Workshop: Create artwork that shines

Discover how Sophie Klesen (aka SoMK) brings her watercolour painting Estones to life through the application of gold and sterling silver leaf

Sophie Klesen brings her watercolours to life with gold and sterling silver leaf.

Planning is key to my creative workflow. In this workshop you’ll see how I consider every stage beforehand: from creating sketches and thumbnails, to transferring the design to paper, to gilding and painting the piece.

My studio comprises two big tables with several lighting sources and a swivel chair. I use table easels, too – mainly because of wandering cats, but also because I need to change position once in a while. Sometimes work flat on the table (mostly when gilding) or at an angle on the easel, for when I’m painting.

My approach to illumination gilding techniques goes hand in hand with the hoarding of art supplies. Pigments of all sorts, brushes, watercolours, papers, vellum have a tendency to quickly accumulate, so I’ve had to make space among the cupboards and shelves in my studio.

Once you start, gilding is an art with little leeway for improvisation. Yet as you’ll see in my workshop, it’s possible to change course right in the middle of the creative process!

Even skilled artists can learn something new when they work in an unfamiliar medium. When exploring the possibilities of gilding, don’t rush into things. You’ll need plenty of practice to feel confident around the various sizes, leaves and burnishing tools, as well as additives, mediums and sometimes historical pigments, papers and vellum. It’s a whole new world for you to explore. You’ll learn something new every day for the rest of your life, as you lose yourself in history books and museums. I can guarantee it!

This painting was an enjoyable experience for me. As you’ll soon see, even if you think you’re prepared for everything, what sometimes feels like a good idea in your head and even in thumbnail form, doesn’t perfectly translate at a larger size. Sometimes, gold and silver don’t shine the way you want them to!

Still, it makes for an interesting journey. And who wants to travel on a smooth road anyway…?

SoMK was born in Canada but now lives in France with her husband and cats, in a very quiet countryside hamlet. She says the proximity of several medieval cities offers her an endless source of inspiration. You can see more of her work at www.somkart.com.