How to Gold Leaf a canvas and paint beautiful Blossom in acrylic

I would like to share with you how I went about applying gold leaf to a large canvas 1m x 1m, and then my process for painting gorgeous blossom branches with acrylic paint. This painting was one of a pair for a private commission which I named "Sakura Lilac and Pink". Sakura is Japanese for cherry blossom, which I am obsessed with #goldleaf #artwork #acrylicpainting #blossomart
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Instagram - louisedeanartist

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Beautiful! Brava!😊

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

@@jeraldbaxter3532 thank you so much! I just posted a new goldleaf video in 2 parts 🌟🌟 trying to get serious about my KZbin channel!

[@2sweetcaroline]

Your art is stunning!

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

@@2sweetcaroline thank you so much! I just published 2 more goldleaf videos after a long hiatus from KZbin!

[@louisdevalois4358]

❤ I absolutely love what you've done here! Wow! I'll certainly be watching and learning from you! ❤🎉❤

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you so much 🙏 I’m not on Skillshare but I am in the process of creating my first online Acrylic painting course! I’ll definitely be sharing the launch on KZbin so “watch this space”. I have taught art to adults for 9 years, so looking forward to reaching out globally!

[@louisdevalois4358]

@@LouiseDeanArtist thank you so much!

[@louisdevalois4358]

@@LouiseDeanArtist oh, and I can't wait! You're divine! 🥰☺😘❤❤❤❤❤

[@louisdevalois4358]

This is so beautiful! ❤

[@StellyD1]

Love watching . Calming

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

oh thank you, that's so nice

[@malillis608]

If doing a “how to” video it would be helpful, especially with painting the flowers to actually show us how you planned where the flowers were going and how to paint them. Also helpful if you talked about the supplies and or brands using and why.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, thank you for the feedback. This was my first ever KZbin video, and I kind of put videoing on the back burner after covid. Now I'm getting back into it and I will DEFINATELY take your suggestions on board!

[@louisdevalois4358]

I am so happy that you feel better from having had covid. You doggy is adorable too! I'll be patient and wait for you when you are ready to start your classes. I sketched the rose from your garden amazingly well. Bravo and Cheers to your amazing work! ❤🎉❤

[@Doraxxify]

What a lovely video. I always enjoy watching processes that artists use.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

thanks Anne - I'm cringing already at my filmwork but I saw an inspiring video which said "Start Messy" and get better from there, otherwise you could put if off for another few years! x

[@abkornburee]

Beautiful work

[@dreamcatcher7417]

Wow i think this kind of painting is perfect for my vintage looking home😍😍

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, if you'd like to chat about commissioning a painting similar to this then just drop me an email [e-mail]. Louise x

[@olgaclarke9323]

Awesome tutorial Louise.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

thx lovely! my filmwork and editing need improvement but hey, you gotta start somewhere xx

[@manfreddreschflegel1067]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.🤗

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you 🙏

[@el3inemaw273]

Wonderfull work! And without see, I liked your dog too ! ✨🍀✨

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi! I think I should feature my dog in more of my videos, she is a superstar cutie

[@cosmicfire7749]

Ah! Finally got around to looking at your KZbin channel Louise. Great work, so clever.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

thank you Cathy! xxx my editing is a lot better now from this one last year.... learning on the job x

[@kakadon626]

So beautiful ❤️

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you 😊 x

[@poojarai4438]

It's beautiful.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

thank you so much

[@nazaninnaghibzadeh1908]

Im obsessed! Beautiful! 🌸🌸 Thank you!

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you for your lovely response. I’m just making a new video similar but in silver ⭐️

[@aamenahkhan6108]

Wow

[@maggiechampion655]

Beautiful! 😊

[@souzanemayes5670]

Lovely work! Not sure how I feel about the small gold squares showing

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, I kind of like that look but equally I have done some goldleaf works where you can't see the squares. thx for feedback x

[@negareliinart5200]

Lovely work. This inspires me more to do better with my arts! hope to see you on my side 😍

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you so much, it’s nice to feel I can inspire others! 💖

[@StellyD1]

Hi louise. Once youve done your gold leaf, and then the blossoms, do you then varnish it ?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, with this one I didn't varnish it. I was afraid to ruin it. In the couple of years that have passed since I did this project, I now use a gloss decorators varnish. One light coat.

