by Carole Meisenhelter

Created on: June 29, 2010   Last Updated: June 30, 2010

The fabulous Art Nouveau period goes back to the late nineteenth century, perhaps from the 1890’s through to around 1914, according to various art history guides.  Having originated in France, it then infiltrated other parts of Europe, United States of America, and also Australia.

There are opportunities for any stained-glass artist today, to try many beautiful patterns.  Some are free of cost, while others, within purchased books say, will of course involve a price.  Sometimes though, having a favorite book to keep for future reference remains thereafter, a handy tool of trade.

The following options include libraries, the internet, and a number of specific book titles relevant to the art nouveau design period for stained glass patterns especially.

Libraries:

A wonderful way to access a variety of topical books, with minimal expense.  Sometimes regional libraries have their catalogues available for members online.  From the comfort of home you can access their category lists and seek out if they hold books on any specific subject.  Generally, all that is needed are a few significant keywords to pick up the connection, and a title.

Then it’s a simple matter of reserving the book, and they will make contact when the item is available for pickup.  Mostly, there is a small charge involved; if a local library is having the book bought in from another branch within the region. 

Looking to the Internet:

A short list follows of free art nouveau patterns available on the net.  Take special precautions though when using designs from online sources, and be sure to take note of any copyright details.  More often than not, the designs are offered with stipulation that they are not to be used for resale, commercial or other distribution; including books, online forums, photo-copying etc.

This site (free patterns for stained glass), is most comprehensive, and their link to the art nouveau section is especially rewarding.  It is stated the designs are those from free patterns available elsewhere on the Internet, and include not only window patterns, but also, large sun-catchers and window hangings.  Beautiful designs, hard to know which to choose!

Here’s a single free stained glass patternfor an “Art Nouveau Button”. It's a beautiful round panel design, by Chantal Pare’.  Chantal has so many stained glass designs in various other categories available on her site too.

Book Titles:

Perhaps it may be possible to source any of these six Art Nouveau stained glass titles:

• Masterpieces of Art Nouveau Stained Glass Design: 91 motifs in full color, by Arnold Lyongrun

• Art Nouveau stained glass pattern book: 104 designs for workable projects by Ed Sibbett, Jr.

• Art Nouveau Stained Glass for Today by Bill Hillman

• Authentic Art Nouveau Stained Glass Designs in full color, M. J. Gradl (Dover)

• Art Nouveau Windows Stained Glass Coloring Book by A. G. Smith (Dover)

• Viennese Art Nouveau Stained Glass Designs by Dover 

Even though the Art Nouveau period supposedly “ended” perhaps around 1914, these design elements have to be one of the most popular of patterns sought by stained-glass artists still today. 

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