I found this leaf on my walk and I just love all the colors. We could learn a lot from leaves – the more colors they come in, the better… and the more imperfections, the more interesting they are. Leaves are a metaphor for how we should view the world, embracing all of the colors and imperfections. Here is my process for adding gold leaf to a watercolor painting.

I painted a leaf on watercolor paper using this color palette:

Quinophthalone Yellow
Green Gold
Undersea Green
Quinacridone Gold
Quinacridone Deep Gold
Sepia
Holbein Leaf Green

I painted the background around the leaf a rusty orange, so that if there are any spaces in the gold leaf they won’t be white.

I then applied a thin layer of gold sizing around the painted leaf. Wherever you paint the sizing is where the sheet of gold leaf will adhere. Wait a minimum of an hour for it to set.

I carefully applied the gold leaf sheets, which are very delicate and rip easily. Be sure your hands are clean and dry before handling.

Using a soft brush, I rub the gold leaf onto the sizing areas in a circular motion. It will not stick to any area that doesn’t have sizing.

Continue this process all around the painting, making sure you overlap the gold leaf a little for full coverage.

Voila – the finished painting! I have to say, I’m in love with these leaves and I have them all over my house for fall decor, or any time of the year. They are very elegant and look good on the wall or a shelf.