Sunday, September 28, 2008

Reverse Painting on Glass, New Experiements




Here are the first results of a new technique I'm trying, reverse painting on glass. This was done in the 19th C and it is commonly seen on old mirrors and clocks. In reading about Gabriel Munter, Kandinsky and other German Expressionists, they collected reverse painting on glass, done as folk art. Gabriel adapted this idea to her own artwork and created some beautiful pieces.

Not knowing how to do this technique, I have been experimenting and learning as I go. The work is viewed from the other side; what you paint, comes out reverse to how you paint it. Oil paint sticks nicely to the glass and there is something rather similar to monoprinting, just like preparing the plate with oil based inks. I have mostly used brushes and rags, but I can see there are many possibilities. I'm now trying to understand light over dark and dark over light and how that all works. I have been letting layers dry before painting the next sequence, this can create some exciting color combinations. Information about transparent vs. opaques pigments is important to this technique. I'm working on a large painting now and will post it up when it is finished. I'd love to hear from any other glass painters, what works for you?

2 comments:

Cathy said...

I started reverse painting this summer and also still learning and trying different techniques. I am using enamel paints (for glass). I love your people and think I'd like to try doing a portrait myself. Could be very interesting, since I'm not a portrait artist at all. LOL So glad to have stumbled upon your blog. Your work is awesome!

Cathy said...

I started reverse painting this summer and I am too, am still learning and trying different techniques. I am using enamel paints (for glass). I love your people and think I'd like to try doing a portrait myself. Could be very interesting, since I'm not a portrait artist at all. LOL My main medium has been soft pastel, so this is a total and complete thing for me. So glad to have stumbled upon your blog. Your work is awesome!