Artist Michael Frank Peterson creates layered glass paintings that draw the viewer into scenes that come to life. See more of his work by visiting his website.
“Scatter Sunshine” oil on glass with walnut brackets, overall dimensions: 12.75” x 12.5” x 3.5”
I create my painted layered glass sculpture for this reason: in a busy and complicated world, I am hoping to draw the viewer into a scene that is not only fascinating, but peaceful.
“Blue Bird Moon Dance” oil Paint on glass with hardwood panel, overall dimensions: 13.25” x 15.5” x 2”
I’m a retired award-winning trade show exhibit designer and a professional artist. I combine my love for painting in oil with three-dimensional design. These painted layered glass sculptures in a contemporary design have become my signature style.
“Solitude” oil on glass with walnut brackets, overall dimensions: 11.75” x 14.5” x 3.5”
Each layer of glass is hand painted with a section of the overall image. The multiple layers of glass are then assembled into a sculpture that shows the depth and distance of the scene. They can be hung on a wall, or be free-standing.
“A Walk in the Woods” oil on glass with walnut brackets, overall dimensions: 12.5” x 12.75” x 3.5”
I love three-dimensionality. These sculptures were developed while I was experimenting with painting on layers of glass and mounting them into shadow boxes to see if I could bring increased depth to my paintings.
“Dancing in the Stars” oil on glass with walnut brackets, overall dimensions: 4.5” x 6.75” x 2.75”
At a premier art show in Salt Lake City, Utah, I found that the two shadow boxes I displayed received much more attention and excitement than my more traditional paintings. The shadowbox art drew the viewers right in, and they were fascinated by them.
“Letting Go” oil on glass, overall dimensions: 11” x 14” x 2.25”
That was a pivotal point in my art career. Starting in early 2020, I experimented and tested many concepts and materials until I developed the concept of painted layers of glass assembled into a sculpture. These sculptures gave me freedom and depth that I never had before.
“A Sacred Grove” oil on glass with walnut brackets, overall dimensions: 11.75” x 14.5” x 3.5”
I was born and raised in the small town of American Fork, Utah. My hard-working family was thoroughly blue-collar. My talent for art became apparent during my early school years and continued from there. My parents were supportive and hands-on parents. However, they were quite worried when I wanted to go to college to receive an art degree. My dad suggested he could help me with a good job at the steel plant where he worked.
“Night Owl” oil on glass and hardwood panel in a black shadow box, overall dimensions: 15.5” x 12.5” x 2”
I studied fine art, graphic design, and industrial design (product design) at Brigham Young University where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. That led to a career as a trade show exhibit designer and into four design director positions.
Artist Michael Frank Peterson
Now I combine my love for three-dimensional design and my love for oil painting to make unique sculptures that are peaceful and fascinating.
Artist Michael Frank Peterson invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Love your process, Michael. Your layered glass paintings are gorgeous.
Thanks for sharing.
Julee
Thank you, Julee! That’s so nice of you.
Michael,
Your paintings give it a three dimensional quality. I would never have thought of doing it that way. It definitely ads to the interest of each scene.
Thank you Ann Marie! I have a very different background being a retired exhibit designer. At first I thought it would disqualify me from being taken seriously when I was doing regular oil painting, but I’ve found that when I mashed my background in my art, it’s what got me noticed and the results have been good.