Using Metallic Accents to Make Your Acrylic Paintings Pop
Want to take your acrylic paintings to the next level? Add a pop of metallic shine to make your paintings and canvas art stand out. In this post, I’m going to share my top tips for using metallic gold accents to make your acrylic paintings stand out from the crowd.
I’ve been incorporating gilding techniques into my artwork for the past decade. Not only has the extra level of shimmer made my design-loving heart happy, but it’s also been great for my art career! Metallic accents have become a signature part of my brand. Many of my original paintings featuring gilded accents have been turned into sparkling products sold in stores like Target, Kirkland, and Pottery Barn Kids.
Simply put, adding shimmer to your artwork makes it POP!
Now, let’s dive into some examples of ways you can incorporate gold into your own artwork I’ll also be sharing my favorite gilding techniques and supplies to use.
(This post contains affiliate links which means that if you purchase any of the supplies listed I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!)
Ways to use gold in your artwork
Maybe you know you want to add gold to your acrylic paintings but aren’t sure where to start. I’ve got you covered, love. Here are a few ideas of ways to use metallic accents in your paintings.
Add gold accents to finish the piece
Have you ever finished a painting and thought it needed a little something “extra”? Try adding some small gold accents to complete the painting! I often add gold flourishes, dots, and lines to finish my abstract paintings. You’ll be amazed at just how much of a difference this can make!
Use metallics to highlight part of your piece
If there is a part of your piece that you want to accentuate, using gold can help easily draw the viewer's eye to that area. In this example, I painted a radiating sun and used gold leaf to accent the sun itself. I also used gold leaf on some of the rays to give the piece a sense of movement and excitement.
Make textured areas of your painting more pronounced
Because of the way metallics catch the light differently at different angles, using gold can be a great way to showcase the depth and texture of your artwork. I love to add gold to textured areas on my paintings so the light reflects and you can see the gorgeous textured areas clearly.
Make a bold statement
One of my greatest passions as an artist is to evoke a feeling of empowerment through my work. I love to make bold statements with my art and encourage my collectors and students to do the same in their lives. Bold, colorful artwork encourages the viewer to be bold in their own ways, and I think we could all use a little extra bold boost! I use gold to make bold statements in my artwork by using it across large sections of my paintings. It’s hard to not be happy when you look at that much shimmery gorgeousness!
Gilding techniques
Ready to try adding some metallic accents to your own artwork? Here are a few of my favorite gilding techniques to add shimmer and shine to any piece!
Gold Leaf
One of my favorite ways to add metallic shine to your paintings is by using gold leaf! Also known as composition leaf or metal leaf, you can find this art supply at a wide range of price points. If you’re just starting out learning how to use gold leaf I recommend starting with the Mona Lisa composition metal leaf by the brand Speedball. You can find this in your local art store or online here!
Gold leaf is what I use in the majority of my original paintings, and I highly recommend trying it out. It can be a little tricky to work with when you’re just starting out, so I put together an entire class walking you through the process step-by-step. In my Skillshare class, Mesmerizing Metallics, you’ll learn to work with gold leaf through three fun hands-on projects.
And if you’re new to Skillshare you can try out the class for free with a one-month free trial - my gift to you!
Gilding wax
Another way to add gold to your paintings is by using gilding wax. This is basically like a super thick gold paint that you can brush onto your paintings for an intense shine. Careful though, it’s quite flammable! This is my favorite gilding wax to use for acrylic painting.
Gold acrylic paint
Gold acrylic paint is also an option for adding gold to your pieces. This is a great place to start, but I find that it doesn’t give me as much shine as gold leaf or gilding wax. Though it all comes down to personal preference! Try out a gold acrylic paint like this and see how you like it!
Gold paint pens
Last but not least, gold paint pens! I love to use paint pens to add metallic accents to my final piece. They’re perfect for small marks like dots and lines since the pen gives you great control. I love Posca pens and DecoColor pens!
I hope this post has inspired you to get out there and make some shimmery artwork of your own! If you want extra guidance on how to incorporate gold into your artwork join me in my class, Mesmerizing Metallics, where you’ll learn how to work with gold leaf and create three metallic masterpieces!
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