Westport River Gallery

Ukrainian born G'Ma's Painting to Mrs. Roosevelt

Liza was born in Nova Kraruka, Ukraine, and had six children with her husband before immigrating to the U.S. in 1905. One of those children was Arthur who along with his wife Anne went on to become important art collectors based in NYC. Another was with Mostly Mozart for many years, and his wife with the famous Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance studio. Liza began painting very late in life at 75 relieve the pains of arthritis in her fingers. Her use of bright colors and playful pastoral imagery garnered her many fans, including the owners of Gallery Sixty Two in NYC, where she had an exhibition in the early 1950s. Liza died in 1955 just shortly after a major highlight in her painting career; the opportunity to present former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (seen at left with the artist) one of her originals in person at the U.N. Glass prints from originals are exclusively available at the Westport River Gallery.

Liberty in Reverse Glass Painting by Sue Bond

Sue Bond's subjects are Americana-style country paintings, seascapes, iconic NYC scenes and the Eiffel Tower. She learned the technique of painting on glass from her father, Milton Bond, who was one of the foremost reverse glass artists in the U.S.  "I was inspired, as a child, by the beauty of my dad's craft and am fortunate to be able to continue his legacy". She enjoys working with this medium and says the glass makes the colorful shades of paint uniquely vibrant.

A Connecticut native, Sue is also a published children's book illustrator for CT author Thomas Jacobson. Reverse glass painting is a rare, ancient art first practiced in Egypt in the 4th Century A.D. and is also traced back to 13th Century Venice and the Orient.  It became popular in the early 1800's and used in clock faces. The unique art form requires specialized skills as the artist must paint the design on the back of the glass for viewing from the front side. The painting is done in layers in which the up-close objects are painted first with the background painted last. Click for Others.

Brooklyn Bridge Centennial in Reverse Glass Art

The 1983 Brooklyn Bridge Centennial by Milton Bond was created in 1984, in colorful reverse glass. SOLD. The late Bond is also part of major collections including the Grand Palais in Paris, the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of American Folk Art in NY, the Rousseau Museum in Paris and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Santa Barbara, Calif. Said The New York Times, "He entertained many careers, first helping his father, Capt. Ashabel Bond, who owned commercial sailing and oystering vessels. Then Bond sailed his own oyster boat for a year, and during the World War II worked as a tool maker for the largest munitions factory in the world, Remington Arms in Bridgeport. Following that, while employed by a real estate company, he drew inspiration from his older sister who was taking a class in reverse painting; and met with quick success. At right is Noah's Ark. Click for others.

Miss Liberty & the New WTC in Reverse Glass

New from American reverse glass artist Sue Bond is the Statue of Liberty overlooking the new World Trade Center buildings. "Although only 1-WTC is completed, I painted the others as they'll look based on the designs." The glass is 11x14, and framed. Bond is also a published children's book illustrator. Americana-style country scenes, seascapes, iconic New York scenes and the Eiffel Tower are included in the subject matter by reverse glass artist Sue Bond. She learned the technique of painting on glass from her late father, Milton Bond, who was one of the foremost reverse glass artists in the U.S. Milton worked in a mirror world in the fine detail of acrylic, ink, and metallic foil, giving a three dimensional luminosity to the exposed glass side when exhibited. The medium was first introduced to him over 30 years ago by his beloved sister Mildred, a lover of the arts. Milton produced over 1,500 paintings. Click for other works.