Fused Glass Abstract Landscape with Layers of Transparent Stained Glass

Framed Abstract Landscape

Constructing landscapes with multiple layers of colored glass creates depth and texture. This abstract was inspired by the natural landscapes of the Maine coast. I hoped to recall a memory of a time and a feeling rather than a specific image or moment.

The finished abstract fused glass seascape with backlighting.

A side view of the layers of transparent colored glass.

Here are some photos of the work in progress. I worked with backlighting to better see the color combinations created when stacking different colors of transparent Bullseye glass.

A fused glass landscape in progress.

Some rocks along the shore are added.

Adding the beginnings of the second layer of the sky.

Sharon Warren Glass | Sharon Warren Glass Art | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist | Belfast Maine | Belfast Maine Glass Art | Belfast Maine Art

Watercolor Sketch of Young's Lobster Pound

Here's a watercolor of Young's Lobster Pound in Belfast Maine. It was an exercise in editing the photo, removing cars and shadows and stuff I didn't want to focus on. I tried to add more of the water in the background but ended up with too much parking lot.

Young's Lobster Pound Watercolor Painting

An ink sketch of Young's Lobster Pound drawn from a photo

The photo of Young's Lobster Pound

Sharon Warren Glass | Sharon Warren Glass Art | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist | Belfast Maine | urban sketching | urban sketchers

Urban Sketching in Belfast Harbor Maine

My watercolor sketches are created free hand, there is no quick pencil drawing to block out the major shapes. Once I draw in permanent ink, I'm committed to that mark on the paper. I can't adjust scale or rethink the layout of the drawing. Creating in this way is so freeing for me, a person who is constantly planning. The drawback is not always being super-satisfied with the finished product. For example, assorted boats in Belfast Harbor with poorly proportioned masts or weirdly shaped hulls or something else that just makes the whole thing feel off.

Watercolor Sketch of Belfast Harbor Maine

Another Watercolor Sketch of Belfast Harbor Maine

Watercolor Sketch of Some Boats in Belfast Harbor Maine

Sharon Warren Glass | Sharon Warren Glass Art | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist | Belfast Maine | urban sketching | urban sketchers

Urban Sketching at the Belfast Rail Station

Belfast has an old railway station graveyard at City Point with rail cars and buildings from the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad. I spent a few mornings creating watercolor sketches. I love the vintage cabooses sitting amongst the flowers.

Watercolor Sketch of Vintage Red Caboose at the Belfast Maine Rail Trail

Watercolor Sketch of Vintage Orange Caboose at the Belfast Maine Rail Trail

Watercolor Sketch of the Belfast and Moosehead Railway

Sharon Warren Glass | Sharon Warren Glass Art | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist | Belfast Maine | urban sketching | urban sketchers

Urban Sketching in Belfast Maine

Early July in mid-coast Maine is beautiful and the weather is still cool enough for a jacket on the early morning dog walks. Belfast Harbor has a walkway along the waterfront and a historic downtown filled with gothic buildings and painted brick businesses. Sketching each scene gives me a sort of visual diary while making me take a moment to actually see what is around me. Sometimes my drawings are done on site and then I fill in with watercolors at home. Here are a few of my very loose ink and watercolor sketches of the area. 

Watercolor Sketch of Route 1 over the Passagassawakeag River

Watercolor Sketch of 14 Main Street in Belfast, Maine

Watercolor Sketch of the back of 14 Main Street in Belfast, Maine

Sharon Warren Glass | Sharon Warren Glass Art | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist | Belfast Maine | urban sketching | urban sketchers

Another Glass Tile Mosaic Mirror

My green finished mosaic mirror.

I made another mosaic mirror because the first was so much fun! This time, I used streaky green Bullseye glass and a slightly different pattern due to the frame width. I think when this one is finished, it will go in the guest bathroom and the blue streaky one will go in our en suite. This mosaic began as a $10 second hand mirror in a painted wood frame from the local Good Will thrift store.

A thrifted mirror from Good Will.

 

Before beginning the mosaic, I completely stripped the existing paint and finish from the mirror, and then sealed the wood. Next, I cut different size tiles from sheets of Bullseye glass and laid out the pattern. Lastly, I glued the tiles to the frame using thinset.

The finished tile layout.

Add glass tiles to the frame.

Continue adding tiles until complete.

I love the streaky green tiles that run around the frame. The colors are fresh and cool and very springy!

My finished green mosaic mirror frame ready for hanging!

For instructions on how to create your own, click on the link below:

👀   Make a Mosaic Mirror   👀

Sharon Warren Glass | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist

How to Make a Mosaic Mirror

My finished mosaic mirror.

I love the deep midnight blues and cool shades of turquoise that play across the streaky glass tiles of the mosaic mirror. It reminds me of an a day spent by the ocean.

Cutting white tiles from Bullseye glass.

Cutting the blue streaky glass tiles.

To make each tile, I measure and hand cut each square and then carefully arrange them in a single layer to create a gradient that moves from shades of dark to light. The tiles are then "glued' to the frame with thin-set mortar. 

 

The finished tile layout.

Adding glass tiles to the frame.

Everyone needs a beautiful, sunny day by the sea to watch the blue waves slowly roll through the water. I hope this mirror reminds you of that day.

My finished mosaic mirror frame ready for hanging!

If you would like complete instructions on how to create your own mosaic mirror, I posted them on Instructables. Click the link below to find them.

👀   Make a Mosaic Mirror   👀

Sharon Warren Glass | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist

Urban Sketching of Richmond Virginia

Here are a few very loose and very imperfect sketches from this month. I painted them using photos taken in Richmond, Virginia. Each sketch was first drawn in ink and then painted in watercolors.

1000 W Franklin Watercolor Sketch

1013 W Franklin Watercolor Sketch

1209 W Franklin Watercolor Sketch

N Harrison Traffic Light Watercolor Sketch

Sharon Warren Glass | sharonwarrenglass | sharonwarrenglass.com | FluttterByButterfly | Sharon Warren Glass Artist