By Chelsea Reed
Have you ever looked at a realistic painting and wondered, “How in the world did they ever paint that?” The remarkable talent, dedication, and skill of artists have much to do with them being renowned as Masters! It’s especially amazing when they paint glassy objects that look just like the real thing. How do artists paint glass, anyway? Whether you’re a budding artist or an admirer, keep reading to find out. Today we’ll reveal a few secrets that even the Masters use!
Tip #1: They don’t.
Yes, you read that right. Because glass is transparent, artists don’t have to worry about actually painting it. They don’t even think about it! Instead, they focus on painting the objects inside the glass. Glass distorts the look of any objects inside it. So, artists focus on painting those objects instead. Artists also paint the light that hits the glass subject in real life. These tricks create the illusion of looking through glass.
Tip #2: They forget about how it should look.
If you try to paint glass for the first time, you might get a headache trying to figure out how it should look. But any experienced artist will tell you to turn your analytical thinking off. Believe it or not, it’s much easier to paint glass if you forget about how it should look. Just paint what you see, and let your imagination go free. You’d be surprised how the glass looks more realistic that way!
Tip #3: They use glazes.
Finally, artists who paint glass tend to use glazes in their paintings. That is because the glaze thins out the paint, which is important to create a glassy look. Applying many thin layers of paint is the key to producing a translucent shine. Some artists also thin out water-based paints with water after applying the paint to the canvas to soften the edges.
There’s still time to catch the Modern Masters Art Show! It’s a great opportunity to study examples of light and reflection. See beautiful glass, serene waterscapes, exploring colonists, and adventurous pirates captured in original art. This exclusive event at Seaside Art Gallery continues until December 31st, 2021 online and inside the Gallery at the Outer Banks, NC. Be sure to check it out now before it’s gone forever!
