The Art of 24kt Gilded Raised Gesso

…for Works of Art on Paper

Fall: October 28; November 4, 11, 18, 2026 (Once a Week for All 4 Weeks)

*All Classes Are Live Online and Recorded, Perfect If You Need To Miss A Class!

Time:

11:00am - 12:30pm PST

2:00pm - 3:30pm EST

(Adjust for Local Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time Changes)

**Note: Daylight Savings Time:

March 8, 2026 (Clocks Go Forward 1 Hour)

Nov. 1, 2026 (Clocks Go Back 1 Hour)

CLASS SIZE LIMIT: 10 Students Max

ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

Gilded Raised Gesso, is an ancient technique of associated with Traditional Water Gilding used in Manuscript Illumination. Its raised characteristic was used as Relief ornamentation for manuscripts dating to at least 500 CE as well as for frames during the Italian Renaissance, a technique known as Pastiglia discussed in Cennini’s 15th c Treatise Il Libro Dell’Arte. It remains a beautiful and 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 a specially formulated Gesso for paper. We’ll explore the historical binders of Sturgeon Glue, Glair (beaten egg white), Rabbit Skin Glue, and Gum Ammoniac, as well as Ilinocopia (Garlic Juice) for Flat Gilding.

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

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

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

All classes are Live on Zoom and recorded for viewing by students. Recordings remain accessible for six months. ~

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.