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| Example of glass painting from the late 19th Century |
"Traditional Glass Painting in the Munich Style"
with J. Kenneth Leap [REGISTER HERE]
Learn the art of mixing, applying and firing glass-based paints, enamels and stains. This class will start with the core skills of traditional glass painting – tracing & matting. We will then concentrate on 19th century figurative techniques as exemplified by the Munich Style. Students can choose to practice replicating brocade patterned drapery, foliage, ornamental architectural borders and of course painting the figure. This course will introduce a variety of processes for mixing and layering pigments with exotic mediums. Glass selection and enamel work for flesh will be explored in depth. This class will be of specific interest to restoration painters and to all who admire the techniques of the 19th century. This class is designed to complement the workshop
"Stained Glass Repair & Conservation" with Steve Hartley offered July 10-14, 2017
About the Instructor:
J. Kenneth Leap began his career in stained glass in 1987 when he opened his studio The Painted Window a year after earning a BFA in Glass from the Rhode Island School of Design. He received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and is primarily known for his public art installations throughout New Jersey. He is an ambassador artist for Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville, NJ where he has maintained his primary studio since 1994. He’s also an artist in residence at Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania and teaches stained glass at Bryn Athyn College. He’s currently Head of the Glass Department and Director of the Workshops a Bryn Athyn. From 2012 to 2014 he served as president of the American Glass Guild.
More about the class:
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| Student work completed in class |
1. What specific techniques are covered in this workshop?
Students will learn to work with Reusche glass pigments, stains, and mediums. We will discuss selecting the right glass for the color palette of historic windows. Which brushes to use and how to care for them. How to make color samples and how to use them to replicate the paints of the 19th century. Which mediums and binders to mix with glass pigments for hand-painting including advanced painting techniques for layering pigments. Complete instructions for firing a kiln will be provided. The instructor will present daily demonstrations on these techniques in a clear logical order and students will have plenty of class time to practice the lessons presented. We will look at historic windows in the Munich Style and practice lessons will include: foliage, brocade drapery, landscapes and skies, and the figure. Lessons on the figure will include painting hands and faces. This workshop will be augmented with the study of anatomy and proportion. Students of all levels will benefit from daily drawing exercises.
2. What prior experience do students need?
A basic understanding of stained glass techniques is helpful. This class will focus on painting. We will not be cutting glass in this class or assembling finished windows. Students of all levels are welcome.
3. What do you say to students who are concerned because they have no prior experience with glass or with design?
Anyone interested in painting, drawing or design will benefit from the material presented in this workshop. While the focus will be on Munich windows the practical skills you learn can be adapted to any painting style, all that is required is a sense of curiosity and the determination to practice the skills. I also offer private instruction out of my studio at Wheaton Arts if you would like a grounding or a refresher in core skills.
4. What do you offer to students with intermediate or advanced experience?
This class has been specifically designed to provide professional training for serious students who are pursuing a deeper understanding of traditional techniques. Whether or not you are a restoration painter as long as you are seeking to improve your skills you will benefit from this class. We all have the capacity to learn more.
5. What do students make in this class to take home?
Each student will complete between 3 - 5 pieces. Students will have a choice of subject matter adapted from imagery found in Munich Style windows. Additionally students will produce studies and color samples for reference in their own studio. Students will do drawing exercises in their sketchbooks to practice.
6. What tools, supplies or preparatory designs do students need to bring to the class?
Students should bring a sketchbook and drawing materials. A pad of tracing paper. A journal for note taking. Students may also use a digital camera during the workshop. All tools & supplies for class projects will be provided.
7. Do you supply handouts, material lists or class notes?
Patterns for class projects and material lists will be supplied. Students are responsible for taking their own class notes.
8. Are you available for continuing dialogue after the class ends?
Yes, students frequently call or email me with ongoing questions.
Additional Photos of past workshops:
Instructors work:
