Thursday, May 25, 2017

7 Tips for Working with Color



Excerpt from Fused Art Design Video

Color plays an important role in the visual impact of your artwork. By applying a few basic rules, you can dramatically improve the overall appeal of your fused glass art. All it takes is a little pre-planning with these guidelines in mind. Immediately, you’ll see a huge improvement in the strength of your work. You’ll love the results.    

1 Pick a color palate and stick with it. 

When selecting my glass, I choose specific color families to work with. I then repeat those colors in the art in varying shades. Showing restraint, by not using the entire spectrum of colors, shows you’re confident and your commitment to a plan.



2 Use three colors; one primary, one secondary and one accent. 

Using three colors in varying amounts ensures that the artwork is balanced. The variations also encourage the viewer to move their eyes around the art which results in a longer engagement with your work. 



3 Use multiple shades of the same color to create shadows and add depth.


Creating highlights and contrast by using multiple shades of the same color, will make your work fuller and more painterly. It’s features like these that elevate your pieces from craft to fine art. 



4 Repeat the same color at least three times.

Repeating colors gives the artwork greater continuity. It encourages the viewer to linger longer as they wander around your art seeking more eye candy.  



5 White 

White draws the viewer’s eyes first. It pops out and can visually overpower your subject matter. Therefore, I try to avoid white. When I do choose to use white, it’s sparingly and to create specific dramatic effects.  



6 Black 

Black creates a void or hole in the artwork. I avoid using black unless it’s the absolute best choice for the project. When I want black design elements, I’ll often substitute super dark colors to create the high contrast and deep shadows I’m looking for. 


To see the powerful effect of black, squint your eyes while looking at this picture. This allows you to focus on the most dominant color. Notice how the black recedes and creates a hole in the image.

7 Represent a familiar subject in an unexpected way. 

One of the best ways to get your work noticed is to give us something fresh. Put your own spin on a recognizable subject by rendering it in a surprising way and you’ll have the viewers hooked. Plus, it’s fun to set your imagination free and play around with new color combinations.  




Which sea turtle do you find more interesting? Notice how much more time you spend looking at the one rendered in unusual colors.

8 Throw in a zinger.

A zinger is an unexpected color that contrasts the selected color palate. It breaks up the monotony of an otherwise neutral or monotone color combination. Done well, a zinger gives the viewer a reason to stick around, to seek out the other little treasures hidden in plain sight.  


Here I added green stringers to the red, orange and yellow mix. Green and red are complimentary colors. Like other complimentary colors, they’re opposite each other on the color wheel. Complimentary pairs vibrate when placed beside each other which makes the artwork richer. 

Being selective about color choices gives artwork a new and refreshing elegance. It’s a commitment that will resonant with viewers and echo the artist’s mastery of the medium.    


Excerpt from Fused Art Design Video

For more tips and tricks visit:  

Upcoming Webinars & Workshop

Upscale Fusing Webinar
July 25, 2017

Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar
August 8, 2017

NEW Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
September 5, 20147

NEW Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
September 7, 2017

Fusing with Frit Webinar
October 26, 2017

Advanced Glass Fusing Workshop
November 14-17, 2017
4-Days, Hands-on, Wesley Chapel, FL


5 Reasons Why YOU Will LOVE this Workshop!
1 One-on-one instruction
2 Step-by-step guidance to develop your own design style
3 Individualized project program - make what inspires YOU
4 Four full days of hands-on creating and fusing
5 Unlimited possibilities



Friday, May 19, 2017

Make a Stand!





Nothing says, hobbyist like a wire plate stand from the craft store. 

Throw them away!

You can do better!

Recently a student asked me, “How do I keep people from assuming my fused glass pieces are serving dishes for peanuts or dip?” My answer was simple, don’t let them. Present your pieces in such a way that it’s clear they’re original art, intended to be displayed in a place of honor and prestige. 

Let’s take an 8-inch fused glass square with a floral design for example. Without a proper presentation, the average person would think it could be used as a hot plate or a cheese tray. And they’d be right. Now, offer that same fused glass square mounted on a decorative base. It’s elevated from mere function, to a sculptural piece of fine art. 

Quality metals stands, like those you’d buy from your art glass supplier, are acceptable provided they add to the dimensional ambiance of the art. 

Custom made bases don’t have to be complicated. In fact, simple elegance is my preference. But they should be extensions and creative additions of your art. The base or stand should give the art lift and raise it up off the table, so light can get underneath it to emphasize the unique form you’ve designed. 




Crafting unique bases is easy once you start thinking outside the box. Let your imagination guide you. Try slumping glass over fiber board or over a sconce mold to make complimentary shapes you can combine with your fused glass. 



I like to make several sample bases in varying shapes and sizes. Then I test those bases on different project profiles until I get the prefect combination. My bases are glued on with E6000 adhesive. Of course, if you’re having success with a different adhesive use it.    





If you’re ready to get excited about your new work, go beyond the creation of your art. Show it off. Put it on a custom-made pedestal that’ll draw the admiration it deserves. The inclusion of a creative base shows you’re passionate about your art. Your enthusiasm for pioneering innovative techniques will make others passionate about it too.  
 

Happy fusing!
Lisa

Excerpt from Upscale Fusing Webinar

For more tips and tricks visit:  

Check out my new video 
Crocus Flower Tray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_4B8q-1HPA


Don’t miss Glass Quest!
There’s still time to register!


Glass Quest 2017
May 26, 27 & 28, 2017
West Palm Beach, Florida

A weekend of education, inspiration and engagement for glass enthusiasts of all types. Incredible networking opportunities, as well as overall engagement in the evolving world of art glass education & advocacy! Meet & partner with other glass artists as we push the boundaries of Glass as a Contemporary Art Form!

Upcoming Webinars & Workshop


Upscale Fusing Webinar
July 25, 2017



Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar
August 8, 2017


NEW Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
September 5, 20147

NEW Fusing for the Adventurous Webinar
September 7, 2017



Fusing with Frit Webinar
October 26, 2017


Advanced Glass Fusing Workshop
November 14-17, 2017
4-Days, Hands-on, Wesley Chapel, FL


5 Reasons Why YOU Will LOVE this Workshop!
1 One-on-one instruction
2 Step-by-step guidance to develop your own design style
3 Individualized project program - make what inspires YOU
4 Four full days of hands-on creating and fusing
5 Unlimited possibilities