3 Advanced Glass Fusing Tips – Take Your Work to the Next Level

Except from my Advanced Glass Fusing Workshop

Advanced fusing is a broad term. What does it mean to advance? 

Advancing is moving beyond your current skill level. It’s challenging your abilities and developing your talent and learning how you can make exceptional artwork that exceeds everyone’s expectations. 

If this sounds like a huge, insurmountable task or an unrealistic goal for you, you’re not alone. Compressed into one sentence, the enormity of advancing ones craft can be a daunting motivation crusher. But don’t worry. Once we break down the steps you’ll be primed, ready and truly excited about taking action. 

Here are three top tips pros use to break through and make exhibition quality art.  

1 Be a Master of Color

Color plays an important role in the effectiveness of your art. The colors you select convey your message. You, as the artist have the power to swing the viewers mood from tranquil, bright and cheery to thought-provoking, stirring and stormy. When planning a new project, I consider what type of impression I want to leave and then select colors that support that intention. Reds are active and emotional. Blues are soothing, they suggest tranquility. While yellows represent happiness and contentment. Choose your colors carefully and then use them with purpose to draw the viewer into your magical world.  

2 Pick a Pattern

Including patterns in your art is an essential way to increase the visual intricacy and attractiveness of your artwork. The whole idea is to capture interest and hold it as long as possible. Patterns add dimension which increases interest. This entices the viewer and engages them longer. Pattern also shows an increase in artistic exploration and creative skill on your part, and that always gets noticed.

Patterns can be simple and geometric or intricate and organic. I decide how to use pattern based on the artistic style I’m going for. For traditional designs, I like to use structured, linear patterns that illustrate organization and planning, while contemporary designs are great places to use free-flowing patterns. In effect they increase the visual movement throughout the artwork. Whatever style you chose, pattern adds drama that increases the visual quality of any piece. 

3 Go Sculptural 

  

Shape up. The fastest and simplest way to ramp up your artwork and advance to the next level, is to create a unique shape, and go sculptural. Sculptural pieces always have higher visual impact that translates into an increased perceived value. This is the key to taking your work from a craft or a hobby to the threshold of fine art. We are so fortunate to be working with a medium that we can manipulate and shape any way we want. Take advantage of that and you can transform ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Try using slumping molds in different ways. I combine molds to build unique shapes no one else has seen. Or I fuse several small pieces and then glue them together to create a freestanding, three dimensional tower. You can do it too. Start small. Then as you gain confidence go bigger and more elaborate.   
 

The big difference between making ordinary pieces and repeatedly producing one-of-a-kind original art is planning. 

When it’s time to make something new and exciting I begin by asking myself, what style do I want to make. Then I consider what mood the art should provoke and select an appropriate color palate. Then I layout a pattern that will reinforce my selected style.  My next step is to plan what form the finished artwork will take. I ask myself, how can I manipulate the shape of the glass and display it in a unique and unexpected way that will be amazing? Then I begin the process of construction. 

I don’t always have all the answers at the beginning. But I do follow my original plan to its natural end. Often, new directions present themselves during fabrication, but I stay true to my plan. I’ll take notes on the new possibilities and revisit them later with my next new undertaking. Sometimes deviations are inevitable, like when an idea or technique fails to produce the results I had hoped. Then I go back to the first three tips, regroup and forge ahead. 

If improving your glass skills and growing your artistic style are on your 2019 list, I’m here to help you achieve success. I hope this insight helps you overcome obstacles so you can make the art of your dreams.  

Wherever you are in your artistic journey, you’re doing a great job! Keep going. Never settle. You are an amazing talent. Shine on!     

Except from my Advanced Glass Fusing Workshop

Happy fusing!
Lisa

Follow my blog for more tips and tricks! 

Artist Website www.LisaVogt.net
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk
Facebook www.Facebook.com/LisaJVogt

Author Website https://lisajvogtcom.wordpress.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/lisajvogt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lvogt_originalsinglass/

NEW Webinar Date for 2019

Upscale Fusing Webinar

January 31, 2019

https://www.glasspatterns.com/en/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1192-upscale-fusing-with-lisa-vogt-april-24-2018.html

Incorporating pattern and texture to elevate and refine your fusing style are the focus of this in-depth webinar.

Join me and learn how to tastefully blend various cutting-edge techniques to add dimension and volume to your work.