[@SomethingImpromptu]

I’m sure in many settings, the gold won’t end up in the air in too large of an amount, but based on my experience with mica powder & stuff like that (in considerably smaller quantities than what gold dust got wiped off this canvas), the safe thing would probably be to wear a respirator during that part of the process, &/or to do it in a well-ventilated space. I wouldn’t want to inhale a bunch of metal dust, pretty as it may be. Probably not as big a danger as working with epoxy or something like that, but I know mica powder can be a real respiratory hazard & I doubt this is entirely different, even if it’s heavier & less prone to becoming aerosolized. Beautiful effect though! I might have to try this sooner or later!

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, I’m sorry for my late reply 🙄 I’ve never used mica powder but that sounds interesting. Using goldleaf sheets is pretty safe to be honest. The leaf does crumble and flake but not small enough to inhale or cause respiratory trouble. Give it a try!

[@helenai13]

I’m glad this video showed up on my feed. I will be following your channel as of now. This painting is beautiful, as is the one in pink, and requires much patience. However, since I’m interested is learning how to apply gold leaf, I have a few questions. Is there a way to blend the squares and avoid having the edges shown? Would the colours not stand out had you not first painted in white? You don’t mention coating it with varnish to finish it off. But shouldn’t metal gold leaf be sealed to avoid it from oxidation? Thank you in advance. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful artwork!

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, and thank you for your interest and appreciation 🌸 I have ALOT of patience and love detailed work. I’ve learnt a lot in the 3 years since I created these. Unfortunately I have neglected my KZbin channel but watch this space as 2024 is when I get back on it! I do have a tutorial on my channel which should answer some questions. With regard to blending the squares, recently I have actually been applying 2 layers of goldleaf so you get a completely smooth appearance. I’ll make a video of explanation. Chat again soon Louise

[@helenai13]

@@LouiseDeanArtist thank you very much for responding. Looking forward to more videos and learn.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Ps I now use Rustoleum Crystal Clear spray varnish, very light coat !

[@nesamosaku551]

beautiful🌷

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you so much 😊

[@StanOwden]

Have you ever tried to do antiquing a gold leaf base for the painting as De Gournay does with "gold gilded Xuan paper with antiquing"? If you have would you share with us how to actually antiquing a gold leaf?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hey, sorry for this crazily late reply. I absolutely love anything that de Gournay does so you have set me an interesting challenge, watch this space (I'm just in the process of reviving my neglected channel!)

[@StanOwden]

@@LouiseDeanArtist Great! I will be waiting for your new work.

[@louisdevalois4358]

Just one more question. Do you use real gold, "gold leaf or is it OK to use the other type of gold leaf? Thank you again.

[@aamenahkhan6108]

Do you cover the gold with something from oxidizing?

[@cook-arabic2365]

Wow amazing art! Your video was suggested in my homepage & sure for many people too! Your channel will blow up as it deserves soon😉

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you 🙏!! I really hope my channel blows up! Better post some new vids. It’s good to know my channel is being recommended, thank uuuuu KZbin 🤩

[@cook-arabic2365]

@@LouiseDeanArtist Wish you best of luck🤩

[@1966DAG]

Beautiful! Do you ever spray or seal this at the very end? Or would that mess up the gold leaf ?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, thank you 🙏 in the last few years I have learnt a lot more about the gilding process. I’ve had a few mistakes with varnish! Now I use a light spray or sometimes I’ll actually apply 2 layers of goldleaf which makes it really tough.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Rustoleum Crystal Clear spray is great! No problems so far but only a very light spray

[@1966DAG]

....thank you!

[@ummyusuf7014]

Hi I love this! Thanks for sharing, do you have to glaze the gold leaf before you paint or after?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi , thx! I actually didn't glaze the gold leaf at all. Once it was fully dry, then I painted the blossom and branches. Louise

[@maritzagaldames9420]

Hi Louise, beautiful fantastic. New subscriber. Saludos cariñosos desde CHILE 💝❤️❤️❤️🌹

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Gracias Maritza, thanks so much for subscribing and for your kind comment xx Louise

[@toys4kids686]

👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

thank you!!!!

