How to Sketch Glass Paint Designs

Glass painting transforms ordinary glass into works of art. Wine glasses, suncatchers, windows and vases are a few glass surfaces you can embellish with paint. Whether you use a pattern or create your own design, a sketch provides you with a road map for glass painting.

Things You'll Need

• Examples of glass painting, optional
• Pencils
• Sketch or watercolor paper
• Glass
• Black paint
• Tape

Instructions

1. Look at examples of patterns and designs that you like and pull elements from those designs to create your own. If you use a pre-made pattern, skip to Step 5.

2. Use a pencil to sketch the rough shape of the glass and the pattern onto sketch paper or watercolor paper. Draw the design flat even if you plan to use a rounded surface. For flat glass pieces, you can use a heavier material like poster board, but round pieces need flexible paper.

3. Fill in colors on the sketch with color pencils. Since you use the sketch as a guideline, you can quickly shade in areas. Some artists prefer to indicate color by writing the color's name inside the designated areas.

4. Be flexible and remember that the sketch functions as a quick roadmap. You may need to adjust your painting depending on the glass you use or you might want to change colors once you start painting.

5. Transfer the sketch to the glass. For flat pieces of glass, you can lay the sketch under the glass and use black paint to outline the sketch. Tape the sketch inside glass pieces that are round like wine glasses or vases.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a squeeze bottle or decorator tip to create fine lines when you outline patterns onto glass.