With the pro's secrets revealed, you'll be on the fast-track to developing winning combinations that will get your work noticed!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
February 5 – 8, 2019

Register here: http://www.lisavogt.net/products.aspx?id=480

Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

What drives artists? What drives you?

Is it artistic curiosity? The thrill of challenging your skills? The adventure of new discoveries? I believe it’s all the above. When you’re ready to take it up a notch, I’m ready to take you there.

Warning: this workshop is for bold, determined and driven artists who are ready to take control of their artistic future.  

Here’s what you’ll learn in my upcoming Advanced Glass Fusing Workshop.

The power of color selection and how to use it to your advantage to control visual flow.

How to create intricate patterns and add texture to increase the impact and desirability of your finished artwork.

How to build and use multiple, complex components in combination to create original art that reflects your own personal artistic style. 

Advanced techniques for producing gallery quality, sculptural pieces of glass art.

How to make unique bases and use custom-made stands that flatter your masterpieces.

Pro finishing techniques that’ll elevate your work well above the ordinary.

Plus, you’ll learn professional tips and trick for quality fabrication, as well as, practical kiln operation and you’ll receive my project specific firing guides.

projects, the creative momentum you gain working for four consecutive days and the well-appointed classroom.

Get Ready for the Glass Craft and Bead Expo

Las Vegas, NV

April 3-7, 2019

Class Registration is Now Open

https://www.glasscraftexpo.com/instructor-list.php?search=lisa%20vogt#7

Join me for an exciting week for fun and fusing! Here’s my lineup of classes for 2019.

WE-16 - Fired Up! Fusing for the Adventurous

TH-08 - Painting with Frit

FR-18 - Breaking Through – Making Exhibition Quality Art

NEW SA-22 - Sculptural Fused Glass Art

NEW SU-01 - Gallery Quality Fused Glass Made Easy

Learn at home at your own pace. Instructional Videos are here!

Available here: http://www.lisavogt.net/shop.aspx?id=40

Check out my writer’s website.

Lisa J. Vogt

Get Fired Up for Fusing in 2019

Hey glass friends, I’ve missed you!

Over the holidays I enjoyed quality time with family and friends. There were so many demands on our time and energy that I gave us, you and me, a break from posting. But I have to tell you, I missed reaching out to you, getting your artistic feedback and mostly, seeing all the inspiring ways you’re expressing your creativity.

It’s a new year, and so it’s time to appreciate the things we’ve done and set new goals for our artistic growth. Before jumping ahead and making a bunch of resolutions, I like to list some of my accomplishments from the previous year. This simple little exercise is a huge boost to your self-esteem. It’s tangible proof that your efforts, no matter how small, are making a difference. And what’s better, is the satisfaction you feel knowing that you have made progress. And that’s a powerful motivator for building forward momentum toward new goals. 

Now, take a minute and list the things you accomplished in 2018. Then think about your process. What steps did you take to achieved success? What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve your results? Take a few minutes to be proud of yourself. Any forward movement is positive. You did a great job! Cheers!

Now, think about the future. What do you want to be able to list this time next year? What steps can you start taking right now, today, to guarantee your success at the end of the year?

As for me, I started practicing beginner yoga in January 2018. I didn’t practice it as often as I wanted to, but I did consistently practice yoga for all 12 months. It’s a start. I completed several custom art glass installations and an elaborate public art project. I produced two new instructional videos and wrote several glass related articles. Plus, for the first time in my life, I’m a published poet. That’s fun stuff!

In 2019 I intend to practice yoga more regularly and add meditation to my weekly routine. I plan to produce two new instructional videos utilizing newly developed advanced glass fusing techniques. I’m going to make more original, sculptural commissions. And, I will write more regularly and finish my novel. 

If improving your glass skills and growing your artistic style are on your 2019 list, I’m here to help you achieve success. It’s a pleasure to share in your progress and a joy to see you develop your own personal flare.

To start the year off I thought I’d tell you a little about myself and how I became interested in art glass.

About Me

Did you know?

While pursuing an education in fine art at the University of South Florida, I enrolled in a beginner stained glass class at a local shop. Immediately I was hooked, completing my project the first night rather than over the allotted four weeks. Within six months I had my first commission, within a year my first retail store, and a year later my husband/business partner and I opened a second retail store. In the studios we sold supplies and offered classes as well as designed and fabricated commissioned art for residential and commercial installations. We had the stores for 20 years. 