[@nadakodsia2635]

Wonderful art work, you deserve more than a few likes ...i already subscribed & liked your video, Bravo!!! 👏👏💕

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Nada Kodsia thank you so much!! I’m working on how to get more viewers.... it’s a lot to learn 😁

[@nadakodsia2635]

@@LouiseDeanArtist Happy to be one of them now.. 😊 wish you the best dear... 💕👍

[@Art-ificial_I-ntelligence]

Beautiful work, subscribed :)

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thank you 🙏 (belatedly!)

[@rosemarygama7169]

Hello! I too love shiny. What did you mix the Modpodge with to get milky substance?

[@helenai13]

I believe it was mentioned water.

[@mumo9413]

Wow! You have the patience of a saint to do all those petals! Absolutely, stunning! May I ask do you varnish the finished product? Many thanks!🌸🌺🌸

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, yes it definitely takes a lot of patience!! 😉 I didn’t varnish it actually. I’ve found that the artificial gold leaf doesn’t tarnish.

[@QasimAli-lg9vg]

Your life style is soo nice Like you I mean you very Hamble

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Thx so much 😊

[@QasimAli-lg9vg]

@@LouiseDeanArtist where are you from? I am also artist

[@hajarhajar3215]

ممتعة

[@poornimadp9995]

Should we varnish the gold leaf before painting with the acrylic

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi I have experimented with both and I actually prefer the result without varnish. I find that the artificial gold leaf doesn’t tarnish. 🤞

[@mariaabreu9085]

Do you put some protection at the end?

[@MsIAmr]

they are both lovely. i am curious, how do you varnish goldleaf?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, sorry for my very late reply!! I have neglected my channel. I didn't actually varnish these pieces, and they are still looking fine. I find that artificial GoldLeaf doesn't tarnish. However in the last couple of years I have been experimenting and a light coat of Polyvine Decorators Varnish works really well as just protection and durability. x

[@louisdevalois4358]

Do you teach? Are you on Skillshare?

[@juliamanolova6453]

Beautiful ! May I ask if the gold leaf you used is imitation gold or is it real gold leaf ? Thank you kindly for your reply

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, sorry for late reply!!! It’s imitation gold leaf which is surprisingly affordable. I do have some 24ct gold leaf sheets but I only use those sparingly!

[@juliamanolova6453]

@@LouiseDeanArtist Thank you so much for your kind reply !

[@dinahmostapha4818]

Do you varnish your gold leaf paintings? If yes, then what do you use please?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi Dinah - actually I don't. I use an acrylic size (adhesive) before to apply the gold leaf. I worry that if I varnish over the gold leaf it would leave some of its lovely quality. Louise

[@dinahmostapha4818]

Thank you 😊

[@hilarywhite2953]

It would be helpful if you would clarify in the description that you're not using gold leaf, but imitation.

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi Hilary - sorry for my very late reply!! neglected art channel... yes, you're right! As I start to make new videos I will specify exactly what materials I am using.

[@hajarhajar3215]

Very nice painting, could you please tell me what kind of glue do you use for sticking the gold leaf on the canvas?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi, really sorry for my late reply! The glue that you need is acrylic size. For this video I used ModPodge but now that I have more experience I prefer a size product from Polyvine. You can get it on Amazon!

[@hajarhajar3215]

@@LouiseDeanArtist thank you so much for the reply, i appreciate it ❣️

[@shh1702]

I see your hand leans against the gold leaf. You did not say but did you seal it before you painted the branches and flowers. I know the oils from your skin will leave marks.

[@tahasafa8722]

Hi what do you use after gold leafs???

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi Taha, for these artworks I didn’t varnish them at all. And they haven’t deteriorated at all. However, recently I have discovered a good varnish which doesn’t affect the beauty of the goldleaf.

[@reemaagarwal8362]

​@@LouiseDeanArtistwhich varnish???

[@mgvisionsdreams0909]

Beautiful but i can hardly hear you and my volume is turned up all the way. Hmmm

[@georgeannyork-crosslin6413]

its beautiful but, could you speak up.. thank you

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

hi, I'm sorry about that. I'm learning all the time about the technical aspects of editing, VoiceOver, music... this was one of my first videos so not so good! thank you for your comment. Louise

[@nicholasjewell3014]

Can I buy one ?

[@LouiseDeanArtist]

Hi Nicholas, yes of course! Can you email me at [e-mail] and we can have a conversation about it. Sorry for late reply. Louise 🎄

[@alisturkericmacnanty159]

Nice tutorials...sound not so good.