Metal Leaf Applications

“Winter Tree” 36″ x 48″ oil and metal leaf on canvas – SOLD

One of the things I worry about is getting in a rut with my paintings, either with subjects or metal leaf treatments, so I consciously change something with each new painting. When I first started using gold and silver metal leaf as a background, I was only aware of the “loose” sheets, but learned that there was another type, called “transfer” sheets, where the metal leaf is adhered to a thin square of tissue. This allowed me to cut squares and shapes.

“Shimmering Peony Garden” 40″ x 60″ oil and metal leaf on canvas – $7,000

After a while, I started adding small bits of the metal leaf, one at a time, to certain areas of the painting to allow the underpainting to show through. I also changed the values and colors of the background to add more interest to the composition.

“White Dogwood and Beyond” 36″ x 48″ oil and metal leaf on canvas – $4,700

Another form of metal leaf application is torn sections of the leaf pushed through a sieve. This is the most difficult process because it is hard to control and it is my least favorite. I used it in the painting below to give a chilly, snowy atmosphere to the background.

“A Blast of Winter” 36″ x 48″ oil and metal leaf on canvas – $5,000

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