We are not in competition with the Royal Wedding – there is no competition! (“Off with his head!”)
Your idea about a podcast sounds great: I’ll look into it. I know we have a lot of visitors who don’t speak English as their first language, so I’ll check things out with them how easy it is to understand my spoken voice.
All the best,
Stephen
P.S. If other folks are interested in a podcast – also known as “The Williams & Byrne Radio Show” – please let me know!
First, about the undercoat: I’ve only ever done undercoats on small pieces of glass, so I wondered how tricky it was to do an undercoat on a large piece of glass like that?
It’s David here – I think Stephen’s busy with the Royal Wedding. (Either that or he has had his head chopped off. Still – could be worse: he’ll still have his painters’ hands!)
You ask about undercoating large surfaces. Yes, it is a little tricky – because of course there’s a large surface area to blend. Two tips: be sure you’ve prepared enough paint on the palette, and make sure the glass is cool before you start i.e. keep it off the light-box while you’re preparing your paint, testing it etc.
You also ask about what else is in the film. Other sections show you (1) how to shape and strengthen traced lines, (2) flooding, (3) highlighting and texturing, (4) using oil to prevent burn-off in the kiln, (5) adding colour with two of Reusche’s coloured tracing paints, and (6) silver staining.
As if that weren’t enough, there are also two bonus sections: the first one shows you what we always do so as to be 99.9% certain the paint and stain will fire exactly as we want it to, and in the second one you see me leading and soldering (and I know from various peoples’ comments how they find my soldering iron – how shall I put it? – amazing …).
(I’m back again – and no harm done by my treasonable suggestion above.)
How long in real time? About 35 minutes – and it does take a lot of concentration to get to the point where someone can focus like that “without flinching” or making a mistake. Best thing always is to start with small images containing a small number of lines: to do a little each and every day: and in that way to work up to large images with many lines and curves. In that way, it’s a bit like getting fit …
Great, CJ – I’ve just had a chat with David and he likes the idea of broadcasting via a podcast. After all, it’s “just” another medium, another way of us all exchanging ideas with one another.
Congratulations on another well received DVD! And if your time permits (?!?), I would certainly be interested in the possibility of a “radio show”.
I agree, concentration is so important, but it’s easy to find uncontrolled movements in your hands. The main thing is, I find, relax and be comfortable!
Yes, it is good to hear you again. I will not try to top all other compliments but your voice does make the perfomance complete.
I have a suggestion though: because you always have a choice of music that is mostly unfamiliar to me, could you please mention the title and composer of the pieces you use. You see, I think there may be more to learn from you than painting beautifully on glass.
Now I already know your English is very good, but I am glad to learn you find my voice on DVD intelligible!
As for the music, yes, you’ll see a full listing on the closing credits. (David liked the music for the section on tracing because he said it made him feel like Jason Bourne and James Bond!)
Thank you for the excellent demonstration / tutorial! I must admit that stained glass painting in a studio of one can be a lonely existence. And only armed with one publication on the Art of Stained Glass Painting ( I think we know which one I am referring to), I still find that, even after a decade, there are gaps and doubts as to the best way to tackle projects . Watching the video has helped me a great deal, and its nice to know I’m not alone in feeling anxious in the seconds before the first brush stroke. I would love to obtain the brush used in the video. It still is one of my areas of frustration that I cannot seem to obtain suitable tracing brushes. Again many thanks.
Thanks for your comment. And yes we too – like you (and many others, I know) – enjoy this whole process of “coming together here” because it also reminds us that we are not alone!
You’re in the UK so, as for the brushes, you can get them directly from A.S. Handover (London): series 99 (pure Kolinski sable full-length tracing brushes): sizes 0, 1 and 2 are great for tracing/flooding. (Outside of the UK, PELI Glass can supply complete kits.)
