Afternoon with an Artist: Reverse Glass Painting

Reverse glass painting, or Hinterglasmalerei, is an art form where the image is painted on the back of a glass sheet and viewed from the front. Popular across Europe, Asia, and Senegal since the 16th century, this technique flourished in the Renaissance with significant production in 18th Century China and India. In this workshop, participants will learn the unique logic of working in reverse—applying fine highlights and foreground details first, then layering mid-tones and backgrounds to create a luminous, protected finished work. We’ll using acrylic paint, which dries quickly, and acrylic pens which work on glass. There will also be experimentation with the backgrounds using specialty papers and foils creating shimmering multi-dimensional effects. Throughout the session on September 26, we will examine examples of the history of the craft alongside several contemporary artists such as the atmospheric works of Daniel Karrer and meticulous compositions of Richard Rowan. Mickey Waring is an art educator, artist, and poet. She teaches children and adults, works in several media, and has published her poems and an online blog. This event is part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America. $20/person, $10/METC members