Preheat the oven to 300°F/152°C.

Mix 480 mL water and 400 grams of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Thinly slice at least 3 pears all the way across so that you have a cross-section of an entire pear.

When the sugar is dissolved in the water on the stove, stir and add the pears to the simple syrup. Simmer for 6 – 8 minutes or until you can almost see through the pears. Remove from simple syrup with tongs and lay flat on parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheet.

Mix about 2 tablespoons of simple syrup in a small cup with 2 drops of gel coloring of your choice. Prepare one bowl for each color you wish to use.

Using a small clean paintbrush, lightly paint each pear slice as desired. Mottle colors a bit on each slice if using more than one color. Dap with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Flip slices over and paint on the other side. Dap again with paper towel.

Bake the pears for 20 minutes, paint on some clear simple syrup, turn the slices over, and paint the other side. Bake another 10 minutes and then repeat. Thicker slices will take longer. I generally do one 20 minute bake and three 10 minute bakes, coating in between with simple syrup.

Remove from the oven and shape immediately if you do not want flat slices. Paint the edges with gold luster dust, if desired.