Painted Light, Held in Lead and Illusion
Illusion Glass
At Art Illusions by Young, Illusion Glass is the culmination of a meticulous nine-step process we have developed over years of practice, inspired by the ancient art of cloisonné yet reimagined in contemporary painted glass. Each piece is individually handcrafted using lead came, lead outline and solder to create the structural framework—often incorporating more than four feet of leading—while the glass itself is painted with specialized European enamel glass paints that fuse permanently to the surface upon curing. The result is not stained glass in the conventional sense, but luminous painted compositions that capture and refract light with extraordinary depth and illuminated presence.
Hand-wired armatures, hand-painted details, and deliberate embellishments—gemstones, glass beads, European crystals, pearls, and various metals—are layered with intention. These create works that appear to shift and breathe under changing light. No two pieces are ever alike; each emerges from the studio after more than 60 hours of focused craftsmanship, a labor of precision and reverence for the material.
These works transcend decoration. They are quiet illusions made manifest light that is held, color that is suspended, and narrative that unfolds slowly across translucent surfaces. Illusion Glass invites prolonged looking—inviting the viewer to discover new revelations with every angle and every shift of light throughout the day.
Materials common to the series include hand-cut art glass, lead came and solder construction, European enamel glass paints, hand-wired elements, gemstones, European crystals, pearls, glass beads, and various metals.
Presentation: Each Illusion Glass piece includes a handcrafted display stand—created by Mark and Sandra to perfectly suit the work’s proportions and aesthetic—ensuring it can be showcased with the care and presence it deserves, whether illuminated by daylight or glowing softly in ambient light.
Lead Note: This Illusion Glass piece uses traditional leaded solder sealed with a protective polymer coating. It is safe for normal decorative use.
Note: Each Illusion Glass piece is designed with a deliberate dual nature—luminous and translucent when natural daylight shines through from behind, revealing vibrant depth and illusion; painterly and richly atmospheric when viewed in ambient indoor light or shade, appearing as a glowing, hand-painted composition suspended in time
Veils of Light, Captured in Glass
🟢 Available : Sea Turtle – Silent Passage Through by Art Illusions by Young. A graceful sea turtle glides through the Gulf waters in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The turtle’s shell and flippers are rendered in rich greens and goldens with intricate patterns, while swirling blue and turquoise glass creates the illusion of moving water. Delicate copper wirework forms the frame and nautical knot details. When light passes through, the piece glows with luminous depth; in ambient light, it reveals painterly detail and subtle movement. A beautiful representation of marine life and the quiet majesty of the sea. A customized glass and copper base is included.
🟢 Available : Sunfish Regatta by Art Illusions by Young. A vibrant regatta of colorful sunfish sailboats races across sunlit waters in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Brightly colored sails in yellow, blue, red, and white catch the breeze against a dynamic sea of greens and blues, while subtle copper wirework and bead accents add dimension and sparkle. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece comes alive with luminous depth and movement; in ambient light, it reveals rich painterly detail and the joyful energy of a summer sailing day. A celebration of wind, water, and the simple pleasure of being on the water.
🟢 Available : Cherry Jubilee by Art Illusions by Young. A joyful celebration of summer’s bounty in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Ripe red cherries hang from delicate branches alongside white blossoms and lush green leaves against a vibrant turquoise background. European glass paints create rich depth and luminosity, while intricate copper wirework forms the elegant topper and dangling elements. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, translucent life; in ambient light, it reveals painterly detail and the sweet abundance of a cherry orchard in full glory. A delightful and luminous addition to any window or display.
🟢 Available : Camellia by Art Illusions by Young. A lush camellia bloom takes center stage in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Rich red petals with delicate yellow centers and glossy green leaves are rendered with exquisite detail against a soft, luminous background. European glass paints create vibrant depth and subtle shading, while graceful copper wirework forms the elegant topper and dangling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with translucent warmth and glowing color; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet elegance of a Southern garden in bloom. A timeless and luminous celebration of one of Louisiana’s most beloved flowers.
🟢 Available : Cardinal Family by Art Illusions by Young. A tender spring moment captured in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. A vibrant male cardinal feeds his hungry fledglings nestled among delicate branches and soft green foliage. Rich scarlet plumage contrasts beautifully with the soft blues and greens of the background, while European glass paints bring depth and lifelike detail to every feather and leaf. Graceful copper wirework frames the scene with subtle scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, translucent life and radiant color; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet intimacy of family in nature. A heartwarming celebration of parenthood and the gentle beauty of a Louisiana spring.
