Christmas is over and the New Year has just begun... What better way to represent both and bring in my favourite bird but to depict this imaginary scene for my C.T. Stained Glass? I have to admit, this took quite a long time. The longest part? Deciding to "break" apart the glass into pieces and doing the black lead lines. The funny thing is, I actually did that bit on the computer, not wanting to potentially ruin my original watercolour painting (below).
Thank you to the three of you who had already completed this CT theme prior to the one week extension. You got the ball rolling! Nevertheless, I will check back in later tonight to see if anyone else got theirs in last minute too.
Wednesday night or Thursday, I'll announce the new theme over on Creative Tuesday's site so do be sure to check that out. I think Tracy and Donna will in particular enjoy this one. You'll perhaps figure out why... :)
P.S. There are many different ways to create stained glass, I've learned. The more modern way is to outline every detail with lead but I am particularly drawn to the classic approach with details in each pane of glass. My inspiration was this gorgeous window, although obviously mine was far simpler!
P.P.S. The New Year is a perfect time to (re)join CT if you've followed along and debated having something like this co-op to keep you productive...and creative. Consider it anyway — we're a friendly bunch. :)
Michael, this is such a gorgeous painting of the robin that I am pleased you added the black lines on the computer. There are so many further uses for this delightful painting. Although with the black lines it really does look like stained glass and if I didn't know you had painted it in watercolours I would haven taken it for the real thing.
ReplyDeletePhew! That was the idea, Linda. :) Thank you! I would have loved to have seen a Linda styled stained glass piece. :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful stained glass painting and I agree with Linda, I originally thought it was stained glass. It's a stunning watercolour on it's own - you are incredibly talented.
ReplyDeleteWow, coming from you, Helen, that is a big compliment. Thank you. And how lovely to see you here. It was def a labour of love.
DeleteYou should read the PPS and come join in every now and then. thank you for popping by. HNY!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I love the stained glass look too. I am sure some people who do stained glass would love to replicate this but it would be tough.
I love the way you paint birds. Maybe you could do an online course on painting birds? What medium did you use? (Is that the correct term?)
Blessings,
Janis
Well, as you will see from the links I added (After you read the post) you will see examples of even harder intricate work on each shard of glass. Amazing what they did even over 100 years ago. We just don't make beautiful church windows (or sanctuaries) like that anymore. Makes sense--crazy expensive but oh what works!
Deletethanks for you compliment!! Glad you overcame your fears and did the challenge too. I know it was kind of hard.
Oh Michael, I do love your stained glass birdie and of course the original is spectacular! I found this challenge daunting, but I forged ahead, but only because you extended the deadline which told me I must meet my fears head-on. LOL I'm excited to see what the next CT prompt will be, although it does put pressure on me and Donna. LOL I do hope you can put it up by Wednesday as I need all the time I can get to create for CT. Here's to a Happy New Year. And God's Blessing to you and Alexandra in 2016. :-)
ReplyDeleteHee, no pressure. you will love the new theme.
DeleteAdn yes, I was thinking several of us would need an extension even whilst many of you were on extended holiday (not I!). I know for sure I woudl not have done my piece w/o the extension.
Thank you for you lovely comment.
😊. My computer is sleeping for the night so am unable to approve your wonderful comments on my blog post until tomorrow. Thanks, Michael
DeleteOh wow is all I can say this is beautiful! You have outdone yourself!
ReplyDeleteHa. Anytime you say that I feel particularly happy. Christine. Yup, about did myself in on this one. Didn't even go to bed until 2:00 am as a result. It was a hard go but so glad I stuck with it. Thank you!
DeleteI can't believe just how amazing this turned out, Michael James! This has to be one of your best, yet. How long did it take you?....3...4 hours?! lol Well done. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha. Well the 2-3 hours of drawing and painting then another 4-5 hours beyond the 2 hours you had seen last night just adding in the black lines and making sure each piece was truly "doable" in the stained glass world. Learned lots in the process.
DeleteThank you. you believed in me when I felt daunted and voila! :)
the breakup/black lines works well. if I was doing this piece, I would have also saved the original and used the computer to add the black lines. it's always nice to have the original.
ReplyDeleteI think they each have a different feel to them. I like both versions. love the use of orange and red. as it is titled 'new year', I would have put in a bright orange sunrise in the background but that's just me.
anyway, have a lovely day.
Haha, you know I did think of a sunrise but I really wanted the snow too as that is so English xmassey too and it's still the middle of winter, actually barely begun.
DeleteYes, they certainly have two different feels. Glad I pushed myself through it and stayed up so late as such. Super tired today with work though.
Thank you!
Oh Michael, that is so breathtaking. As a painting, and stunning as a stained glass window. Love how you share the process too. I'm always learning something new. Never to old to try new things. I loved doing the stained glass and will try to so some others too. Looking forward to the new theme.
ReplyDeleteWell, Wanda, you certainly excelled at it, didn't you? not an easy task but I thought it would be fun to try. Mine took ages, as I imagine yours did too. however, unlike you, not sure I will try it again. lol
DeleteI'm thinking the next theme will be perfect for you to do for your hubs--and you could use your house in the tree type concept and your starting point perhaps? Hmm.. Stay tuned there.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
your painting is quite lovely.
ReplyDeletei can see why you were concerned to actually paint black lines on it.
it is interesting to consider where to put the lines. your piece is quite striking in stain glass as well.
Hi Tammie! thank you for your thoughtful comments. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is truly astounding, Michael. I can't stop looking at it. The original and the stained glass are simply beautiful. I have always wanted to take a stained glass course but never get around to it. I own some lovely pieces including some Tiffany-inspired lamps and I love looking at the detail and intricacy. Thank you for sharing your talent. I should visit more regularly, but when I do I akways keave with a smile. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I am just glad you pop in whenever you do, "Suza!" :) thank you so much for you lovely comment. That means a lot to me.
Delete"leave" too :-)
ReplyDelete"always" - sheesh! Faulty fingers..
DeleteGorgeous piece! I have always had such an attraction to stained glass work. The first time I was ever in a stain glass workshop I got such a natural high. It's probably one reason I love dark lines in most of my work! I love that new technology helped to get the balance with the lines... just a stunning piece! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Thank you Giggles and nice to meet you!
DeleteHi Michael,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comments and for following..... and, of course I know Alexandra ...... she is on my sidebar. I have followed her blog from the beginning and have followed her story and am SO pleased that she found you and is happy. Please tell her that I'm so sorry that I haven't commented for a while .... sometimes the old blogging friends slip under the radar !! ...... and, you've been in London ?...... I live in the country but only 20 minutes from London { have done all my life } so we go regularly. Hope you loved it as much as we do. Love the art work of both of you and look forward to following both your blogs in 2016. XXXX
thank you, Jacqueline. She didn't realise she was on your side bar and thought she had lost touch! Well that is good news!
DeleteYes, love London-- it is my home town! Where I grew up! I am following your home site now too. Great pics and writing too. Real.