DIY Gold Acrylic Abstract Painting : 13 Steps (with Pictures)

Hey Everyone!

How to make by yourself an abstract painting with gold leaf? First, it’s something that beginners can do for sure.

"Every artist was first an amateur." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We'll use a cling film as a basic tool, and this is the most creative part. I think you'll be pleased with the results.

Let's start!

Supplies

Acrylic paint in your desired colors + White & Gold
Canvas Frame
Cling Film
Gold Leaf Sheets
Glossy top
Large paintbrush - for paint and top
One paintbrush - dry, for gold leaf

Step 1: White Base Layer

Most canvases purchased in the store are already treated with Gesso (the primer). So, we start to work by covering the canvas with white paint.

Take the large paintbrush and soak it in water just at the beginning. Generously apply white acrylic paint from the tube directly onto the canvas, and distribute it evenly over the surface. There is no need to add water or wet the brushes again.

Step 2: Randomness Is Key

Spread the colors randomly across the canvas. Add gold acrylic paint. When you choose darker colors, leave more white background. So you can blend colors better and keep depth in a painting.

Tip: If you are a beginner, I suggest you simply take analogous and monochromatic colors.
It's an easy and winning combination. I uploaded some color schemes for a better understanding of color combinations

Step 3: Blending Colors Using Cling Film

I found that this technique is popular with kids. I use it too... not so messy and pretty good tactile sensations while you blend the colors.

Cover canvas with cling film, not tight. Now, on to the fun part, gentle blend the colors with fingers.

Step 4: Take Off the Cling Film

Step 5: Add Texture to the Painting

Take a square of cling film and a little crumple it. This will be our improvisational brush. Use the gentle and patting movements and go all over the canvas. When you think your 'brush" is dirty and doesn't work well, replace it.

Step 6: Canvas Edges

If you want to hang just a canvas, without a frame, you should add color to the borders.

Step 7: Boosting and Enhancing With Clean Colors

Take another clean piece of cling film, crumple it. Apply a small amount of color that you think your painting needs and make some neat touches on top. I will add a little more white color and more gold.

Step 8: Leave to Dry 24 Hours

To be honest, for me it was sufficient 3 hours to continue working, everything depends on the paint layer. Check when the paint is dry and go to the next step.

If you don't have or don't want to apply the top to your paint, you can add gold leaf to wet acrylic paint and then let it dry. But I don't prefer this solution, because you can stain the gold with other colors and make a mess.

Step 9: Apply Thin Layer of Glossy Top. Use the Same Technic If You Have Brush Marks on a Canvas

Step 10: Gold Leaf

Tear off small pieces of gold (with a dry brush) and transfer them to the picture. Carefully pat it, the gloss top will dry and will work as a glue for gold foil.