Want to unlock the power of gold leaf in your art, and make your paintings glow from the very first layer?
Are you captivated by the way light moves through the sky—the shimmer of sunlight, the softness of clouds, the quiet drama before a storm?
You might dream of capturing that beauty in your art, especially using the luminous surface of imitation gold. But maybe you're wondering:
“How do I use gold leaf without ruining it?”
“How do I add depth and glow without overworking the paint?”
Step into my studio and discover my full creative process—from preparing and gilding your canvas to layering oil paints in a way that enhances light, depth, and atmosphere.
My method blends traditional gilding with contemporary oil painting, drawing on years of study and experimentation. You’ll learn how to work with imitation gold leaf, create smooth transitions in the sky, and paint clouds that feel soft, natural, and alive.
By the end, you’ll have created your own glowing skyscape—and understand the techniques to repeat the process with confidence.
“Sonia’s paintings are like visual poetry. Learning from her was such an inspiring experience—I never thought I’d be able to paint something that glows like that!”
- Laura
“I had no idea how to use faux gold leaf before, but Sonia broke it down so clearly. Her teaching is thoughtful, soothing, and detailed.”
- Isabel
There’s something meditative about a beautiful landscape. Through this course, you’ll learn to slow down, observe deeply, and create paintings that reflect your inner world with light and emotion.
What You’ll Learn Inside Golden Skies:
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How to prepare and gild your own canvas with imitation gold leaf
Building transparent layers to enhance light and depth
How to paint clouds that feel soft, expressive, and real
Working with color theory and contrast to create atmosphere
Finishing techniques that make your painting glow
Painting on imitation gold looks magical—but without the right technique, it can go very wrong. And it often starts with the gilding process itself.
Here are the most common mistakes artists make when working with imitation gold:
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Rushing the gilding process — leading to wrinkles, gaps, or uneven adhesion
Using the wrong adhesive — which affects how the gold lays and shines
Not sealing correctly — causing discoloration or tarnishing over time
Applying paint too thickly — which dulls the gold’s natural glow
Skipping the underlayer — missing the subtle warmth and depth it creates
Overworking the surface — damaging the delicate finish
Using materials that don’t play well with gold — like the wrong paints or brushes
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If you’ve struggled with patchy or dull results on imitation gold, you’re not alone. I myself made those same mistakes early on—and spent years perfecting a method that brings out the gold’s natural brilliance.
In this course, I share my full process, from gilding to painting and sealing—so you can skip the guesswork and create luminous artworks with confidence.
But you might be thinking:
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“I’ve never used gold leaf before.”
“I don’t know how to paint clouds or light.”
“Oil paint feels intimidating.”
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I've heard all of this—and designed this course with both beginners and experienced artists in mind. You’ll get clear instruction, step-by-step demos, and insights that will elevate your technique and creative confidence.
Whether this is your first time painting skies or you’re looking to deepen your practice, this course will guide you every step of the way.
My name is Sonia Bukhgalter
Hi, I’m Sonia, an artist who grew up in Italy and is now based in Norway. I paint skyscapes on gilded surfaces, blending my background in Renaissance craftsmanship with a deep emotional connection to nature.
My mother is a decorative artist, and I learned the art of gilding as a child in her studio. Later, I earned my Fine Arts degree in Florence, Italy where I studied painting and graduated with a thesis on spiritual expression through art in the modern world. This course is a way for me to share the techniques I’ve refined over years of experimentation—techniques that allow light and emotion to radiate from the surface.
I can’t wait to share this process with you.
Broken down into 6 easy-to-follow modules:
My approach to gilded painting is both technical and intuitive. You’ll learn how to control the materials—but also how to embrace the surprises they bring.
Rather than painting over imitation gold like a regular surface, you’ll discover how to let the light of the gold shine through your work. The result is a radiant, ethereal painting that feels full of emotion and presence.
Golden Skies isn’t just a course about technique—it’s a gateway to new creative potential. Once you understand how to work with imitation gold and layered oils, you can apply these methods across your own artistic style. Whether you want to evolve your current work, create pieces to sell, or explore a completely new direction, my approach gives you the tools to do it with confidence, depth, and luminous beauty.
Join below and get instant and unlimited lifetime access!
$35 value / FREE!
Get an inside look at how I've designed and organized the studio I had in Florence—from my materials and tools to the way I optimized my space for focus and flow. See where the magic happens and how I set up my environment to support a luminous, intentional painting practice.
$35 value / FREE!
Learn how I approache one of the most beautiful and challenging elements of a skyscape: the cloud. In this bonus module, I share my personal method for painting soft, expressive clouds that feel light, layered, and full of atmosphere—so you can bring a new level of emotion and realism into your own work.
I'm confident you'll love this course. If you give it a try and feel it's not right for you, just contact us within 14 days of purchase and we'll take care of you. Enroll with confidence.
Creative Gold Leaf Techniques
For just $35 you can also get my mini course where I teach you three different techniques for using gold leaf!
