Glass painting

Painting on glass is gradually becoming a very interesting hobby among both young and adults. It is a remarkable art form where the combination of the medium and the painting itself leaves one dazzled. The unique aspect of glass painting is the medium which offers the painter the ‘light’ effect which no other medium can do. Glass painting was widely used in medieval Europe when Gothic churches and other institutions made remarkable use of glass paintings.

Glass painting in India:

Glass painting in India is a relatively new art form. It arrived in Gujarat during the 18th century when the Chinese merchants settled along the coastal regions of Gujarat. People were soon influenced by the art of glass painting and began to internalize by adding Indian ethos and culture. Themes were very Indian like Radha Krishna Leelas and mythological characters.

Materials required for glass painting

If you are making glass painting at home then, to begin with you need the following items:

• Square glass piece
• Glass paint
• Thinner
• Glue
• Aluminium foil
• Boldly traced design
• Powder
• M-seal

Method:

1. Place a traced design on the table. Then place the glass above the design so that the design is seen clearly.
2. Now mix the two coloured dough of M-seal in equal proportion.
3. Roll out the dough with the help of talcum powder and stick the strings of M-seal with glue along the traced design on the glass.
4. You can test your colours at the corner of the glass before painting and rub it off with the thinner. Remember stained glass paint gets dried very easily, so there is little scope for correction. You can remove the trace when the m-seal border gets dried.

Patterns which are normally done on glass are those of birds, animals, flowers and beautiful scenery.