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Stephen
P.S. I can’t recommend you use A.S. Handover’s website – it’s awful – so a simple phone call will do the trick (020 7272 9624, or +44 20 7272 9624 for anyone outside of the UK)
Thank you, David and Stephen, this is an excellent demonstration. And I hope you enjoyed the Royal Wedding like I did – it was a dream – without sleeping, watching TV at 3.00 am!
An outstanding video! I can’t wait to get the DVD. I also loved hearing your voice and would be delighted if you decided to do podcasts. Stephen, you have a beautiful voice and also the gifts of clarity and enuciation. Since I’m American I occasionally have trouble understanding the British pronunciation or accent. I had no problems at all understanding you.
One of the things I find so special about you guys is the honesty with which you approach your painting and the emotion behind it. The traced lines are exquisite, but from the painter’s viewpoint it was a relief to leave the lettering and work on the graceful curves. That honesty helps me to validate my own feelings as I work, to reassure myself that I’m not alone in what I feel and that it’s ok. As another reader commented, working alone can be a bit lonely. So would you show us how you correct and address (emotionally) a “mistake” at some time in the future?
Thanks again for a wonderful and fascinating preview.
Pat
Thanks for a marvellous comment – and I do mean the second paragraph (not the first, where you say I have a good voice, though of course I am glad to know this, and it is good to know I am intelligible).
You ask about correcting and address a mistake, both technically and also emotionally (and yes you are so right to identify two sides here). I think this is so important. We’ve had years of making mistakes (in one sense, of learning). And so we have a wealth of information and anecdotes on this subject. We’ll work something up.
Also, in future films and clips, we’ll make sure we discuss the “out-takes” with you and others who are interested in what we do to make things right when things go wrong.
I enjoyed the preview, and look forward to receiving the new DVD.
Now I noticed you using small bits of modeling clay to hold the glass in position over the pattern, and thought I would give you an alternative material I have been using for the same purpose.
It’s called Sticky Tack or Blu Tack. There must be a dozen brand names for a reusable tacky poster adhesive. Use small balls of it as you were using the clay. Holds very securely ( even vertical if you work in natural light on an easel), and lasts forever. Knead the ball after using and its tacky again. Any thing is better than waxing up!
So that you know, we’ll write via your ClickBank order form the moment the DVDs are on their way to you. We’re right on schedule to mail them out next Monday, 9th May. After that, delivery times should be good this month.
Thank you so much for the wealth of information that you share with all of us. As a novice painter, I learn so much from you just like the many others who write in.
Could you suggest a company in the USA that sells a fine tracing brush like you use in the video? Mine does not come down to such a long fine point.
I’m looking forward to my DVD!
I can’t thank you enough for all that you do!
Jumelle
You ask about a company in the USA for tracing brushes like the ones we use. The simple answer is, I don’t know one yet, and I’ll keep my eyes open for one. It must be possible because the brushes we use are also used by water-colour painters.
For now, though, it’s perfectly possible for you to do mail-order. I can tell you two options straight away.
One, order directly from the London company who makes our brushes. Here’s their e-mail. You’re after the Series 99 Pure Sable Water-Colour Brush – Long Hair in sizes 0, 1 and 2.
Two, contact PELI Glass in the Netherlands, because they can also ship you what you want.
This was absolutely riveting. The DVD must be awesome and I’m really looking forward to it. Thank you for keeping this up a bit longer. I’ve been traveling and out of Internet contact for a few days. What a treat to open an email this Monday Morning at work and see this.
I don’t usually do podcast; but for you, I might change my ways!
Thanks for your comment. And we’re glad you caught the excerpt in time. (Always other thrilling trailers here.)
By “podcast”, what we’re considering is – talking with you and with other glass painters who are interested. That way there’s variety: sometimes written posts, sometimes video, sometimes photos and case studies, and sometimes a “podcast” with our voices. Is all!
Of course you know I have the DVD and LOVE IT! I have watched it over and over. And I continue to learn the finer points of the art each time! All I can say is thank you and David so much for such wonderful teaching aids. You two are the best!
