Painting gold: 7 essential tips

Like many painting techniques, painting gold may seem daunting at first. The nature of gold varies wildly based on its age, purity, and even the amount of polish. However it’s a captivating surface, that we are all drawn to, based on its inherent visual qualities.

Throughout my career I have painted many different gold surfaces. Some of that gold has shown up in form of a still life, on the jewellery of a portrait model, and even on sculptures when painting outdoor landscapes. The nature of gold may look like a mystery at first, but I have seven tips to help you sort it out. If you keep these in mind you’ll be able to capture that illustrious quality in your own work.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

TOPICS
Jonathan Hardesty has been exhibited in invitational shows throughout the United States. His work is featured in various collections around the country. He currently teaches online at Schoolism.com.
Latest in Artistic Tips & Techniques
image of a head surrounded by technology on a pink background
Why you need to trust your gut in creative projects
Design workflow; a lively abstract illustration on a yellow background
5 Figma tips and tricks you'll wish you knew sooner
Watercolour tutorial
How to convey bright sunlight in watercolour
Watercolour tutorial
How to paint a snowy scene in watercolour
Life drawing
How to draw the human body from sight
Oil painting
How to glaze glowing skies using oils
Latest in Features
Nintendo and AI art; a vibrant illustration showcases a large group of popular video game characters, seemingly from the Mario franchise
Mario and Zelda creator rejects AI to "find what makes Nintendo special" – what we can all learn from Shigeru Miyamoto
Selection of Guinness ads throughout the ages
The best Guinness adverts of all time – from the toucan to a singing pint
Tina Touli headshot
"The 9 to 5 work routine was draining my creativity”: a day in the life of Tina Touli
Promise Mascot Agency;
How Ikumi Nakamura's 'art bible' helped create Promise Mascot Agency's grotesque mascots, and why collaboration in indie game development is vital
Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau discuses AI; a digital illustration showcases a stylised female figure, reminiscent of a comic book superhero, likely Supergirl, with vibrant colours and a dynamic pose
"In the future, there will be fewer artists like me – real artists" says Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau as he reflects on the dangerous impact of AI on art
Pittura, a short film made at ArtFX
"We wanted to talk about AI and its relationship to art" – how we made 2025’s VES Student Award-winning animation Pittura