Colored glazes poured over silver leaf create an unusual reflective surface that looks like stained glass. Experiment using this technique with a variety of other metal leaf such as bronze, gold and copper and combine with a variety of colored glazes to increase possibilities.
Paint
One or more acrylic paint colors
Substrate
Any painting surface leafed and sealed (see Technique 1)
Tools
Painting knife or other mixing tool, spatula or other spreading tool, several mixing containers
Products
A pourable acrylic gloss medium of your choice (see Section 4: Tips for Coated Pours), spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol
For Cleanup
Water, water container, paper towels or rags
STEP 1 Prepare Surface and Pouring Mixtures
Follow steps in Technique 1 to obtain a leafed and sealed surface. Add pouring medium into several mixing containers, (as many containers as colors you are pouring) with enough medium in total to cover the surface. To each container add small amounts of color, about one or two drops of color per 2 ounces of medium. The transparency and color intensity varies depending on how thick the pour will be applied. Stir mixtures well. Here is a surface leafed with silver and four prepared pouring mixtures: Quinacridone Crimson, Permanent Green Light, Nickel Azo Yellow and Phthalo Blue.
STEP 2 Pour Glaze
Prop up the surface from the table (see Section 4: Tips for Coated Pours). Pour one of the colored pouring mixtures onto the surface in desired shapes, or spread out evenly with a knife or other spreading tool. Repeat with other colors. Overlap while wet for soft edges and some blended areas or wait until each color dries before applying the next for more controlled shapes, cleaner edges and even color applications. Once one or more colors are applied and ready for drying, spray lightly with alcohol to remove bubbles. Let dry undisturbed on a level surface.
The colors are more intense when dry, and being transparent, allow the silver leaf to show through adding an exciting metallic quality. For more color intensity, repeat using the same glaze colors in a second layer directly over the dry first layer.
Gold leaf in the bottom third of this painting is glazed with color then a black transfer is applied. Collage creates the mid-section while the top uses textural pastes, embossing and glazes. Interference and Iridescent paints are used throughout. A poured resin finishing coat adds a glossy sheen overall.
MY MOUNTAINS
Sandra Duran Wilson
Acrylic, gold leaf, collage and resin on panel
8" × 8" (20cm × 20cm)