What is Reverse Painting?

A reverse painting is created by painting a subject onto one side of a sheet of glass or (plexiglass) after which it is viewed from the other side of the glass, or through the glass.

In order to achieve this the an artist has to "paint in reverse", or paint from "front to back".

Most paintings are typically painted onto a canvas or other opaque supports. The paint is then roughly laid out on this support and built up with color areas and overall finishing touches, such as shadows, highlights, texture and line detail, this is all done on the "viewed" side or "front" of the painting when it is completed. This style of painting allows the artist to take time to make last minute changes or corrections to the top of the painting with out saccrificing undeneath layers of paint. The paint is simply applied to the top to make the changes or corrections.

The artist who paints in "reverse " or backwards requires: patients, reverse thinking and at times the ability to write and sign in reverse! It requires a knowledge and a definite idea and direction of the ultimate look of the painting before it has even begun to be painted. The artist has to lay out all the fine details first, such as shadows, highlights and fine details then areas of color washes and textures are then layered behind or in back of the fine details, The artist is constantly working toward "the back of the painting". Hence, this is were the term "Reverse Painting" evolved

The form of "painting in reverse" can also be tasking. The artist needs to constantly flip over the glass or plexiglass during this proces, in order to view the" front " or "view side" of each layer of paint before the paint has time to dry. This is when the artist has to think quick! Once the paint layers have dried, it is almost impossible to correct or change the painting without affecting the other layers that have already been applied. Some artists have used a mirror on the view side of the glass or plexi in order to view their progress...Oddly enough I find this a bit "backwords"!

"Painting in reverse" is challenging and yet a wonderful exploration of new discoveries. There are limitations in this medium and form of "painting in reverse" The overall finished paintings to have a unique quality of textures to be seen but not touched. The viewer sees the heart of my paintings!

I thank God for giving me the ability to express my thoughts, dreams and passions into paintings for people to enjoy!