As you look through seasonal catalogs or visit department
stores, you'll notice that woodland creatures are the latest decorating rage in everything from ceramic roosters to wall mounted
antlers along with bird ornaments and animal print fabrics. Glass
artists have long embraced the subject of wildlife in panels and
projects, since the textures, striations, and iridescence of glass
lend so wonderfully to feathers and fur. That is why we, at Glass
Patterns Quarterly, decided to dedicate the Winter 2013 issue to wildlife. Most of the animals illustrated are native to the regions of the artists who created them. I can feel the enthusiasm through the photos and text from our contributing writers as they fashioned a favorite four-legged, two-legged, or fine feathered friend.

In our Winter 2013 issue, you will see a variety of techniques that go into creating lifelike
creatures that include ways to pick true-to-life glass colors, incorporate contrasting
backgrounds, and work with several different methods to create lifelike eyes. You'll also
find very subtle ways to make your animal look more realistic by picking out flattering
shades of color around the face and mouth area and utilizing patterns with attention to muscle structure and proportions.

This issue's artists also demonstrate many techniques that incorporate the landscape or
habitat of the wildlife to enhance the composition of the patterns displayed. You'll learn how to develop skills that take your artwork way past the literal notions of blue sky and green grass with techniques that cover everything from glass painting to photo imaging. Check out how to incorporate hand pulled stringers, reactive glass, and frit layering so you can create authentic landscapes with trees, water, foam, snow, sky, and even cobblestone streets.

While the temperatures may be dropping, you can stay warm with the challenge of recreating nature's abundance and capturing the innate beauty of Mother Nature that glass unsurprisingly enhances so it can be enjoyed by all.

Take the time to make great glass,  

Upcoming Submission Deadlines

Theme:  Americana: Symbols, and Motifs of American Heritage

Deadline:  March 20, 2014

Release Date:  June 6, 2014

  

Theme:  Autumn, Halloween, Christmas, and Holiday Ornaments
Deadline:  June 20, 2014
Release Date:  September 10, 2014

Theme:  Wildlife, Winter, and Landscapes
Deadline:  September 20, 2014
Release Date:  December 10, 2014