Peter McGrain

Peter McGrain has been working with glass for over 30 years. During this time he has handled every type of stained glass project imaginable; ranging in scope from intimate experimental panels to large-scale architectural installations. In all it has been his attention to composition and technique that have made his imagery so successful. Peter is a contributing writer for GLASS ART and GLASS CRAFTSMAN magazines and frequently travels, offering visiting artist workshops. He currently maintains an independent studio in Washington state where he creates his own experimental work as well as architectural commissions for his clients throughout the US and abroad.  His series of instructional glass painting videos have gained vast popularity throughout art glass industry.

Peter’s easy-going teaching style has helped countless students learn to become better glass artists. His informative and entertaining workshops receive rave reviews wherever he teaches. Many students return year after year to attend his annual classes in order to sharpen their skills and to take part in new project exercises. Projects created by Peter with his student have gone on to win several regional art awards. Studios that host Peter McGrain workshops often find that the enthusiasm he generates among his students can incite higher levels of interest in the art of glass painting and Vitri-Fusáille®. This, in turn, can increase customer awareness and can help promote interest in the products associated with the workshops.                       

Class1

FANTASTIC STAINED GLASS TRICKS USED BY THEPRO

(Easy to Learn Design and Skill Building Techniques )
This is the full day lecture demo about stained glass technique, which will be followed up by Class2 which is the hands on Stained glass 2 day class.

FULL DAY

Slide Lecture / demonstration

Believe it or not, anybody who has the skills to build a simple stained glass window using a pattern book already has most of the technical ability they will ever need in order to create impressive glass artwork of their own design. The secret lies in learning to apply these basic techniques to a more intellectually developed design concept.  In this seminar renowned glass artist Peter McGrain will demonstrate how craftspeople of any skill level can easily achieve maximum artistic results by using a variety of simple design and technical “tricks. Learn all of the “do’s and don'ts” which can drastically improve everything you make. Discover how to integrate lead lines into your design so that they appear "invisible" to the viewer. Establish moods with colour. Utilize the effect of movement, silhouette, depth and dimensionality. Create realistic landscapes, enhance architectural settings, and learn to compose according to your own artistic desire. It is amazing how once you become aware of these issues your stained glass will immediately appear to be far more sophisticated. Methods examined will include cutting and soldering techniques, choosing the right materials, preparing an effective original design, dramatic composition, and learning to make the most of the available resources. Also included will be in-depth discussion about other important techniques like reinforcing, sandblast etching, layering, and painting. Peter will even share his knowledge about how to earn money by creating original commissioned artwork for others. Whether you’re just starting out, or are already an experienced stained glass artist, this inspiring program will open your eyes up to all of the amazing possibilities that await you

Class2

Sensational Stained Glass Techniques Hands-On workshop 2 days

Class 1 is a suggested prerequisite for class 2

In this two day hands-On class Peter McGrain will lead students through an intensive exploration of all the ways they can enhance their stained glass designs with a variety of "Special Effect" techniques. Beginning with an examination of design strategies, a project will be developed which will involve the utilization of these techniques. Students will learn first-hand how such skills as effective designing, line enhancement, plating, painting, selective cutting , and much much more can be used to achieve dramatic visual effects in their work. Issues involving reinforcement, architectural installations, and marketing work will also be examined. This is a fantastic opportunity for stained glass glass crafters of any skill level to take a creative leap forward into the realm of fine art in glass!

Class 3 

Kiln Fired Glass Painting Made Easy!  Full day Lecture Demo.

Painting on glass is by far the most effective way to add energetic expression and the appearance of immediacy to your glass artwork.  Whether you want to depict delicate angel faces or outrageous abstract designs, learning the basics of glass painting will enable you to achieve all the visual effects you've been dreaming of. Glass Paint can be used on anything from stained glass windows and fused panels, to jewellery, light fixtures, and even tableware! In this action packed class, renowned artist and instructor Peter McGrain will demonstrate just how easy it can be for anybody to accomplish all of the genuine glass painting techniques. You will discover for yourself that with very little practice and just a few simple tools that you too can create painted masterpieces of your own. Topics covered will include the use of traditional glass strainer's paints, silver stains, and kiln-fired enamels. Peter will demonstrate how to specially prepare and apply these paints to any glass surface. He will show you how to effectively develop any type of image using painted line work, texture and shading, and deep beautiful colour fields . All the finer points will also be discussed including the techniques of tracing, matting, stippling, controlling hardness, application alternatives, studio set-up, historical overview and more. This class is an absolute must for anybody who wants to take their glass artwork up a notch into a more exciting and visually stunning direction

Class 4

EVENING SPECIAL EVENT: Spectacular Stained Glass:  Rebirth of the Illuminated Window.

