Watch  ArtPrize.org  to see if The Peony Garden is accepted at one of the participating venues

Colette- yes, just in the trees.  I found what I thought was the perfect furrowed texture to break up the light and simulate bark, placed on top without detracting from that wonderful Oceana stuff.  I intended to put more textured clear glass behind some of the grass sections but was not happy with those tested. I'm still on the lookout for something that look like grass when plated behind green opal. 

Thanks again to all who posted encouraging words. I am gratified by the comments and quite pleased to report that the Peony Garden won first prize in the large panel category at the Delphi show.

David

kc-  18 months though it was a side project and not worked on continuously. 

paula- i'm no artist.  i worked from a photograph to achieve the perspective and shading. at the beginning of my stained glass journey my projects looked like coloring book patterns filled in with crayons.  i couldn't imagine what to do with most of the glass i saw in the bins.  i'm hoping to bring the window to Delphi tomorrow for the glass show.  if you have the chance to visit the store you can see it up close! 

glassgaga-  if you receive this email in time, don't overlook the Oceana glass!  alas, Delphi has stopped carrying it.  the glass in the upper left corner of my panel was purchased at Youghiogheny showroom and now i wish i'd bought more than two sheets. they were keeping Oceana  in the back row by the windows facing west next to bins that had pieces not for sale or on hold.  i almost didn't realize this amazing stuff was for sale... cheers!  enjoy the trip.

greetings and thanks for your comments :)

there are over 4,000 and probably under 5,000 pieces [i didn't count and haven't the time after the fact... on to the next piece!].  there are ~50 feet of bended copper bracing wire soldered to the back to keep the thing from caving in and cracking and i "plated" the striations in the trees with architectural glass over the Oceana brown/grey a la Tiffany studios.  i think it worked!  i'm happy to share more details with anyone interested.

i bought almost every inch of it at Delphi [the rest at Youghy in PA and I highly recommend the trip to anyone within striking distance.  wow!]

glass is liquid love frozen in time

bestest wishes to all

david [belle rose glass-  somehow i got cut off after entering Belle...]