In the studio I developed a love for teaching. Sharing how to work with a medium that I found fascinating and versatile came easily. I have more than 30 years teaching experience. 

I purchased my first kiln in 1986 but really got fired up about glass fusing in 1999 when Spectrum Glass came out with System 96. Their new product line was reliable, easy to cut and an affordable solution to glass fusing.

Several years ago, we closed our stores, so I could pursue my new dream and be a full time studio artist. I now work from the comfort of my private studio beside my house, which is awesome because I live in a beautiful area.

Over the years my artistic focus shifted from stained glass to primarily fused glass. In my studio I have 200 amp service, 7 floor model kilns and 6 table top minis. There’s still one vacant 220 amp electrical outlet so there’s always the thrill of one more kiln in my future.  

Being a huge public art advocate, I’ve participated in many projects donating original works of art to benefit local and regional charities. My artwork has been on display in major cities across the country. 

Always eager to meet new people and travel, I’ve taught art glass techniques at numerous events and presented at dozens of conferences nationally from coast to coast. I’ve authored fourteen design books, 8 instructional videos and written numerous articles for industry publications and magazines. 

When I’m not working on glass, I’m stringing colorful sentences together for a novel I’m writing. The novel is a passion that won’t die. I learned that writing is just like drawing a picture, only with words instead of pencil lines. Like any other labor of love, it’s taking time and dedication to churn out the pages, but I’m committed. Creative writing is difficult for me. It takes me outside of my comfort zone. But the challenge to be brilliant on the page is so exhilarating and rewarding that when I do have success it inspires and motivates me to keep trying.  

My other creative interests include cooking, gardening, hiking and boating.

I live in Wesley Chapel, Florida just north of Tampa Bay with my family and silly pets. 

What’s your story? How did you get interested in glass?   

Here’s to another exciting creative year for us all!

Lisa

Follow my blog for more tips and tricks! 

Artist Website www.LisaVogt.net
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk
Facebook www.Facebook.com/LisaJVogt

Author Website https://lisajvogtcom.wordpress.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/lisajvogt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lvogt_originalsinglass/

NEW Webinar Date for 2019

Upscale Fusing Webinar

January 31, 2019

https://www.glasspatterns.com/en/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1192-upscale-fusing-with-lisa-vogt-april-24-2018.html

Incorporating pattern and texture to elevate and refine your fusing style are the focus of this in-depth webinar.

Join me and learn how to tastefully blend various cutting-edge techniques to add dimension and volume to your work.

With the pro's secrets revealed, you'll be on the fast-track to developing winning combinations that will get your work noticed!

Learn How to Make Gallery Quality Original Artwork  

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
February 5 – 8, 2019

Register here: http://www.lisavogt.net/products.aspx?id=480

Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.

Join me for four exhilarating, fun-filled days of fusing. You’ll advance your own personal design style, make multiple exceptional large scale pieces of art and gain the confidence and know-how to take control of your artistic future. 

Get Ready for the Glass Craft and Bead Expo

Las Vegas, NV

April 3-7, 2019

Class Registration is Now Open

https://www.glasscraftexpo.com/

Join me for an exciting week for fun and fusing! Here’s my lineup of classes for 2019.

WE-16 - Fired Up! Fusing for the Adventurous

TH-08 - Painting with Frit

FR-18 - Breaking Through – Making Exhibition Quality Art

NEW SA-22 - Sculptural Fused Glass Art

NEW SU-01 - Gallery Quality Fused Glass Made Easy

Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar

April 11, 2019

https://www.glasspatterns.com/en/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1211-fusing-for-the-adventurous-with-lisa-vogt-april-11-2019.html

Get ready to push boundaries, challenge trusted techniques and enjoy the thrill of limitless possibilities. Join me in this comprehensive hands-on webinar and learn how easily you can put tried and true methods to use in unlikely, innovative ways to create original art.

You’ll learn how to successfully employ different techniques to produce dramatic effects and take your work to an exciting, new level of sophistication.

Learn at home at your own pace. Instructional Videos are here!

Available here: http://www.lisavogt.net/shop.aspx?id=40

Check out my writer’s website.

Lisa J. Vogt