🟢 Available : Damselfly by Art Illusions by Young. A delicate damselfly hovers gracefully above blue wildflowers in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Iridescent wings shimmer with subtle shifts of blue, teal, and silver, while the slender body and fine veining are rendered with exquisite precision against a soft, atmospheric background. European glass paints create luminous depth and lifelike translucency, complemented by elegant copper wirework and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece comes alive with radiant, jewel-like glow and ethereal movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail and the quiet elegance of a summer meadow. A luminous tribute to the fragile beauty and graceful flight of one of nature’s most enchanting insects.
🟢 Available : Painted Honeycomb with Bee by Art Illusions by Young. A golden honeycomb scene comes to life in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. A gentle honeybee tends to the intricate hexagonal cells, its body rendered in warm golds and soft browns against a rich, textured honeycomb background. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle sheen, and realistic wax-like translucency, while delicate copper wirework and sparkling crystal accents add elegance and light play. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, honeyed radiance and a sense of living movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail and the quiet industry of nature’s sweetest worker. A luminous celebration of the golden harmony between bee and blossom, inspired by the peaceful observation of a beekeeper revealing fresh honeycomb.
🟢 Available : Beignets and Coffee by Art Illusions by Young. A joyful New Orleans breakfast scene captured in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Fresh, golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar sit beside a steaming cup of café au lait, evoking the iconic flavors and warm hospitality of the French Quarter. European glass paints bring rich, warm tones and subtle texture to the flaky pastries and creamy coffee, while clear glass microbeads add realistic sugar sparkle. Graceful copper wirework frames the composition with elegant scrollwork and a charming pewter mug charm dangling below. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, inviting translucence and a sense of morning light; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail reminiscent of Van Gogh’s vibrant brushwork. A delicious and luminous love letter to one of New Orleans’ most cherished morning rituals.
🟢 Available : Beignets and Coffee by Art Illusions by Young. A joyful New Orleans breakfast scene captured in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Fresh, golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar sit beside a steaming cup of café au lait, evoking the iconic flavors and warm hospitality of the French Quarter. European glass paints bring rich, warm tones and subtle texture to the flaky pastries and creamy coffee, while clear glass microbeads add realistic sugar sparkle. Graceful copper wirework frames the composition with elegant scrollwork and a charming pewter mug charm dangling below. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, inviting translucence and a sense of morning light; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail reminiscent of Van Gogh’s vibrant brushwork. A delicious and luminous love letter to one of New Orleans’ most cherished morning rituals.
🟢 Available : Betta by Art Illusions by Young. A magnificent betta fish dances gracefully in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Flowing, silk-like fins in vibrant shades of electric blue, crimson, and orange billow like living fabric against a soft, aquatic background. European glass paints create rich depth, iridescent sheen, and lifelike movement in every fin and scale, while delicate copper wirework frames the scene with elegant scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with luminous, translucent vitality and fluid motion; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail and the hypnotic elegance of the betta’s flowing form. Inspired by the mesmerizing dance of a beloved pet betta, this luminous work captures the quiet beauty and graceful presence of one of nature’s most captivating fish.
🟢 Available : Great Blue Heron in Art Nouveau Style by Art Illusions by Young. A majestic Great Blue Heron is captured in classic Art Nouveau elegance in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The heron’s sleek form and flowing feathers are rendered with sinuous, whiplash curves and stylized organic lines against a rich golden-yellow background, evoking the graceful power of Louisiana wetlands. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle iridescence in the blue-gray plumage, and lifelike detail in every feather and beak. Elegant copper wirework forms a dramatic diamond-shaped frame with ornate scrollwork and dangling crystal bead accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with translucent vitality and dynamic movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the hypnotic beauty of Art Nouveau’s celebration of nature’s curves. A bold and luminous tribute to one of Louisiana’s most iconic wading birds, reimagined with sophisticated artistic heritage.
🟢 Available : Crawfish by Art Illusions by Young. A bold Louisiana crawfish stands in a powerful defensive stance, claws raised in full glory, in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Vibrant red shell with intricate segmented details and expressive antennae are rendered against a rich, dynamic background that evokes the bayou waters and marsh grasses of home. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle iridescence on the shell, and lifelike texture in every joint and claw. Graceful copper wirework frames the composition with organic lines and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with fiery translucence and a sense of living energy; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the raw power and personality of one of Louisiana’s most iconic creatures. A vibrant and luminous celebration of Cajun culture and the spirited beauty of the humble crawfish in its natural element.
