This is a miniature painting of a blooming cactus 3-3/4" x 4-3/4" that I just completed titled "Cactus Jewel". It’s a pretty intricate and involved painting. It is painted on ivorine, a simulated ivory surface – Ivory is a traditional ground and popular for miniature artists to paint on since the 1700’s – of course, due to conservation reasons, has now been replaced with the synthetic version (which, though synthetic, has been used by miniature artists for over a century).
I have been delighted with my experience with painting on ivorine. :D (…and am planning to paint more of them.) Normally I have painted watercolor on board, which would be similar to traditional surfaces that were used also, though a little more modern.
The experiments with this surface have been due to one of my friend’s, Joan Willies, influence. She has a tremendous knowledge of miniature art as well as the history and techniques, and a little of it is rubbing off on me. She also has a beautiful website of her miniature paintings here. 
The ivorine seems to give your painting illumination like an oil painting. I like it. The lighting is quite delightful and as always very beautiful.
Thank you, Boyd. :D Ivorine helps give more depth to your work – it has a luminous quality to it. …one of the reasons I like it so much. :D
Simply Superb
Absolutely stunning work! I was delighted to see that you are a fellow Minnesotan.