After a few weeks of Ask Ali being slightly controversial from the point of view of discussing elements of the art world that are inflammatory, I’m returning to a gentler topic this week. I’ve covered a few specifics in this thread before and this week I have chosen to talk about metallic elements in my work, indulge me for a minute as I want to clarify the difference between two types of metallic inclusion in a painting.

I don’t do glitter, I’m not a fan and even though it’s now possible to get biodegradable glitter, I don’t like the ‘glitzy’ look it gives, that might be tricky to understand what I mean by that but I’m sure some of you out there will get it. If I’m going to put a metallic feature in my work I want it to shimmer, or shine and be subtle, not too explosive a statement in case it detracts from the subject.

Here’s an example of the use of metal leaf in a daisy painting, you can see the whole piece HERE as it’s part of my 50 at 50 collection but I have photographed it in close up so that you can see it a little more clearly. Photographing anything metallic is a challenge as it can look grey if it’s silver or yellow if it’s gold but I think you get the idea.

Rather than a powder or a liquid metallic, I’ve used actual silver leaf in a small sheet and fixed it to the paper with a product from Pebeo called Gilding Paste but it is by no means the only way to apply it, you can even use plain old PVA glue if you get it in a nice thin and even layer on your surface.

To break up the formality of the square sheet, I applied watercolour ground over the top but I leave a good portion of it exposed and it repels the paint which makes for some interesting marks and textures on the paper.

As always, have fun experimenting with it and see what you come up with, tag me if you share it on social media as I always love to see what you come up with and how you have made it your own. I’ll be back next week with another Ask Ali but don’t forget that there’s a Technique Tuesday broadcast on the 6th of Feb all about mixing violets, until we speak next, take care.