Making stained glass is an art quite ancient and perceived as an item of rare luxury. Initially, these were magnificent canvases of small colored glass, which were an integral part of the architecture of Gothic cathedrals. In later eras, such masterpieces were accessible only to eminent people from the kind of kings and nobles. At present, beauty lovers have the opportunity to order an individual project that matches personal views and ideas. Of course, the technique of performing mosaic paintings could not stand still, and the result of glass miracles now appear modern stained-glass windows in all its diversity and improvement.
Stained glass window development
Stained-glass windows were used in architectural buildings to fill various openings. As a form of decorative creativity, they could have an ornamental character or depict everyday scenes. Gradually, technological innovations and changes in fashion transformed the ancient elements of decoration into attributes for design purposes. Today, modern stained glass windows look a little different and shock the imagination with their multifaceted and intricate ideas.
The Russians were familiar with the existence of stained glass craft in the XII century. During the Renaissance, it was presented as painting on glass, using the method of scraping paint on the image in certain places. A special interest in creativity among the population increased in the XIII century in connection with the fascination of chivalric novels. These stories aroused people's desire to imitate the Gothic culture, and thus the stained-glass windows became fashionable. At the stage of formation of technological processes and other secrets of stained glass craftsmanship, Western Europe was not able to supply products to the foreign market. During the Renaissance, medieval art masterpieces were imported into Russia.
Due to the fact that gifted creative personalities managed to carry through the years and preserve the skills and some technologies of the once-lost centuries-old art, we can admire them and also use them to equip our homes. In order to pass on the skill to a new generation, a host of various developmental events are held in our country.
This type of creativity is also used to develop the artistic horizons of students in educational institutions. Being in the status of modern decorative art, the stained-glass window contributes to the spiritual development of man and has attractive power. In children, he forms a love of creativity and art, develops the perception of an active audience in them. In addition, this type of training helps students to master the skills for accurate measurement of parts and their cutting, as well as the ability to collaborate with others.
Demonstrations of creative works
Stained glass as a modern exhibition art can be found at special cultural events, where masters present their best works. Here, stained glass artists exchange their experiences and discuss issues related to trends in the further development of glass-making techniques. Art exhibitions are organized in cities where stained glass craft flourished. For example, in 2015, it was held at the Museum of Architecture in Paris.
In 2012, a demonstration entitled “Art in the Interior” was held in Russia. The purpose of this creative event was to combine a wide exposition with its various ideas, which subsequently can become designer fragments for interior decoration. Master makeup artists plan to embody their ideas in a different style of decoration - from classic to modern.
Appointment of glass jewelry
The secret of creative works lies in the successful combination of sunlight with variegated particles of glass. With the help of a live flicker of glare, the effect of scattering, elusive paints is achieved. In view of this design, the basis for creating ornaments should be transparent. At the same time, the following goals were pursued by ancient artists: to attract the human eye, make an indelible impression and radically transform the architectural structure. Although there have been tremendous changes in the technology process, modern stained glass windows have not lost this purpose. They are still able to impress and captivate the viewer. Many products are made in such designs that it is possible to admire them at any time of the day, regardless of from what angle the light falls on the picture.
The role of stained glass in the interior
Stained-glass windows in a modern interior are elegant and quite practical elements that do not require special care and can decorate absolutely any type of room. First of all, they are intended for design arrangement of premises and are the main accent in the interior. It follows that the artistic composition will look great in the living room, kitchen and on the central wall of the bathroom.
Those who want to replenish their design decisions with such an element are guaranteed to see their home in light and amazing colors. To make the interior look holistic and unified, professionals advise designing it in harmony with the stained glass attribute, namely in the same style or as suitable as possible from the point of view of aesthetics.
Popular views
There is a huge variety of types of modern stained-glass windows, and each of them belongs to one specific style. The most popular include: classic, modern and stained glass neo-Gothic.
Classical. This style is characterized by simplicity, sophistication, nobleness and naturalness. The main design rule is to maintain symmetry in the drawings. Images themselves can have any theme - from geometric shapes to creative artworks. Pictures or ornaments are executed in dark or pastel colors.
Neo-Gothic. A very interesting style, the compositions of which are used selectively. It is important to be able to choose the right ratio in size. In large rooms, the stained-glass windows in the window openings should be tight, and in rooms with a small area - transparent, almost colorless, with characteristic mottled patches.
