There’s something ancient and luminous about working with gold. It transforms a painting into something that shifts with the light—quietly catching your eye, then pulling you in. As the day moves into evening, the artwork seems to change too, casting a warm, glowing presence in any space.
Before discovering gold leaf, I was working as a mural artist—often painting sweeping cherry blossom trees and adding shimmering, glittery details wherever I could. But once I found gold leaf… there was no going back.
Here’s one of my very first small trials: blossom painted on gold leaf paper.
“One of my first experiments with gold leaf and blossom, created during lockdown in 2020.”
During the quiet of the 2020 pandemic, I had time to explore and develop my own voice—and soon, I found myself working on large-scale commissions that solidified this joyful path.
A Medium That Breathes
Gold leaf isn’t just shiny—it’s alive.
It responds to light in a way that no paint ever could. In the studio, it glows softly in the afternoon sun. By evening, it takes on a warm, mellow glow under lamplight.
Clients are often surprised by how much the artwork changes throughout the day. It becomes part of the space—sometimes subtle, sometimes radiant, always evolving.
When I lay down the gold, it’s never quite the same twice. That unpredictability... that shimmer... is part of the magic.
“Every piece is hand-painted over layers of delicate gold leaf — no two are ever the same.”
My First 23.5 ct Gold Leaf Commission
I usually work with high-quality imitation gold leaf, which offers a beautiful finish in its own right. But I’ll never forget the moment I laid my very first sheet of real 23.5 carat gold. I held my breath. The surface seemed to come alive beneath my brush—light catching on every edge—and suddenly it wasn’t just a painting. It was an experience.
That commission changed everything. Not just in how I worked, but in how I began to see my art. It felt like stepping into a new level of possibility.
“This hummingbird pair was my first piece created with genuine 23.5 ct gold leaf — a turning point in my journey.”
Blossom, Birds & Chinoiserie
Many of my favourite pieces pair gold with nature.
Delicate cherry blossoms, darting hummingbirds, and flowing chinoiserie branches... They evoke the antique panels I’ve long admired—like those in Brighton Pavilion—and echo the tropical beauty of my Caribbean childhood.
There’s a quiet joy in painting petals that seem to float, or tiny birds caught mid-hover. It’s intricate work, but deeply satisfying—almost meditative in its rhythm.
“Inspired by antique chinoiserie panels, this piece pairs tropical colour with intricate blossom to bring light and balance to a space.”
Why It Resonates
Collectors often tell me that the art “feels peaceful” or describe it as “vibrant, exquisite and beautifully executed.”
Gold has a way of holding emotion. It invites stillness into a space. Even when the subject is small or delicate, the painting feels grounded... timeless, somehow.
I think that’s why people connect so deeply with it. It doesn’t shout. It glows.
➤ Discover more about Commissions, and how to work with me to create your own bespoke artwork →
✨ A New Chapter
Every time I return to gold leaf, I feel like I’m tapping into something timeless.
Whether it’s blossom in spring or a lone owl under moonlight, I want to create work that carries emotion, wonder, and a touch of quiet enchantment.
This piece is one of my favourites—it captures the stillness and mystery that I try to weave into every painting.
“Art should speak softly, but stay with you.”
“‘Moon Watcher’ — painted with gold leaf moonlight and intricate detail to honour the quiet strength of the owl.”
✨ Want to See More?
➤ Browse my Gold Leaf Collection → https://louisedeanartist.store/collections/original-artwork
➤ Watch the Process on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseDeanArtist
➤ Join my Mailing List for New Art + Classes → https://mailchi.mp/845ba3f04c2c/louisedean-new-sign-upsAnd I’m so grateful you’re here to share this journey with me.
Whether you’re an art collector, a fellow creative, or someone who simply loves a little beauty and light—I’m glad you found your way here.