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I began cutting glass for this stained glass panel on Christmas eve, 2010, and just finished and framed it on Feb 28, 2011. I have close to 370 hours in this panel. I created this stained glass panel from a photograph I took last fall of an upper section of the seedless ash tree as seen right outside of my 2nd floor window, my goal being to build the panel as realistic and true to the photo as possible. Every single piece of glass used was scrutinized in the sheet before cutting for color, correct shading, highlights, etc, and while my photos are somewhat dark and do not show this very well, in person this panel is spectacular in it's true to life detail and totally realistic shading, all accomplished without the use of any painting on the glass. Areas where you see light to dark shading in the piece (such as the tree branches) comes strictly from hours of studying the glass in the sheets before cutting and placing the pieces to get the exact effect I wanted to make the piece look 'alive' and realistic. I am most proud of the fact that I have never used a lightbox, but trust my own eye for getting every detail just right in my work. The panel measures 18 x 24 inches without the frame, and is copper foiled. For this window I used the following types of glass: Ruth Glass for the leaves (yes, I actually saved this rare beautiful 1970's David Ruth hand rolled glass sheet all of these years, waiting for just the right project), Also 1970's vintage Spectrum glass was used for the tree branches, and recently purchased Uroboros collage glass (CG Fall) for the background glass. I framed this piece using an antique oak frame. My sincere thanks to Delphi for their many years of great glass and supplies.
MBalakStudios
Wednesday, February 12, 201436 Posts
@jageigerstudio Hello, Sorry that I have not responded, I have not looked at my window photos for a long time and was not aware that you had written. Thank you very much for the nice compliment, I am glad you like my work. I have been busy this year, and will be entering 3 pieces in this year's competition. Always fun. Thanks again, Michael.
jageigerstudio
Friday, August 9, 20136 Posts
Absolutely gorgeous! WOW
starratts
Wednesday, January 25, 20121 Post
Wonderful , creative work of art. Congratulations Michael.
MBalakStudios
Saturday, October 29, 201136 Posts
Hi, Donita. Thank you for your very kind compliments. You know, it is funny, but over the years I used to look at the winning windows in this Artglass Festival and say to myself "I could never do that caliber of stained glass work", and now here I am years later a winner myself, I would have never believed it possible. It is really nice to know that my work can inspire others, as afterall, that is really what the Artglass Festival is all about. Michael.
retail-queen
Saturday, October 22, 20111 Post
Hey Michael - Wow, I was blown away!!! What an awesome panel! You did do an outstanding job. Loved reading the comments from profesionals like yourself about your work. You have much to be proud of! Donita
MBalakStudios
Thursday, September 8, 201136 Posts
Hello, Marji. Sorry for my long delay in responding to your comment, I guess I have not looked at this page in quite some time. Thank you for your nice comments on my window. I am always happy to hear that my work has inspired someone... that makes it all worthwhile. This window hangs in my livingroom, and I enjoy it every single day. It keeps me inspired as well! Thanks again, Michael.
mcdonaldnenana3132907170536
Thursday, July 21, 20112 Posts
As a relatively new stained glass artist, I want you to know this piece sang to my soul. This is the perfection of light and color I hope to achieve one day. Thank you so much for inspiring me by providing a view of your vision. It is just beautiful. Marji
MBalakStudios
Wednesday, April 27, 201136 Posts
@joannelazarz1 Hello, Joanne. Thank you very much. I was quite surprised and very pleased to win in my catagory. This was the first competition I have ever entered, and I did not even expect to place. I always strive to put alot of detail in my work, and I appreciate your compliment. Thanks again, Michael.
joannelazarz1
Friday, April 22, 20119 Posts
Awesome work! your attention to details really show up in your work... Congratulations on your win - very much deserved!
MBalakStudios
Saturday, April 2, 201136 Posts
@MommaMosaics Hello, MommaM. Thank you for your nice compliments on my window. I am very pleased that other glass artist are liking my window as much as I do. Indeed, I am very proud of this piece, and I am most proud of the fact that I achieved my goal of realism without the use of paints or plating. I have had the window hanging in my living room for just over a month now, and I still cannot quit staring at it. It simply draws you in and you just get lost in the piece. It is somehow mesmerizing. I have noticed it has the same effect on everyone else who has seen it in person so far as well. I guess that is a good sign. This project was very special to me since I have had it in mind for decades but never thought I would actually ever get around to really building it. It was a real moral booster for me, and now I am excited to see what other unrealized projects I can come up with in the future. Thanks again, Michael.
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