Coming from the east, I had been practicing Chinese painting which applies a lot of water. Here in Turkey, I was more than eager to learn the Islamic art of Ebru, in which the color paint "floats" on water, before it is transferred to paper. Therefore, I signed up the Ebru class in Bilkent University and embarked on my own Ebru journey. Each week, I anticipate my instructor spell out the beautiful name of a new technique, like "Gel git" (Come and go) and Bülbül Yuvası (Nightingale's nest). This was an eye-opening experience, since there are a myriad of methods and techniques in Ebru art that one would never get tired of learning.
"Bugün 'Gel git' öğreneceksiniz." the lovely instructor announced, meaning "Today you will learn 'Come and go'."
Students, whether wearing a headscarf or not, all gathered around her to see her adept skills demonstrating the mission of the day. First, she would prepare the workplace with jars to put marbling gall to each color.
Now, she begins working with a straw bundle, starting from the dark ink for backgroud. Dropping the ink on the watery surface, she mumbles " hafifce, hafifce yap, yavaş, yavaş yap" (do it softly and slowly), making sure the entire surface has a fairly consistent spatter pattern.
As it spreads, the next color she adds would automatically squeeze itself into the veins of the first color. This is called "battal", the classic, stone-like design and a basis of most Ebru techniques.
Then, she would drag a stick or stylus on the surface made during the previous step, back and forth, to create the next look--Gel git. Look how it "comes" and "goes", swinging back and forth, gracefully. If she wants to show you "şal" (Shawl technique), she would change the directions to reveal a feather-shaped pattern. When she finishes, it's your turn to clean the water in the metal box with a piece of used newspaper and begin your masterpiece!
Let's make Bülbül Yuvası (Nightingale's nest) with these beautiful swirls, or if you like, we can call them roses. :)
Gently and slowly, you will put a paper on the top and slowly pull it out from the edge to leave it dry. 
Some believe that the origins of Ebru were brought from Persia around 15th century before reaching Turkey. However, Turkish ebru has received more reputation for its complete system of traditional techniques not known to many others in the early times. Traditional marbling was done with oils or gouache, but concentrated acrylic paints have proved easier to use and more preferable for most artists today.
Marbling combs of varying density are the most brilliant tools for Ebru. To make a peacock pattern, drag a marbling comb left and right and you will see an awesome, intricate pattern before your eyes.
Unlike arts performed on a solid surface, Ebru is based on the thickened liquid with a fluid feature. This special aspect makes it fascinating. You have to be gentle towards the water and follow the rhythm of its flow, otherwise it might go crazy and hard to control, especially after you have mastered the basic patterns and commence on the advanced flower designs, such as 'lale' (tulip) favored in Ottoman times for its shape somewhat similar to the Arabic word for "Allah".
But no need to worry, because the instructor can teach you how to mend any mess you've created. By using the pins to poke into the color paint or naughty bubbles, you can manipulate or erase any part of your unfinished work. Even more, if you think you've destroyed the whole work, simply put a piece of paper on the top to remove it entirely. In just a second, it will disappear without a trace.
Water comes and goes, but you are now capable of leaving its dancing footprints on your paper. :)
<--My creation after 2 months learning. Isn't it the best souvenir for friends back home?! :D
Create a carnation for your mother, too! ^^
You can read my articles on a website that promotes Turkey http://turkayfe.org
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