The Art of Gilded Raised Gesso

…on Paper

August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025 (Once a Week for 4 Weeks)

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 9, 2025 (Clocks Go Forward 1 Hour)

November 2, 2025 (Clocks Go Back 1 Hour)

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

CLASS SIZE LIMIT: 10 Students Max

ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

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 making and gilding a low Relief for paper while learning to prepare rabbit skin glue size, gum ammoniac, illinocopoia (garlic juice), and gesso. Learn to draw the raised gesso design, prepare clay bole, and gild with breathing through a bamboo straw and burnish 23k gold leaf. Students will also explore Flat Gilding on paper without Relief for contrast.

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.