Recently I shared a video showing how to draw a hummingbird design on the computer using the Glass Eye 2000 program by Dragonfly Software. As a follow up, I thought you’d enjoy knowing the benefits of designing electronically.
One of my favorite things about glass fusing is how easily I can jump right into construction with little or no planning. If the mood strikes, I can design spontaneously looking only to the materials for inspiration and come away with a striking new project. This artistic freedom usually produces loose, freestyle patterns I love. But sometimes, I want more intricate images or designs that develop slowly from concept to construction. When that’s the case, I draw my designs on the computer.
Initially, it’s time consuming to draw on the computer. But there are several advantages and reasons you might like to give it a try.
Why design on the computer?
1 Drawing on the computer greatly expands the range of your design complexity. It’s easy to draw unique compositions you might otherwise be afraid to try. You can import a photograph of a herd of horses for example. You can .draw over the picture including as much or as little detail as you want. Say you like one horse more than the others. It’s easy to copy and paste that one horse several times customizing the design to meet your vision.
Once you’ve put in the effort to draw the first horse, you can repurpose the drawing for any number of uses. Maybe you want to make a piece with only a horse head. The computer drawing is quickly edited and resized for a totally new project.
2. It’s easy to test unusual color combinations on a computer-generated pattern without any waste. I’m much more likely to use a wild color palate if I can see it in advance of cutting any glass. This feature alone, has awakened an all new level of artistic expression for me.
Create a library of images.
3. As a commission artist I’m frequently asked to make the same or similar designs. Often the design is driven by regional themes. Tropical herons, dolphins, coral reef and beach scenes are popular subjects with my local clients. My commission work is one-of-a-kind. I don’t make the exact same design twice. But I do borrow elements from previously drawn designs for new patterns. I take a heron from here, a fish from there, sea oats from another design. The elements are resized and regrouped to make a new original design.
Having an inventory of designs is a great way to accumulate popular images you can recycle over and over to make fresh, new compositions.
Clean, clear deigns are a powerful sales tool.
4. Clients have trouble imagining what a design will look like based solely on a verbal description. It’s easier to ensure customer satisfaction with a color rendering. I email the designs to my clients for review and approval. And if they want to make changes, they can be done quickly on the computer before I’ve invested labor or materials into building the job.
Small and big.
5. I use the Glass Eye program from Dragonfly Software. It’s known for its use for drawing stained glass patterns, but it works equally as well for fused glass patterns. I draw small simple projects as well as huge, complex commissions with the program. For the small pieces, I print a full-size pattern and build directly on that. For large scale works, I print a scale version of the design to use as a reference. Then I draw the full-size pattern by hand with a pencil on paper.
You don’t have to be a professional glass artist to benefit from expanding your design approach. Whatever your skill level, beginner to advanced artists you’ll find the time spent learning how to develop designs electronically is valuable. It’s an investment in yourself that will excite and elevate your artistic style.
Watch the How I Use the Glass Eye 2000 Video Here
Watch the How to Make a Hummingbird Video Here
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Happy Fusing!
Lisa
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Lustrous Lanterns Webinar
September 7, 2023
Light up with me! Create colorful luminaries to brighten your home, office, porch, or anywhere else you’d enjoy the comforting glow of a dazzling accent light.
In this comprehensive live event, I’ll show you how to make 6 sparkling fused glass lanterns. You’ll learn how easily you can construct and build stunning 3-D lamps. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the many stages of construction, including pattern preparation, glass cutting, project assembly, fusing, slumping, and how to “cold fuse” the lanterns together.
You’ll also be shown how to finish the lanterns with custom, professional quality glass display bases. In addition, I’ll share how to utilize ready-made clear glass candle shelters to make fast and easy pick-me-ups. I also show several quick and simple methods for lighting your beautiful new creations. Along with detailed instruction, you’ll receive 6 full-size lantern patterns, my project-specific firing guides, and supply list.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced glass fusers alike will love the wide variety of unique shapes and elegant new patterns, custom designed to enrich any decor. Join me to rekindle your creative spark with lustrous lanterns designed to set your artistic imagination aglow.
Think Like an Artist, A Lecture with Lisa
September 21, 2023
How to Think Like an Artist
Essential Design and Color Theory for Every Artist
Exceptional art is no accident. It is the product of a strategic plan that employs thoughtful design and color decisions, made by a skilled artist. Outstanding art is the result of informed choices applied to a work of art from its conception and then carried out through to its completion.
In this comprehensive lecture, I’ll show you how to lay out your design to establish impactful compositions. I’ll explain how and why you should use color to create a light source, add visual depth, and create a sense of mood. You’ll learn how to use high-contrast colors to influence the viewers engagement with your art. You’ll see the importance of including recognizable subject matter and a focal point.
No matter where you are in your journey, your artistic approach will benefit significantly from the easy-to-develop practices outlined in this in-depth presentation.
Don’t miss this fast-track opportunity to learn the age-old, hidden secrets employed by the great masters. Enjoy renewed artistic freedom with an understanding of the proven methods they used to create unforgettable original works of art.
Join me for this intimate, conversational live event to ignite your dormant creativity and experience a renewed awakening of your personal artistic strengths.
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