Artist Statement

shirley-hudsonMy form of art is reverse painting on glass.  I mostly paint on old windows or on recycled, ancient or interesting frames.  I particularly like windows complete with rusty metal hinges and handles.  They seem to add a unique life to my paintings.  The technique is very challenging as I paint on one side of the glass and view it from the opposite side.  That means I am forced to think and paint completely backwards.  In other words, I have to start with the finishing touches that one would ordinarily end with. For example, I must start with the glint in my subject’s eye and then paint backwards from there.  Although I start with a detailed sketch and everything has been well thought out before beginning, until I turn the painting around I am never sure how the finished piece will turn out.  Every piece is a fun challenge.  They are usually big, chunky and often irreverent paintings, mostly capturing women in their strength or their whimsy.  The result is always bold and colorful.  This technique allows me to release my inner goofiness.