Great fused glass artwork is no accident. It’s meticulously planned, skillfully executed and artistically presented in an aesthetically pleasing way. Exceptional artwork is the product of several elements. When combined they engage and captivate the viewer.
These key characteristics are present in all great art. Keep them in mind when designing new work. Apply them when possible, and you’ll immediately see a powerful rise in the quality of your finished art.
How to create great artwork.
1 Design a pleasing composition.
Composition refers to the placement of design elements within the artwork. By placing elements in a triangular fashion, you create wanted tension viewers find irresistible. Unless the pattern is a geometric grid, I avoid having elements in a straight line vertically or horizontally, it lacks fire.
2 Select an appealing color palate.
Pick a color palate and stick with it. This shows artistic planning which increases the continuity of the work. When deciding on colors, I pick a setting and then choose colors appropriate for that landscape. For example, if I select a New England Shore as my setting I’d use soft celery green, medium blue, light amber and earth tones. Whereas, a Caribbean beach setting would call for vivid Amazon green, aqua blue, bright yellow and white.
3 Engage the viewer with a focal point.
I believe all designs even geometric patterns can benefit from having a focal point. A focal point is something of interest that stands out from the background. It anchors the viewers eye and engages their imagination longer than the same piece with no focal point. It can be as simple as a high contrast color, a unique shape or an unexpected line.
4 Add visual or physical texture.
Texture invites discovery. It adds a third dimension that amps up the visual intricacy and perceived value of artwork. Include texture and your work will jump off the page.
5 Add pattern.
Pattern is a terrific way to dress up basic shapes to make them more unique and appealing. It’s also a great tool you can use to reinforce a specific design theme. For example, a basket weave pattern would be a nice addition to a design featuring bamboo shoots. Likewise, brightly colored straight lines could be used to represent a towel that enhances a tropical beach scene.
6 Combine advanced techniques.
Combining techniques is fun and adds dramatic interest to fused glass art. Even simple applications deliver high impact results. Create several component pieces. Try arranging them in several different ways until one makes each piece more interesting than it was alone.
7 Design dramatic imagery.
Including dramatic imagery is a great way to make art memorable. Give the viewer a solid pictorial subject to digest. It’ll grab hold of them and not let go. Viewers easily connect with recognizable focal points.
8 Give your work an exciting shape.
Break free from the confines of expected shapes. Color outside the lines. Offer us a fresh new profile. It’s easy to notch or bump out a square. Add a curved edge to a rectangle. Scallop the outside of a circle. Your work will approve.
9 Give your work sculptural form.
This is the single most effective way to elevate your work from craft to fine art. Combine different slumping molds to create a unique freestanding shape all your own. Or build a mold by draping fiber blanket over kiln posts. The possibilities are endless.
10 Follow through with a unique display.
You have a vision for your art. Carry that enthusiasm to the end. Consider making a display stand that contributes to the artwork’s energy and makes it impossible to forget.
In the end, we want to connect with the viewer through our art. We want to stir emotion, deliver a message or fascinate their sense of wonder. Whatever your intention, a well-planned project made with insightful design theories will make your artwork great!
For more in depth instruction check out my Advance Glass Fusing Video.
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Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Upcoming Class!
Advanced Glass Fusing Class
4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL
ONLY 3 SEATS LEFT!
February 4-7, 2025
YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.
Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
In this class, you will push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.
You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!
Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!
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