🟢 Available : Black and White Bunny by Art Illusions by Young. A charming black and white bunny sits nestled among delicate wildflowers in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The rabbit’s soft fur is rendered with classic monochrome elegance—deep black accents contrasting against crisp white—with subtle shading that brings gentle realism and personality to its alert ears and curious expression. European glass paints create luminous depth and soft, velvety texture, while graceful copper wirework frames the composition with elegant scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with ethereal translucence and quiet charm; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the timeless innocence of a meadow rabbit. A luminous and heartwarming tribute to the simple beauty of nature’s gentle creatures, perfect for any space that values serenity and whimsy.
🟢 Available : Calico Cat by Art Illusions by Young. A beautiful calico cat sits gracefully in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Its distinctive coat—warm orange and soft white patches—is rendered with exquisite detail and lifelike texture against a gentle, luminous background. European glass paints create rich depth, subtle fur shading, and soft highlights that capture the cat’s alert yet relaxed expression and elegant posture. Graceful copper wirework frames the composition with flowing lines and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, translucent vitality and a sense of living presence; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the endearing charm of one of Louisiana’s most beloved companions. A luminous and affectionate tribute to the unique beauty and playful spirit of the calico cat.
🟢 Available : Risen Dove by Art Illusions by Young. A pure white dove rises in graceful ascent in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel, symbolizing peace, hope, and spiritual renewal. The dove’s outstretched wings and gentle form are rendered with luminous white tones and subtle shading against a soft, ethereal background accented by delicate golden crosses. European glass paints create radiant depth and a sense of heavenly light, while elegant copper wirework frames the composition with flowing lines and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with transcendent translucence and uplifting movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet serenity of spiritual elevation. A luminous and deeply moving tribute to faith, peace, and the enduring symbol of the risen dove.
🟢 Available : Dragonfly Sunset by Art Illusions by Young. A stunning dragonfly hovers in the warm glow of a Louisiana sunset in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Vibrant crimson and orange wings catch the fading light against a rich, layered sky of deep sunset hues, while the dragonfly’s delicate body and veined wings are rendered with exquisite precision and iridescent shimmer. European glass paints create luminous depth, glowing warmth, and a sense of golden-hour movement. Graceful copper wirework frames the circular composition with elegant scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with fiery translucence and dynamic energy; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the magical transition from day to dusk. A luminous and evocative tribute to the fleeting beauty of a summer sunset and the graceful flight of the dragonfly.
🟢 Available : Hungry Gator by Art Illusions by Young. A bold Louisiana alligator emerges with open jaws in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel, capturing the raw power and primal energy of the bayou. The gator’s textured scales, sharp teeth, and intense gaze are rendered with dramatic detail against a fiery orange and golden background that evokes the warm light of a Louisiana sunset or marsh at dusk. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle iridescence on the scales, and lifelike texture in every ridge and tooth. Graceful copper wirework frames the circular composition with organic lines and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with intense, fiery translucence and a sense of living hunger; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the untamed spirit of one of Louisiana’s most iconic predators. A powerful and luminous tribute to the hungry gator and the wild beauty of the Southern wetlands.
🟢 Available : Horse Silhouette by Art Illusions by Young. A graceful horse stands in elegant silhouette against a shifting, luminous sky in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The strong, flowing lines of the horse’s body and mane are rendered with bold simplicity and quiet power, evoking freedom, strength, and the timeless bond between human and horse. European glass paints create rich depth, subtle color transitions, and a glowing, atmospheric background that suggests sunrise or sunset over Louisiana fields or open land. Graceful copper wirework frames the circular composition with elegant scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with warm, translucent vitality and a sense of quiet motion; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the serene beauty of the horse’s noble form. A luminous and contemplative tribute to the enduring spirit and majestic presence of the horse.
🟢 Available : Wood Duck by Art Illusions by Young. A handsome wood duck glides gracefully among cattails and reeds in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The male’s striking iridescent plumage—rich greens, deep chestnuts, and crisp white markings—is rendered with exquisite detail against a serene wetland background of soft greens and reflective water. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle feather shimmer, and lifelike texture in every marking and ripple. Graceful copper wirework frames the circular composition with elegant scrollwork and sparkling crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, translucent vitality and gentle movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet beauty of a wood duck in its natural Louisiana pond habitat. A luminous and affectionate tribute to one of the South’s most colorful and beloved waterfowl, inspired by frequent visitors to the artist’s own pond.
