Painting in glass..how to achieve this?

[Steve_K]

Several years ago I came across some pieces that were amazing, and I want to start working in a similar vein. I wish I had a picture of thier work or the name of the artist in question. They had a storefront studio downtown Cincinnati--I moved to Florida since then and I cannot locate them now.
Here's what I saw: realistic painting in thick slabs of glass. Some of the pieces were small tiles, but the largest was probably 2'x3'. I think the thickness was about a half inch, or maybe a little more. What was so amazing was that there appeared to be many, many layers. The amount of visual depth was breathtaking. They were mostly mono-chromatic, but I recall seeing warm earth tones and blues. Mostly figurative, imagine upon close examination seeing a face with every hair, every eyelash...and trees with every branch, all appearing to be on different levels. They actually had a Surrealist feel...but well done.
I spoke to someone once who worked with this artist, and I wanted to know if it was resin or what?? and she said "no, he fires them in a kiln many times between painting layers". I never met the artist, but the work is always in the back of my mind. At the time, I was not doing any kiln work, just painting on canvas and stained glass.
With a realistic painting style, and a relatively new (1 year or so) obsession with the kiln, I am now starting on a new quest. What I want to do is build up a painted piece like this, but maintain crisp details along the way. I've tried fusing multiple layers of the think Uro clear glasses, but after 2 or 3 they start distorting. My concerns are with refires, getting layers fused on top of each other without destroying prior layers, that sort of thing. If anyone has some ideas for me, books I should read, sites I should know about, I would greatly appreciate it. My intention is NOT to simply steal someone's style...I am ready to let my art take its own direction. I would just love some pointers. Sorry this is so long!!
Stephen

[Bert Weiss]

Stephen

The techniques are a little tricky (steep learning curve) but there are several approaches that will result in the work you describe.

It is simpler to paint on the surface of glass. Incorporating the painting in between layers is more difficult, and of course more interesting.

"The Art of Painting on Glass" by Albinus Elskus is a good place to start. It is available at Whitehouse Books a board sponsor. From that foundation, you can then work on innovative techniques.

Bullseye's working deep tech sheet is also a good resource. I think that is the one. Somebody will chime in if I got the wrong tech sheet.

I plan to teach this technique at some point in the future. My approach works with float as well as systems 90 and 96.

[Dani]

The techniques of painting that Elskus teaches are what you need to paint very realistic works. The Reusche paints hold up quite well fused between glass especially the high-fires. But, even the low-fire enamels, though they burn off a bit, still retain color. We've had good success with the little we've tried this technique. Good luck. And keep drawing.... that will help you be the best realistic painter much more than paints or technique. You'll wow them more with your art than with the thickness of the glass.

[Steve_K]

Thank you both for responding. I will definately get a copy of Elskus's book and some high-fire Reusche paints to start. I've tried some Pebeo oven type paints in the kiln, and it was bad.
Bert, wow your site is incredible! Wish I could see that enameled transom window in person!