Just to let you know that when I went down to my letterbox this morning and caught sight of the package with your logo on it, I tingled with anticipation.
Fortunately for me it was raining and it was a day off work for me, so I had every excuse to park myself in front of the telly straight away and indulge myself … and I was not disappointed in the least!
The new DVD was well worth the wait, and I just love the voice over.
To have such invaluable information packed onto the DVDs (and also your website to turn to for help and guidance) makes the world of difference to me …
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into illuminating our way into this great art form.
Nice to hear your voice – ever thought of also doing podcasts about stained glass painting … say when you answer readers’ questions?
Kind regards,
Bill
P.S. Keep up the amazing work!
P.P.S. I take it that this video clip is your bid to compete with the Royal Wedding …
Hello Bill,
We are not in competition with the Royal Wedding – there is no competition! (“Off with his head!”)
Your idea about a podcast sounds great: I’ll look into it. I know we have a lot of visitors who don’t speak English as their first language, so I’ll check things out with them how easy it is to understand my spoken voice.
All the best,
Stephen
P.S. If other folks are interested in a podcast – also known as “The Williams & Byrne Radio Show” – please let me know!
Hi Stephen – thanks for that. I’ve two questions.
First, about the undercoat: I’ve only ever done undercoats on small pieces of glass, so I wondered how tricky it was to do an undercoat on a large piece of glass like that?
Second, what else is in the full film?
Cheers!
Peter
Hi Peter,
It’s David here – I think Stephen’s busy with the Royal Wedding. (Either that or he has had his head chopped off. Still – could be worse: he’ll still have his painters’ hands!)
You ask about undercoating large surfaces. Yes, it is a little tricky – because of course there’s a large surface area to blend. Two tips: be sure you’ve prepared enough paint on the palette, and make sure the glass is cool before you start i.e. keep it off the light-box while you’re preparing your paint, testing it etc.
You also ask about what else is in the film. Other sections show you (1) how to shape and strengthen traced lines, (2) flooding, (3) highlighting and texturing, (4) using oil to prevent burn-off in the kiln, (5) adding colour with two of Reusche’s coloured tracing paints, and (6) silver staining.
As if that weren’t enough, there are also two bonus sections: the first one shows you what we always do so as to be 99.9% certain the paint and stain will fire exactly as we want it to, and in the second one you see me leading and soldering (and I know from various peoples’ comments how they find my soldering iron – how shall I put it? – amazing …).
Best,
David
Hello Stephen and David,
The tracing demonstration was enthralling! And can I ask, how long was it “in real time”?
Thank you!
Maggie
Hello Maggie
(I’m back again – and no harm done by my treasonable suggestion above.)
How long in real time? About 35 minutes – and it does take a lot of concentration to get to the point where someone can focus like that “without flinching” or making a mistake. Best thing always is to start with small images containing a small number of lines: to do a little each and every day: and in that way to work up to large images with many lines and curves. In that way, it’s a bit like getting fit …
All the best,
Stephen
I’m enjoying this movie as much as the Diamond Lights DVD – thank you for this preview!
A strange aside as it may well be for a video on glass painting, but the music in the background is excellent as well.
And I also wholeheartedly second the idea of a podcast.
Kind regards,
CJ
Great, CJ – I’ve just had a chat with David and he likes the idea of broadcasting via a podcast. After all, it’s “just” another medium, another way of us all exchanging ideas with one another.
Hi fellows,
Congratulations on another well received DVD! And if your time permits (?!?), I would certainly be interested in the possibility of a “radio show”.
I agree, concentration is so important, but it’s easy to find uncontrolled movements in your hands. The main thing is, I find, relax and be comfortable!
Best,
Scott
Yes, Scott, it is indeed a curious balance between pure focus on the one hand and calmness on the other!
Yes, it is good to hear you again. I will not try to top all other compliments but your voice does make the perfomance complete.
