Using light and colour to depict images and stories, stained glass has illuminated our lives for centuries. Traditional glass painting is a technique that does not require an ability to draw or paint: it is an opportunity to add pattern and texture to a glass panel – though of course, drawing, as such, is an option too.
You can create your own unique panel, or simply your own unique painted glass “tiles”. First learning how to paint on glass with traditional pigments, experimenting with different effects. Pigments and stains are fixed by firing in a kiln and effects can be built up by multiple layers applied in different ways. We will fire the pigments onto the glass in the kiln overnight, returning the pieces to the workshop the next day for further painting to build up the image.
If you wish, you can combine your unique painted glass with other coloured glass into a small leaded panel design, or you might choose to make a series of small tiles to leave unframed. You will learn the techniques for applying pigments and stains; cutting, assembling and soldering your panel can be done on days 2 and/or 3 to take home something truly unique.
– Create a workable design or series of patterns in painted and stained glass
– Paint in layers and apply tone/shading
– Finish your designs ready for the kiln
– Learn how to make templates
– The best ways of cutting glass
– Work through the process of assembling and leading your panel (optional)
It is not necessary to have previous experience of leading as this will be covered.
N.B. Lead-based paints, lead and lead solder will be used – these are toxic substances and pregnant women advised not to handle lead or breathe in fumes.
What to expect
Days at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits on day one. Begin your session at the appointed time and there will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Each day lunch will be around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch each day. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop and providing we have notice, we are happy to cater for any dietary needs.
Finish time is given as a target – there is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times follow on days can be flexible too.
We aim for your time with us to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Please wear sturdy clothing like jeans rather than anything that may get snagged on glass. Much of the work is messy, we have aprons but you may wish to make sure you wear old clothes or bring your own apron.
No heels and no open toe'd shoes or sandals - your feet will need protection!
If you have any design ideas or example images that inspire ideas for your glass painting, please do bring them along. It could even be a simple pattern or symbol. Jackie will also have plenty of resources to trigger ideas.
All other materials and equipment will be supplied for this workshop.
