Reproduction Painting

Reproducing old glass can be a trial.

This was the "perfect" trial. This glass came from a historic home in Dexter. It took a number of glass paint applications and firings to get to this point.

First, the outlines were traced in brown and fired at 1250 degrees. Second/third firings added brown details/shading. The fourth firing/painting was for the amber you see here - the lighter yellow. Fifth - the glass is prepared for the 2nd coat of silver stain which is the darker color around the borders and center of the glass. It will be fired at 950 degrees. Then, the final process will duplicate the sandblasted design in the clear areas of the glass.

Problem areas were: matching the silver stains (amber colors). I had to use the most expensive stain available to get the correct match. The tracing brown was mixed with zinc to keep the shininess (is that a word) down. The idea is to keep it looking true to the era. I used a kiln shelf material that was fairly new so it could be cut to fit my kiln and hold this size piece of glass. The shelf kept causing bumps in my glass, thus additional firings until it was figured out. Lastly, the glass was very weak and one piece of the original panels broke in my hands as it was being tenderly dried.

What this does to me as an artist????? Causes aggravation, extended deadlines, wonderful learning experiences, and a clearer direction about how to proceed on the next one. Have to look at the positive side or it will drive me crazy.

Pat Deere

Classes: Glass painting classes are currently being taught as private lessons. Contact me for more information.