The goal in this workshop was to learn about using transfer gold in different ways - gilding onto textures, shapes, different sizes (PVA, acrylic matt medium, wax etc.) and to create different effects. This is an ideal way to lose "the scary feeling" that so often goes with gilding.Above is a montage of experiments produced on this course.left to right:1) Gilded cut letters (about 10mm high); 2 & 8) Pricked paper painted with PVA glue and gilded.3 & 4) Lettering onto gold using gouache; 5) … [Read more...]

This workshop was an adventure in working with complementary colours and degrading a colour by adding its opposite on the colour wheel. The one-day workshop began with mini-collages, one of which used tints and tones of a colour and its opposite as a focal point. Working out a range of colours followed, going from one colour to its opposite incrementally, and discovering a wonderful subtle range of "delicious" colours Anne-Marie Moore's interpretation from collage to watercolours The swatches … [Read more...]

This is the first time many South Africans have had the opportunity to learn gilding on gesso. This specialist course was done over three sessions and everyone showed a real commiment to learning this exciting skill, espcially as they were enrolled on other courses and often had families to care for as well.. There were nine people in Heleen's studio - some people had flown in from Johannesburg and Durban. The third and final session began at 7.00am to make sure that the humidity levels in Cape … [Read more...]