Reverse painting on glass is an art form consisting of applying paint to a piece of glass and then viewing the image by turning the glass over and looking through the glass at the image. In German it is known as Hinterglasmalerei.

There is nothing more satisfying than viewing the image on the other side once I have completed the painting. The luminous quality is so amazing and eye catching. I am originally an oil painter, but I also knew I always wanted to paint in acrylic one day! It is so satisfying painting on glass and revitalizing this ancient technique. I relish in painting on the back of vintage windows, but I also paint on small pieces of glass. My signature pieces are colorful cat faces.   

Reverse painting on glass has been a form of art expression since ancient times. Though there is no conclusive knowledge about the actual origins, some art historians supported by crude artifacts, purport that the art of painting on the back of glass dates back to the 4 A.D in Egypt. 

 During the Middle Ages in the 13th century, the art technique appeared in Italy. Shortly thereafter, the French and English also learned of this art form. By the 16th century Renaissance, to meet the growing demand, reverse glass paintings were widely produced by artists on the Isle of Murano Italy, near Venice. These paintings were primarily small and used to decorate church alters and religious effects. Gradually, artists began to paint larger landscapes, portraits, and more. 

In America, reverse painting enjoyed its greatest popularity during the Federalist Period of 1800s.  It was primarily practiced by old-country artisans in the original colonial cities. Reverse paintings were used to decorate clocks, mirrors and other items of the time. This art fashion reigned from about 1815 to 1850. Then, with the exception of a brief time before WW I when it enjoyed a comeback, reverse glass painting became all but extinct.