Independent Studies in Water Gilding
Foundation & Intermediate
Independent Study for gilding work is taught in an individual setting, one-on-one, where learning is personalized for the artist’s interests and skill set.
It is a flexible program that offers the student a unique opportunity to step into a working shop and study by the side of someone recognized as a leader in the field. Together we develop a scope of study based on the student’s desires and technical skills. Each independent study is personalized. One student may want to create an intensive three-day study, another may want to work with me over the course of a few weeks. The scope of study will define our calendar.
Introduction to Traditional Materials & Techniques
Foundation
Foundation in Water Gilding teaches you how to prepare and gild a variety of panels and a mockup chair rail. Learn how to work with gold and semi-precious leaf. Learn techniques for water gilding on panels and small three dimensional objects.
Who it’s for
Gilders, furniture makers, frame makers, bookbinders, illuminators, sculptors, applied artists, visual artists, designers, conservators, restorers, collectors
Length of Study
3-10 days
What you will learn
While independent studies vary from student to student — depending upon the length of time and their ability to grasp the technique — here are some of the things I teach at the foundations level:
- The various materials, tools and equipment used in water gilding
- Comprehensive, experiential, step-by-step understanding of surface preparation using traditional gesso and bole
- Techniques for confidently handling and applying gold and semi-precious leaf
- What to apply for a protective finish
What you will leave with
- Materials, tools, supply and resource lists
- Recipes
- A bibliography
- Basic knowledge to pursue your own independent projects
Intermediate Independent Study
Deepen your understanding of materials and refine your use of techniques
Intermediate study teaches more complex ways of working with bole, leaf and pigment to achieve more depth and tonal variation, creating patina and pattern.
Who it’s for
Gilders, furniture makers, frame makers, bookbinders, illuminators, sculptors, applied artists, visual artists, designers, conservators, restorers, collectors
Length of Study
Depends on individual needs and scope of study
What you will learn
While intermediate studies in water gilding vary from student to student — depending upon their previous experience with this technique — here are some of the things I teach at the intermediate level:
- Techniques for double gilding; burnishing; punch work; scribing; distressing; lifting the gild; patina; matage; and toning
- Tips and techniques for working on a variety of substrates
- How to detect and remedy flaws
- How to manipulate color and design using various bole and pigment application
- Best practices for the preparation, gilding, patina and embellishment of different size panels, mock-up furniture samples and storyboards
- How to plan, design layouts and manage the production of multiple panels
- Various options for top coating with protective finish
- How to estimate your time and materials in order to create a proposal
What you will leave with
- Materials, tools, supply and resource lists
- Recipes
- A bibliography
- More advanced knowledge to pursue your own independent projects
Water Gilding Workshops
I teach one foundation level workshop in Water Gilding and two intermediate level workshops.
INQUIRE with me to discuss educational resources and opportunities