Reverse glass painting is an ancient art, apparently going back to the Chinese.  In Europe glass painting was a popular folk art and reverse paintings were often used in cabinets, clocks and other furniture.  Some early modernists also experimented with glass painting, notably Kandinsky and Nolde.  Reverse painting is also used as backdrops on movie and theatre sets.  Media used include ink, tempera, oils and acrylics.

My paintings are painted on 1/4" plate glass or plexiglass with One Shot enamel oil paint, a highly fade resistant and brilliant, fast drying enamel.  One Shot is an extremely durable paint used on motorcycle helmets and car detailing  My paintings are not fired. 

The mounts are aluminum (since 2000) which I surface treat in various ways.  Some are painted, some not, depending on the painting it goes with. 

The process I use to create a piece combines painting and printing techniques.  In a sense, I make a monotype and keep the plate instead of the print.  Part of the work is done blind, and part of it is done with the glass held horizontally over a mirror, which enables me to see the front of the painting as I work.  I do not see the painting upright and from the front until later, when it is dry and past the point of changing. In 2004 I began painting on both sides of plexiglass and incorporating fused glass.  Some techniques require layering of paint; others are painted all in one go.  The media dictates that I work this way, but it also suits me very well.

My work combines the accidental and the purposeful, chaos and control.  Because it is a fast drying media and errors cannot be painted over once dry, I work very quickly.   These characteristics-blind accident and control; speed and delicacy; upside-down and backward-make the process dynamic, mysterious and endlessly fascinating to me.

The studio construction, custom mounts, web site, photography and all around support are by my husband, Myron Gauger.

As of August 2005, my studio is in our back garden.