A couple of weeks ago a regular reader commented she would like to have more information about the various supports on which oil painting can be done. Pictured here are supplies needed for painting on gold leaf which is a splendid ground to work on. Most common is gessoed wood panels for leafing, but I experimented with canvas with great success. A client requested specifically he wanted a landscape done on gold leaf but it had to be on linen.
First the linen canvas was stretched over the bars, sized with rabbit skin glue as usual. After the surface was dry, a thin coat of oil primer was applied and allowed to cure for a week or so. A consultant at Natural Pigments advised that the Mixtion A Dorer Lefranc Gold Size was the best approach because all surfaces are oil based and would not conflict with the oil in the paints.
I applied a thin coat of the size with a soft brush, and left it to dry for 12 hours. At this point it had a very slight tack with very minimal drag to the surface but was not sticky at all. Patent transfer gold leaf by Monarch was applied and rubbed lightly with a cotton ball.
The surface was a perfect color and texture to accept the oil paint. By leaving areas untouched by paint allowed the gold to shine through which gave an all over golden glow to the composition and color theme.
wow! that little landscape shines like a precious jewel….I’m sure it’s even better up close.
most paintings on gold leaf fall into merely decorative….you’ve completely transcended that beautifully. I love that very little contrasting area of clean blue that really sets off the golds. Thanks for sharing another glimpse into your vision.