on your ceramic piece will be somewhere in between, not as slick as glazed tile and not as dry as paper so you may need to adjust your water accordingly. 
If you are struggling while your practice, feel free to comment here and let me know how it's going.
                                                                                                         Happy Painting!
                                                                                                                Shelley_

_This is a question submitted by Julia H.:
My biggest problem is eyes. Do you have a book for beginners on that? Also, I can't figure out how to make the pieces look smooth (example: like Precious Moments pieces) or your pieces for that matter. Is that wet brushing? or dry brushing?

Thanks for the option to ask :>)
very much appreciated.
Signed,
Julia H. alot to learn
*****************************************************************************************
Hi Julia,
Eyes seem to be a struggle for many.   I will add another Questions & Answer Post for painting eyes and comment there and you can post your continued questions on eyes there if you would like to continue the discussion.
Check the Question & Answer: How to paint eyes for your question on eyes.

Regarding making things smooth:  There are several techniques that can help with this, depending on how you started the piece.  Yes, most of the pieces in my photo gallery are wet brushed rather than dry brushed, that does help with making a smoother appearance but there are other things that can help.  Comment here and Give me an example of a piece you are having trouble with and tell me step by step what you did and I will see if I can help you and give you some tips to get the finish you are after.
                                                                                                          Happy Painting!
                                                                                                               Shelley