The unparalleled beauty of stained glass is more popular than ever!  And glass artists the world over are discovering all the amazing ways this ancient art can be re-invented to accomplish sensational new results.  Crafters and hobbyists, as well, are learning how easy the technique can be, and are achieving levels of expression in their own work that are far beyond anything they ever dreamed possible.  Come join us for this very special evening event, where one of our favorite instructors, Peter McGrain, will lead you on a personal journey through the amazing world of stained glass.  You’ll see how it has evolved over the years to become one of the hottest art forms of the 21^st century.  From decorative fixture and architectural enhancement, to cutting edge exhibition work, the new role stained glass is playing will be vividly showcased.  Peter will share his insights into how this engaging, narrative art form has been developed and used to stir emotions in its’ viewers for a thousand years.  And an examination of recent work by numerous contemporary artists, all of whom are pushing the medium forward with their experimental work, will leave you more inspired and excited about working with glass than ever before.  This event is a must for anybody who shares a deep passion for glass of any kind.  And who knows?… You may even find yourself itching to dive in and start making stained glass yourself.  As one of the oldest forms of glass art, it continues to maintain it’s prominent standing as the most inspirational and spectacular of all!  Come and find out for yourself!

Class 5

Glass Painting Intensive Hands-On  / 2 day workshop.

Class 1 is a suggested prerequisite for class 2

DESCRIPTION: Everybody who makes stained glass windows will eventually find a desire to include some traditional glass painting in their work. In the past, only experienced studios could handle glass painting, however, with the advent of small kilns and the growing demand and availability of painting supplies, virtually anyone can now get involved with this age old technique. From very simple applications to advanced work, painting on glass can really open the doors to your creativity, and allow you to make more impressive panels. Getting started as a glass painter only requires a few very simple techniques, which anybody can learn, a kiln, some paints, and a little practice..

In this Hands-On class Peter McGrain will lead students through all of the glass painting processes. A design will be developed which will involve all of the materials and techniques available, No experience necessary.

Class 6

Photography Secrets for Glass Artists   -   Half day, lecture and slide presentation.    

Accurate documentation of your work is critical when you present yourself as an artist, and glass is probably one of the trickiest photo challenges of all. There are so many visual issues that need to be addressed... composition, texture, reflections, backgrounds, colour and much more. Many professional photographers are baffled when they are asked to photograph glass and you can waste a lot of money paying them to try.  So, if you truly want to get your work published and accepted into shows you need to learn for yourself how to set up and take the best pictures possible.  After all, you made the piece. And you know better than anybody how it needs to look in a photograph.  It therefore makes sense that you are also the most qualified person to photograph it!

In this seminar you will learn how you really can become the best photographer of your own work. You’ll learn about basic equipment set-up and operation, camera choices, lighting types, on-site and controlled studio shoots, creative problem solving and lots of tips on how to achieve professional quality pictures at a fraction of the cost.  Also covered will be information about digital imaging, computer photo manipulation as well as various approaches to packaging and presenting your work as an effective sales tool. This class is presented in a low-tech open-forum approach suited for both novice and experienced photographers alike, with lots of opportunities for questions and conversation.

Class 7

Introduction to Vitri-Fusaille® / Stained Glass Without Lead lines!   1/2 day lecture demo.

Imagine creating bright colourful stained glass compositions without the mechanical or aesthetic burdon of lead lines!  It’s possible with Peter McGrain’s newly developed Vitri-Fusáille® process. Vitri-Fusáille is a hybrid technique which combines the processes of Contemporary Flat Fusing with Traditional Glass Painting. It allows for a degree of immediate and expressive artistry which has never before been possible in stained glass!

In this Introductory class Peter will explain and demonstrate the Vitri-Fusáille technique. Working with a pallet of System 96 compatible glass he will show how to effectively design, execute and fire a variety of projects. Also included will be an overview of the basic Fusing and Traditional Painting Techniques which make this amazing process possible. This class is a must for anyone who wants to try something new and liberating in their own kiln-fired glass work.

Class 8

Vitri-Fusáille2 day hands-on workshop

In this 2 day, hands-on session, students will have the opportunity to experiment with  the entire Vitri-Fusáille®  process.  With guidance by Peter McGrain they will discover how to design and create Vitri-Fusáille® art pieces of their own.  Students will begin by designing patterns for a pair of projects to be completed in the class.  Next they will select and cut the glass elements of their design.  After the glass elements have been fused into a tile, they will begin the painting process which will complete the imagery.  Once the pieces have been painted and fired several times the projects will be finished.  This class is a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from the artist who originally developed the Vitri-Fusáille® process.  In two short days you will learn everything you need to know in order to begin creating beautiful masterpieces of your own using this amazing technique.  If your goal is to achieve the highest level of illustrational imagery  in glass then this is a class not to be missed!

Peter McGrain will be running 8 classes at the festival.

	Peter 1	Fantastic Stained Glass Tricks used by the pros.	17th July	$350.00
	Peter 2	Sensational Stained Glass Techniques Hands-On workshop	18th – 19thJuly	$700.00
	Peter 3	Kiln Fired Glass Painting Made Easy!   Full day Lecture Demo.	20th July	$350.00
	Peter 4	Evening Lecture   -   Evening	21st  July	$60.00
	Peter 5	Glass Painting Intensive Hands-On	21st - 22nd July	$700.00
	Peter 6	Photography Secrets for glass artists  1/2 day	am 23rd July	$180.00
	Peter 7	Vitri-Fusaille Workshop Lecture/Demo ½ day	pm 23rd July	$180.00
	Peter 8	Vitri-Fusaille Workshop	24th July - 25th July	$700.00