Discover Shelley Prior’s step-by-step process for capturing the magical dance of light, color, and transparency that makes glass come alive on paper!

If you’ve ever tried painting glass in watercolor, you know how intimidating it can be. 

The dancing reflections ... the delicate shadows ... the intricate play of light and color... 

It can all seem overwhelmingly complex.

You start painting, hoping to capture that magical sparkle and transparency…

…but end up with muddy colors and flat, lifeless results. 

Each attempt leaves you more frustrated than the last, wondering if you’ll ever master this challenging subject.

The problem isn’t your artistic ability. 

Trying to paint glass is extremely tricky if you don’t know what to watch for.

For example, if you move just slightly, you’ll see a very different thing — the light has now changed, the edge is now placed differently … and that’s just the start of it.

Thankfully, there’s a right approach to painting glass — an approach that breaks down this seemingly complex subject into simple, manageable steps.

This is your chance to watch Shelley in action as she reveals her techniques for painting glass — from setting up your reference photo for success to mastering the final sparkling highlights that bring your painting to life!

Meet Your Instructor, Shelley Prior!

With 25 years of teaching experience and a mastery of watercolor that spans decades, Shelley Prior has earned her reputation as one of Canada’s most sought-after watercolor instructors. 

As a full-time artist based in Burlington, she has dedicated her life to not just mastering watercolor, but helping others discover its unique magic and potential.

While Shelley’s highly realistic style encompasses everything from birds and wildlife to portraits and landscapes, she has a special fascination with subjects that challenge most artists — particularly reflective surfaces like glass and metal. It’s here that her deep understanding of light and shadow truly shines.

Here’s a small taste of what’s inside:

●       The simple “jigsaw puzzle” approach that transforms intimidating glass subjects into manageable, easy-to-paint shapes — even if you’ve struggled with complex subjects before

●       The counterintuitive secret to getting pure, clean colors in glass paintings (Hint: it has nothing to do with your choice of pigments and everything to do with this little-known application technique)

●       How to capture that elusive “sparkle” effect that makes glass paintings come alive — discover the surprising role of contrast and exactly when to apply it

●       Why you should actually use BRIGHTER colors than you think you need — and the foolproof way to adjust them later if necessary

●       The “pre-wet paper” trick that eliminates ugly brushmarks and creates silky-smooth washes every time

●       A revolutionary approach to painting straight lines that makes even the most complex glassware shapes achievable

●       The truth about water-to-pigment ratios when painting glass — master this and watch your paintings transform from flat to fabulous

●       Why working from photographs can actually be BETTER than painting from life when it comes to glass (this insight alone will save you hours of frustration)

●       The “kaleidoscope effect” — how to capture the way glass transforms and reflects light from every angle

●       An ingenious technique for lifting paint that creates stunning highlights without damaging your paper

●       The professional “glazing sequence” that builds depth and luminosity while keeping your colors crystal clear

●       PLUS: How to paint metal elements with the same confidence and precision as glass

●       …and so many more creative ideas that will make you love painting all over again!

Chapter Breakdown 

Introduction

Materials & Prep

Mask the Sparkles

Background Wash

Bottles & Shadows Wash

Paint the Glass

Develop the Bottles & Shadows

Final Adjustments

Extra Bonuses:

●       High Speed View™ for your painting convenience

●       Exhibit of Shelley Prior’s works for your creative inspiration

●       Interview with Shelley Prior by Eric Rhoads for insights and motivation