The Art of Texture and Gold Leafing
I believe that art is a conversation. My work with texture paste and gold leaf is not about perfection, but about the flow of the material and the story it tells on canvas.
The creation of art is a layered process. It begins with a simple blend, and as lines wander into form and paste meets pattern, the artwork slowly begins to breathe and take on a life of its own.
This piece, 'Cosmic Currents,' is all about the details. I begin by piping lines of texture to create a sense of movement, then add layers of color and gold to bring the cosmic flow to life on the canvas.
There is a certain attitude that comes with combining rough textures and bold gold streaks. This is for those who want their walls to have a main character energy, a piece that is unapologetically glamorous and gritty.
This textured tree symbolizes growth, light, and new beginnings. From preparing the canvas to piping the branches and leaves, each step is a meditative practice, building roots layer by layer.
Here I am, lost in the flow of creation. Using a palette knife, I shape and sculpt the texture paste, turning a simple material into a piece that speaks of light and love.
The piping bag is one of my favorite tools. It allows for such precision and control, letting me draw with texture and build up the form of the artwork, one small dot at a time.
In my studio, surrounded by tools and ideas, I find my stillness. This is me applying the final touches to a piece, a moment of deep focus where the art and artist become one.
Before any texture is applied, the journey begins with a simple sketch. Here, I am transferring the initial vision onto the canvas, creating the foundational lines that will guide the entire piece.
Art in motion. This video shows the final stages of adding color and depth to the 'Cosmic Currents' piece, highlighting the texture with touches of gold that catch the light.
Some days are for perfection, and other days are for pure creative chaos. This was a day of just letting go, applying gold leaf with intuition and flow rather than rules.
About The Process: Texture, Flow, and Gold
Working with heavy body texture paste is a lesson in patience. You have to let the base layers set properly before adding the finer details, or the whole structure loses its form. This slow, physical buildup is why my workshops focus on rhythm and breathing, rather than just the final result.
My process is deeply rooted in the materials themselves. When I use a piping bag to apply texture paste, it is much like sculpting. I start with a simple sketch on the canvas, then build the form in layers. It is tactile and requires a steady hand.
The magic happens when the paste begins to firm up. That is the moment I introduce gold leaf or metallic accents. Gold leaf is incredibly delicate and unforgiving, so it requires a shift from the bold strokes of the paste to a very light, intuitive touch. Whether I am creating a 'Cosmic Current' piece or guiding a participant through a workshop, the principle is the same: the art must breathe.
My studio in Breach Candy is the heart of this work. I don't follow rigid rules. Some days are for chaotic expression, and other days are for quiet focus. This is what I bring to my public and corporate workshops. If you join me, you will learn how to handle palette knives and piping bags, but more importantly, you will learn how to let the material lead the way. You don't need previous art experience to explore these textures. You just need an open mind and a willingness to get a little messy.
Shruti Jhaveri
I am Shruti Jhaveri, and I turn quiet studio hours into textured landscapes. My art is meant to be touched and felt, built layer by layer to capture movement and light.
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