Modern. Grace and extravagance are pronounced in the modern style. Shaded edges, ornate unusual patterns, drawings imitating various plants - all these intricacies are inherent in a new style that has taken a firm position in design. Another of its features is a palette of colors, distinguished by gentle tones.
To create decorative works, various techniques are used to decorate mirror and glass surfaces. This implies different ways of processing both a separate finishing process, and by combining different techniques. Modern stained-glass windows are famous for a wide range of technologies that are strikingly different from each other. We offer to consider them in detail.
Classic style
The stages of its manufacture are as follows:
- the starting point of the project is the implementation of the sketch;
- Further, a drawing of a future image is built from a metal profile;
- pre-prepared parts are embedded in the profile;
- at the end, the product is painted.
For work, a profile with an H-shaped cross section is used, which can be made only from quality materials - copper, lead or brass. Its grooves are filled with colorful fragments corresponding in width, which is usually 5 mm.
Fusing
Glass paintings are created by sintering all parts of the picture under the influence of strong temperatures. This process consists of the following techniques:
- a clear sketch of the pattern is made;
- decorative elements are cut;
- glass blanks are folded into a single pattern;
- then placed in a fusing oven.
Tiffany
The most complex, aristocratic style, with characteristic picturesque landscapes. The paintings look realistic through the use of elements of a peculiar configuration, with a convex and concave surface. These are manual copyright works, which are genuine works of art. For the manufacture of highly aesthetic paintings, a more creative approach is used:
- a sketch is being developed;
- the picture is divided into several main fragments;
- individual elements are cut out;
- every detail goes through the turning process, where it immediately gives the desired shape and size;
- all fragments are skillfully wrapped with copper adhesive tape;
- lead-tin solder is used to connect them.
Photos of modern stained-glass windows made in this style are illustrated in our article.
Jellied
Flooded modern stained-glass windows are considered to be a real imitation of an old Tiffany mosaic. Their performance requires artistic talent and professionalism. In appearance, the technique sometimes resembles painting on glass. Its hallmark is the presence of embossed outlines of a polymeric material. Pictures are made as follows:
- the drawing is developed on a computer with markings of colors and sizes;
- surface is cleaned and degreased;
- the sketch is placed under the glass base;
- using polymer paint, a pattern is applied;
- after drying, fragments of the picture are filled with paint, and then with varnish.
Sandblast
On a colorless glass or mirror cloth, a frosted ornament is applied. For this purpose, special devices have been developed to let out a stream of compressed air in combination with quartz sand. Thus, the surface layer is removed from the glass. The master is expected to be able to work with equipment, since this technique is rather complicated. Some solutions require double-sided finishes. Moreover, depending on the degree of application, the pictures come out very different. The final result depends on the depth and area of processing and the size of the sand grains. To create frosted stained-glass windows, a series of successive tricks is carried out:
- the drawing is carefully worked out, the necessary markings are made;
- a sample is created;
- all the main details are cut out;
- then the stencil is fixed;
- under high pressure, the surface is matted with a jet;
- the finished canvas is coated with hydrophobic varnish.
Design Tips
In addition to the above, performed in a modern style of stained glass, there are several types of new technologies. These include: film, painted, frosted, faceted, combined, 3D stained-glass windows, cast, collages and photo printing. Some of them are budget options and look pretty good. Everyone can choose a jewelry that matches personal tastes and possibilities. In this case, it would be nice to use the recommendations of professional designers.
Classic options can be used as a window opening, original partition or screen.
Calmness and cosiness bring pastel colors and smooth contours of Art Nouveau. They are beneficial in that they can be combined with different interior styles.
Gothic appearance contributes to the visual expansion of space and fills the room with bright colors. These are stained-glass windows with elongated shapes that create the illusions of a flying pattern.
The options for using modern stained glass are wide. You need to remember just a few design techniques. The main condition by which the artistic element is selected is the harmony of the color scheme. If the picture will not be combined with other objects in the room, it will not fulfill its role and will have a negative impact on the psyche.
Do not place bulky furniture and other voluminous objects in the same area with stained-glass windows.
Conclusion
Using stained-glass windows in a modern interior as a decorative element, experienced designers are flexible and create a unique atmosphere in the room. Using the services of professionals, you can make notes of antiquity and a certain charm of mystery and harmony in your home. Undoubtedly, such a decision will cost a lot. However, the work of skilled authors is worth it. To create stained-glass windows, in addition to the mental flight and talent of the artist, certain skill skills are also required. As a rule, the process of executing glass paintings is accompanied by complexity and painstaking hard work.