I have a suggestion though: because you always have a choice of music that is mostly unfamiliar to me, could you please mention the title and composer of the pieces you use. You see, I think there may be more to learn from you than painting beautifully on glass.
Warm regards,
Herman
Hi Herman,
Now I already know your English is very good, but I am glad to learn you find my voice on DVD intelligible!
As for the music, yes, you’ll see a full listing on the closing credits. (David liked the music for the section on tracing because he said it made him feel like Jason Bourne and James Bond!)
All the best,
Stephen
Hi Stephen and David,
Please let me know if you can ship this DVD to Trinidad.
Thank you!
Hi Rosalba,
I’ll write to you directly. The short answer is, Yes.
Best,
Stephen
Thank you for the excellent demonstration / tutorial! I must admit that stained glass painting in a studio of one can be a lonely existence. And only armed with one publication on the Art of Stained Glass Painting ( I think we know which one I am referring to), I still find that, even after a decade, there are gaps and doubts as to the best way to tackle projects . Watching the video has helped me a great deal, and its nice to know I’m not alone in feeling anxious in the seconds before the first brush stroke. I would love to obtain the brush used in the video. It still is one of my areas of frustration that I cannot seem to obtain suitable tracing brushes. Again many thanks.
Hello Richard,
Thanks for your comment. And yes we too – like you (and many others, I know) – enjoy this whole process of “coming together here” because it also reminds us that we are not alone!
You’re in the UK so, as for the brushes, you can get them directly from A.S. Handover (London): series 99 (pure Kolinski sable full-length tracing brushes): sizes 0, 1 and 2 are great for tracing/flooding. (Outside of the UK, PELI Glass can supply complete kits.)
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Stephen
P.S. I can’t recommend you use A.S. Handover’s website – it’s awful – so a simple phone call will do the trick (020 7272 9624, or +44 20 7272 9624 for anyone outside of the UK)
Hi!
Thank you for your incredibly clear, concise direction – a perfect aide for a humble apprentisage.
à la prochaine,
Annie
Thank you, David and Stephen, this is an excellent demonstration. And I hope you enjoyed the Royal Wedding like I did – it was a dream – without sleeping, watching TV at 3.00 am!
Regards,
Adela
(Guatemala)
Hi Stephen!
I am jealous because here the rain is pouring down, and the wind so cold.
Hope you counted me in for a copy of the DVD!
Best,
Joe
P.S. Again going to Italy in the end of the summer and probably also going to England for a weekend. (Maybe I’ll see you guys.)
Hi Joe,
Yes indeed, this DVD will soon be on its way to you.
All the best,
Stephen
Love you guys, and I hope to see you both.
Thank you. What about the brush?. Would you tell something about hair type, size, maker, …
Best regards,
Enrique
Hello Enrique,
You’ll find some information right here – I hope this helps!
All the best,
Stephen
An outstanding video! I can’t wait to get the DVD. I also loved hearing your voice and would be delighted if you decided to do podcasts. Stephen, you have a beautiful voice and also the gifts of clarity and enuciation. Since I’m American I occasionally have trouble understanding the British pronunciation or accent. I had no problems at all understanding you.
One of the things I find so special about you guys is the honesty with which you approach your painting and the emotion behind it. The traced lines are exquisite, but from the painter’s viewpoint it was a relief to leave the lettering and work on the graceful curves. That honesty helps me to validate my own feelings as I work, to reassure myself that I’m not alone in what I feel and that it’s ok. As another reader commented, working alone can be a bit lonely. So would you show us how you correct and address (emotionally) a “mistake” at some time in the future?
Thanks again for a wonderful and fascinating preview.
Pat
Hi Pat,
Thanks for a marvellous comment – and I do mean the second paragraph (not the first, where you say I have a good voice, though of course I am glad to know this, and it is good to know I am intelligible).
You ask about correcting and address a mistake, both technically and also emotionally (and yes you are so right to identify two sides here). I think this is so important. We’ve had years of making mistakes (in one sense, of learning). And so we have a wealth of information and anecdotes on this subject. We’ll work something up.