🟢 Available : Citrus Medley by Art Illusions by Young. A vibrant celebration of fresh summer citrus bursts with life in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Bright lemons, limes, mandarins, and kumquats in glowing shades of yellow, lime green, and vibrant orange tumble across an aqua background that evokes clear summer skies and refreshing waters. European glass paints create luminous depth, juicy translucence, and realistic texture in every segment and peel. A golden pineapple charm and dangling emerald crystal beads with a sliced fruit accent add playful elegance and light-catching sparkle. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with warm, juicy translucence and a sense of fresh abundance; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the cheerful harmony of a sun-drenched citrus harvest. A luminous and uplifting tribute to the bright flavors and sunny spirit of Louisiana summer days, perfect for a kitchen window or any space that welcomes joy and vitality.
🟢 Available : Fantail Koi Pond by Art Illusions by Young. Two graceful fantail koi swim serenely among lily pads in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Their flowing, multicolored tails in vibrant shades of orange, red, white, and black create elegant ribbons of movement against a tranquil pond background. European glass paints bring luminous depth, subtle iridescence, and lifelike texture to every scale and fin. Micro glass beads and sparkling green Austrian crystals enhance the lily pads and water surface, while coordinating cobalt, emerald, royal blue, and tangerine crystal beadwork frames the composition with rich color and light play. A beautiful Austrian crystal fish charm dangles gracefully at the bottom. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with vibrant, translucent life and gentle motion; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the peaceful harmony of a sunlit koi pond. A luminous and soothing tribute to the tranquil beauty of a garden pond and the graceful dance of these beloved ornamental fish.
🟢 Available : Jellyfish by Art Illusions by Young. A graceful jellyfish drifts silently through turquoise waters in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Its coral-colored bell and flowing, wave-like tentacles are rendered with delicate translucency against a soft turquoise background. Iridescent volcanic and cobalt blue crystals accent the body, while twisted copper wire forms elegant, wave-like connections ending in copper beads and a cobalt faceted teardrop dangle. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle color shifts, and an ethereal sense of floating movement. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with soft, radiant life and gentle undulation; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet, dreamlike beauty of a jellyfish suspended in the sea. A luminous and meditative tribute to the mysterious elegance of these oceanic creatures.
🟢 Available : Ladybug on Purple Blossom by Art Illusions by Young. A cheerful ladybug rests on vibrant purple blossoms in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The ladybug’s bright red shell with classic black spots sits delicately atop lush purple flowers against a sunny yellow background, creating a joyful garden moment. European glass paints bring rich depth, subtle iridescence to the wings, and lifelike texture to every petal and leaf, while seed beads and faceted jewels add sparkling detail to the blossoms. Graceful copper wirework forms the elegant topper with decorative flowers, and a charming dangling element completes the composition. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with warm, translucent life and gentle sparkle; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the sweet innocence of a summer garden scene. A luminous and heartwarming tribute to the simple joy of a ladybug among flowers.
🟢 Available : Blue Heron by Art Illusions by Young. A majestic Great Blue Heron stands poised in mid-catch, elegantly capturing a large fish in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. The heron’s sleek blue-gray plumage, long neck, and sharp beak are rendered with precise detail against a serene ocean-blue background, evoking the patient grace of Louisiana wetlands and coastal shores. European glass paints create luminous depth, subtle feather iridescence, and lifelike texture in every scale of the fish and feather of the bird. Graceful copper wirework frames the round composition with flowing lines and sparkling crystal accents in cobalt and ocean blue tones. A dangling silver fish charm completes the scene. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece radiates with translucent vitality and a sense of fluid motion; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly brushwork and the quiet mastery of this iconic wading bird. A luminous tribute to the Great Blue Heron’s effortless elegance and the abundant life of Southern waters.
🟢 Available : Forget-Me-Nots by Art Illusions by Young. A delicate cluster of vibrant blue forget-me-not flowers blooms eternally in this hand-painted and leaded Illusion Glass panel. Soft blue petals with golden centers and gentle green foliage are rendered with exquisite tenderness against a soft, luminous background, evoking themes of remembrance, loyalty, and enduring affection. European glass paints create rich depth, subtle translucency, and lifelike petal texture, while elegant copper wirework forms a graceful frame with Celtic-inspired knot details and sparkling amethyst crystal accents. When sunlight passes through the glass, the piece glows with ethereal blue radiance and gentle movement; in ambient light, it reveals fine painterly detail and the quiet, heartfelt beauty of these beloved flowers. A luminous and poetic reminder to cherish what matters most, perfect for any space that values memory and gentle elegance.
“Many of our earlier Illusion Glass pieces have found new homes. Browse our archive to see the full evolution of the collection and the range of our work.”