Introduction To Traditional 24kt Illuminated Gilded Raised Gesso

…for Works of Art on Paper

Fall: In-Person October 21, 2026

Location: Sepp Leaf Products 381 Park Ave S. 13th Floor, NY, NY (Between 26 and 27th Streets)

Time: 10:30 am - 4:30pm (lunchtime 1-2)

(9 Student Maximum, Early Registration Encouraged!)

*Materials: All Materials Are Provided including 2-3 leaves of 24k gold leaf, sufficient for your class project. A Promo Code and Website Link for Gilded Planet will also be provided upon Registration for those who wish to purchase a Gilding Kit or extra Gold Leaf to take home which can be Purchased before or during the day of class at Sepp Leaf.

*Gilding Tools: All Studio Gilding Tools are available for Student’s Use during Class.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please Read Below at the bottom of the page.

Gilded Raised Gesso, sometimes referred to as Pastiglia is an ancient technique of Traditional Water Gilding often used in Manuscript Illumination. Its raised characteristic was used as Relief ornamentation for manuscripts dating to at least the 12th c as well as frames during the Italian Renaissance as discussed in Cennini’s 15th c Treatise Il Libro Dell’Arte. It remains as an intriguing decorative element today for works of art on Paper, Frames, Panels, and Furniture.

Students will be guided through the process of Creating and Gilding a Raised Gesso Design for Paper.

• Learn to prepare the Glue Size and otherr Ancient Mordants and ingredients which can include Glair,, Gum Ammoniac, Garlic Juice, and Honey depending on the chosen recipe and mixed as a Traditional Gesso.

• Learn to Draw the Raised Gesso design and Water Polish the Gesso for smoothness

• Apply the Technique of Gilding by breathing on the gesso through a bamboo straw, laying the 24k leaf, and burnishing the gold with an agate stone.

All levels are Welcome to this much-anticipated gilding class with Gilder and Teacher Charles Douglas! ~

A Materials list and Gesso/Bole Recipes will be provided upon Registration.CANCELLATION POLICY: Although No Refunds are available, a Full Credit to Any Future Available Class of equal or lesser value will be provided if you need to cancel. Or if you prefer, you may convert your Registration to the Online version of your class. Go Here to View the Complete Cancellation Policy.