A Little Creative Gold Rush

Have you been noticing the hint of metallic gold having a pleasant moment in my artwork recently? I have been finding myself reaching for that odd bottle of metallic gold almost every time. When I bought the paint set and it came with this shiny partner, I thought "Why?". It sat, making friends with the dust bunnies in the back of my paint stash like a self-proclaimed anti-social husband at a gas station. Then, fast forward a year, and a new season of life has evoked that ever-changing mystery of an artist's journey; causing a subtle, satisfying shift in style and personality.

Metallic gold is not the main character, but it quietly sneaks into my florals, botanicals, edges, details, and little accents to almost act as if soft sunlight is catching. It feels like magic to me, both grounding and dreamy at the same time. My favorite is to pair it with earthy tones, natural imagery, and botanicals to give that timeless feel, that vintage persona. It helps remind me that art doesn't have to shout to shine. Sometimes all a piece needs is a whimsical outlook on a color palette.

Metallic gold has been used in pieces throughout history from medieval manuscripts to religious texts, adorning backgrounds and symbolizing light. During the Art Nouveau movement in the late 1800s to early 1900s, it was used in a style adjacent to my own recently discovered love. It was used in decorative details and botanical designs to elevate the ordinary. To make something feel more special, more magical, more treasured. I coincidentally adopted this style without even fully understanding it's moment in history. But the values remain the same and I hope every piece you get from Artsy Bee is one that is special, magical, and treasured to you, with or without the gold accents. Rarely is there ever something new done in the art world. Almost every aspect has had its part in a movement and proclaiming this technique as "mine" would be incorrect. Instead, I think of it as a nod to the past and mystical acknowledgment of my artistic story unfolding.

I almost didn't reach for it the other day while painting a cow hat, the metallic paint. But I reminded myself to do the things that bring me joy. Which is the reason I paint, the reason I do these blog posts, the reason I am on this journey. Grow with me, and feel the warmth, timelessness and comfort of my gold metallic obsessive joy I can't seem to resist. And continue with your joy, whatever it may be and wherever it may take you.