Also, in future films and clips, we’ll make sure we discuss the “out-takes” with you and others who are interested in what we do to make things right when things go wrong.
All the best,
Stephen
Hi!
And would you mention what size of brush do you use in the video?
Best regards,
Enrique
Of course! Here, size 1 for tracing and (later on, as you will see) size 2 for flooding.
All the best,
David
Hi Stephen and David!
I enjoyed the preview, and look forward to receiving the new DVD.
Now I noticed you using small bits of modeling clay to hold the glass in position over the pattern, and thought I would give you an alternative material I have been using for the same purpose.
It’s called Sticky Tack or Blu Tack. There must be a dozen brand names for a reusable tacky poster adhesive. Use small balls of it as you were using the clay. Holds very securely ( even vertical if you work in natural light on an easel), and lasts forever. Knead the ball after using and its tacky again. Any thing is better than waxing up!
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for that tip. We didn’t know that, and always have Blu Tack around the studio, so that’s useful to know.
All the best,
Stephen
P.S. Ah, but the smell of beeswax is heavenly and reminds me of a slower pace of living!
Just finished watching the tracing clip more convinced than ever glass painting is for me – so can’t wait to get those DVDs we ordered!
Hi Andrew,
So that you know, we’ll write via your ClickBank order form the moment the DVDs are on their way to you. We’re right on schedule to mail them out next Monday, 9th May. After that, delivery times should be good this month.
All the best,
David
Greetings to you both!
Thank you so much for the wealth of information that you share with all of us. As a novice painter, I learn so much from you just like the many others who write in.
Could you suggest a company in the USA that sells a fine tracing brush like you use in the video? Mine does not come down to such a long fine point.
I’m looking forward to my DVD!
I can’t thank you enough for all that you do!
Jumelle
Hello Jumelle,
That’s great you find the information useful!
You ask about a company in the USA for tracing brushes like the ones we use. The simple answer is, I don’t know one yet, and I’ll keep my eyes open for one. It must be possible because the brushes we use are also used by water-colour painters.
For now, though, it’s perfectly possible for you to do mail-order. I can tell you two options straight away.
One, order directly from the London company who makes our brushes. Here’s their e-mail. You’re after the Series 99 Pure Sable Water-Colour Brush – Long Hair in sizes 0, 1 and 2.
Two, contact PELI Glass in the Netherlands, because they can also ship you what you want.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Stephen
Hello, my teachers!
This was absolutely riveting. The DVD must be awesome and I’m really looking forward to it. Thank you for keeping this up a bit longer. I’ve been traveling and out of Internet contact for a few days. What a treat to open an email this Monday Morning at work and see this.
I don’t usually do podcast; but for you, I might change my ways!
July
Hi July,
Thanks for your comment. And we’re glad you caught the excerpt in time. (Always other thrilling trailers here.)
By “podcast”, what we’re considering is – talking with you and with other glass painters who are interested. That way there’s variety: sometimes written posts, sometimes video, sometimes photos and case studies, and sometimes a “podcast” with our voices. Is all!
I hope life and work are going happily for you.
All the best,
Stephen
Stephen,
Of course you know I have the DVD and LOVE IT! I have watched it over and over. And I continue to learn the finer points of the art each time! All I can say is thank you and David so much for such wonderful teaching aids. You two are the best!
Jack
Jack,
It is our joy and privilege to know you.
Stephen
Greetings from down under!
Just to let you know that when I went down to my letterbox this morning and caught sight of the package with your logo on it, I tingled with anticipation.
Fortunately for me it was raining and it was a day off work for me, so I had every excuse to park myself in front of the telly straight away and indulge myself … and I was not disappointed in the least!
The new DVD was well worth the wait, and I just love the voice over.
To have such invaluable information packed onto the DVDs (and also your website to turn to for help and guidance) makes the world of difference to me …
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into illuminating our way into this great art form.
Susan