Stained glass illustration 🪦

Creating this stained glass illustration was truly a journey, one that was both incredibly challenging and deeply meaningful, especially as I navigated a period of intense grief. There were moments, like the months spent sketching, where I truly struggled with the illustration part, questioning if I'd ever get it right. But through that struggle, and the personal experiences that unfolded, I discovered new depths to my art and a powerful way to express complex emotions. One of the most frequently asked questions I get about stained glass art, and something I intensely focused on, is how to draw light reflection on glass. It's not just about adding a white streak; it’s about understanding how light interacts with translucent surfaces, how it bends, refracts, and creates vibrant pools of color. For this piece, I experimented with layering washes of watercolor to mimic the way light passes through colored glass, creating both subtle glows and sharp, concentrated reflections. I found that starting with lighter, transparent layers and gradually building up intensity, especially around edges or where a strong light source would hit, was key. Capturing that luminous quality, the way a stained glass window seems to glow from within, was a central challenge I aimed to overcome, and it became a source of great satisfaction. Beyond the technical aspects, the symbolism of stained glass windows is what truly resonated with me for this artwork. Historically, church stained glass windows tell stories, bringing light and color into sacred spaces, often depicting narratives of hope, remembrance, and transcendence. For me, this piece took on an even more profound symbolism. As I was painting, my beloved dog passed away, and the act of creating became a powerful outlet for my grieving process. The quote, "WE LOVE THE DEAD AND WONDER IF THEY LOVE US BACK," which came from a poem I wrote during that time, became the soul of the illustration. It transformed the piece from just a visual exercise into a deeply personal meditation on loss, love, and memory. The light reflected in the glass isn't just an artistic technique; it symbolizes the enduring presence and memory of those we've lost, a beacon of hope and connection even in sorrow. This artwork became a testament to how even through struggle and heartache, art can provide immense comfort and a way to honour cherished memories, making the challenging process incredibly satisfying in the end.