On My Easel #2: The Challenge of Painting the Illusion of Blown Glass

Painting the illusion of a glass vase can be challenging for the artist, however recreating a ‘blown glass’ vessel in paint is even more complex.

Collecting unique vases and objects along the way is one of the fun parts of being a still life painter. I bought the vase in this photo at the Sun Valley Arts and Crafts Festival many years ago. This delicate, hand-blown glass vase has been sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, for all these years.
Right now, I am working on finishing up a new series of still life paintings for my upcoming winter exhibition at Kneeland Gallery. I am always on the lookout for fresh inspiration, so the other day when I glanced up at this lonely vase, I pulled it off of my bookshelf and finally decided to try my best at painting it!
Capturing the artistic irregularities and multi colors of a handblown vessel is not an easy task to portray in paint. But, I am always up for a good challenge in art and life…because this is how I learn and grow.
I took these pictures as my painting progressed with my HTC Incredible phone camera. The phone died on me, and was so ‘un-incredible’ that and I lost most of the demonstration photos…my apologies! However, I hope these few images inspire you to try something new that challenges you in life or art.
I learned a lot from painting this subject matter. The challenge for me was to differentiate the pattern of the vase from the sticks within and above the vessel. I chose to paint a Bohemian Waxwing because they love to eat the dried cherries that are portrayed in this painting and the birds have an exotic look. Thus the name of the painting, “Exotica”.