Join Martha Moderitz in this introduction to the decorative art of gold leaf gilding. Learn a new skill and technique to elevate your creative practice with a process used by artisans for centuries. Having held a long fascination with medieval and eastern illuminated manuscripts, decorative elements in miniature painting, and modern artists including Gustav Klimt and Robert Burns, Martha will introduce participants to a technique for decorative gilding on watercolour paper. Gold leaf will be applied to part of a composition, usually a background, an object, or foliage, which will then be completed in gouache and/or watercolour.
This workshop will include:~A brief history of gilding in different art forms; ~Setting out a small composition on watercolour paper (participants may opt to choose a template design by Martha or bring a pre-prepared composition); ~Learning a technique for gilding on paper, with 23 carat (or above) gold leaf and mordant; ~Introduction to basic painting techniques using watercolour and/or gouache.
Participants will leave the workshop with a basic understanding in making a composition with gilded elements.
This workshop is an ideal way to spend a Sunday, learning something new and having space for some nourishing, creative goodness!
Martha graduated with a Masters in Traditional Arts from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, where she subsequently worked on the School’s international outreach programme. Martha received The Bagri Foundation Prize in 2017 for an original composition and her work is owned by private collectors in both the UK and Australia.
Workshop Schedule
- expert guidance from an experienced artist and educator
- five sheets of gold leaf valued at $20 (additional sheets may be purchased on the day)
- a selection of drawings to use for your composition
- gilding tools, specialty paper, paints, pencils
- tea, coffee and light snack
What to bring
- pre-prepared sketches if you wish to work from your own composition (not compulsory as Martha will have a selection to choose from)
- waterbottle
- your mindful self!
Martha graduated with a Masters in Traditional Arts from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, where she subsequently worked on the School’s international outreach programme. Martha received The Bagri Foundation Prize in 2017 for an original composition and her work is owned by private collectors in both the UK and Australia.
Martha graduated with a Masters in Traditional Arts from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, where she subsequently worked on the School’s international outreach programme. Martha received The Bagri Foundation Prize in 2017 for an original composition and her work is owned by private collectors in both the UK and Australia.