Painting gold: 7 essential tips

Like many painting techniques, painting gold may seem daunting at first. The nature of gold varies wildly based on its age, purity, and even the amount of polish. However it’s a captivating surface, that we are all drawn to, based on its inherent visual qualities.

Throughout my career I have painted many different gold surfaces. Some of that gold has shown up in form of a still life, on the jewellery of a portrait model, and even on sculptures when painting outdoor landscapes. The nature of gold may look like a mystery at first, but I have seven tips to help you sort it out. If you keep these in mind you’ll be able to capture that illustrious quality in your own work.

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Jonathan Hardesty has been exhibited in invitational shows throughout the United States. His work is featured in various collections around the country. He currently teaches online at Schoolism.com.