Watercolor Stained-Glass Project

Where have you seen stained glass in your life? Can you list

one? You may not realize but, stained glass is an aspect of art

that is very often seen, just not always fully appreciated.

Craftsman spend years perfecting their designs and creating the

utmost detail through the use of glass.

Take a moment and look closely at the image to the left, is this a

stained-glass window or painting?

Today we will first learn 8 watercolor techniques that you will

then use to create your own stained-glass painting.

These techniques not only will help you with this project but future paintings in watercolor as well!

To begin, we will learn how to use the water color techniques, using salt, plastic wrap, tissue,

flat wash, gradated wash, wet on wet, wet on dry, and water drop.

On your stained glass painting you will first draw your design with sharpie, keep it simple!! We

want space to see all the techniques being presented in your completed work.

If necessary you can use scrap paper to practice your idea before using the sharpie on your large

watercolor paper.

Do not create a drawing/ outline that does not use the characteristics of a stained glass it will

negatively affect your grade.

Your completed piece needs to have all 8 techniques used on it, I will be asking you to show me

what parts of your work you used each technique.

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Think about ways you can show what you want to draw in a style like stained glass, think

outside of the box!!!

Entering a Gothic cathedral on a sunny day is like stepping into a rainbow. Beams of sunlight passing through the stained-glass windows bathe the church in rich reds, blues, and greens.

"Stained glass" is the term used for pieces of colored glass joined together by strips of lead to form a picture or design. Stained glass is most often used for windows, because the beauty of the glass is best seen when light passes through it.

The process of coloring glass was probably invented in ancient Egypt. But it was during the Middle Ages that the making of stained-glass windows developed as a major art. Stained-glass windows were an important feature of churches built in the Gothic style, which first arose in the mid-1100's. The windows filled the church interiors with light and color, delighting worshipers with their beauty.

The windows were not only beautiful; they also served an educational purpose. During the Middle Ages, the church was the center of learning. There were few books, and only a handful of people could read. The designs in the first stained-glass windows usually depicted scenes from the Bible. Such scenes were important tools in teaching Christian beliefs to the people. In later years, workers' guilds and wealthy merchants paid for windows that glorified not only saints and kings but the donors themselves.

The artisans of the Middle Ages perfected techniques for making stained-glass windows, many of which are still used today. On a large white board, the artisan drew a picture the same size as the window. He numbered each section of the picture according to color. Over the drawing he placed pieces of glass that had already been colored—with metallic oxides--while the glass was being made. Then, following the outline of the drawing, he cut out the shapes with a hot iron. Finally, the artisan cut strips of lead to fit between the pieces of glass. The lead did more than hold the pieces together; it became part of the design. The lead strips outlined sections of glass and kept the colors from appearing to overlap. Large windows were given a framework of iron bars for added strength.

Strangely, perfecting stained-glass techniques did not improve the windows. The bubbles in the first glasses and the unevenness of their surfaces made the sunlight seem to dance. The later glasses, with fewer imperfections, had less sparkle. Originally, paint was used only for small details, such as the features of a face. Beginning in the 1500's, more paint was used. Less light passed through the painted surfaces, and stained glass lost much of its power and majesty.

For about 200 years the use of stained glass declined, and it was not revived until the 1800's. Religious groups and wealthy people sought the excellent workmanship of the glassmakers Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), John La Farge (1835-1910), and others to decorate their churches and mansions.

Reviewed by Jane HaywardThe Cloisters, New York City

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Reference Photos:

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