Reflective Gold Leaf Revitalizes Ethereal Paintings
There are few substances that exude as much luxury or as much brilliance as gold. In the realm of art, gold leaf and paint can elevate a canvas beyond mere static two-dimensionality, crafting a sumptuous, reflective surface that rarely fails to astonish. It’s that very luminosity that Brad Kunkle seeks in his artistic endeavors, characterized by an array of gilded elements. For almost twenty years, the New York-based artist has depicted scenes of women enveloped by dramatic landscapes, each bathed in earthy hues that splendidly highlight the gold leaf incorporated throughout.
Created for Art Miami in the past year, The Believer exquisitely embodies Kunkle’s affinity for otherworldly imagery. In this artwork, a woman holds a wooden staff in one hand and golden beads in the other, her expression revealing a sense of reflection or even seclusion. Adorning her dark locks is a golden wreath, its leaves gradually rising from her head and into the atmosphere as if swept by the breeze. Surrounding her are rolling hills and a gray sky, interrupted solely by a slender rainbow in the painting’s left corner. The environment may seem dreary, but, thanks to Kunkle’s meticulous technique, it immediately evokes autumn, with its ocher shades and slight chill—an ambiance that complements Kunkle’s intricate brushwork.
Taken as a whole, The Believer showcases Kunkle’s dedication to traditional oil painting methods. The canvas feels airy and transparent, appearing aged despite its contemporary nature. The Great Divide offers a similar experience, portraying a woman nestled in a moss-covered grove, peacefully dozing under a blanket of golden leaves. Here, the autumnal sentiment resurfaces, with the color palette suggesting something older and divine. That dreamy quality persists on the painting’s left side, where the silhouette of what seems to be a heron gently approaches the woman. The bird embodies both forewarning and reassurance: is it present to threaten the woman, or to safeguard her, perhaps as a kind of spirit? Kunkle’s gold leaf embellishments invite deeper exploration.
Even in Kunkle’s earlier pieces, his proficiency with golden motifs is evident. His 2012 artwork Cocoon, for example, features a woman bracing against a powerful gust of yellow leaves. She remains entirely motionless, her figure concealed by the leafy shroud, which, as anticipated, glistens with Kunkle’s hallmark gold leaf. Everything in the painting feels alive and brimming with potential, as if the leaves themselves possess awareness and sentience.
Interestingly, Kunkle’s intrigue with gold leaf ignited at the Louvre—not through a particular painting, but by gazing at the museum’s ceilings.
“I stood in the Louvre and glanced up at the gilded ceilings,” Kunkle shares. “I found that I was more inspired by those than by the paintings displayed in the museum.”
Since that moment, Kunkle has established himself as a master of gilded artworks, working with deftness and an eye for light, reflection, and grace.
To find out more about the artist, check out Brad Kunkle’s website and follow him on Instagram.
For nearly twenty years, Brad Kunkle has harnessed gold leaf to enhance his portraits of ethereal women journeying through fantastical realms.
Many of his artworks feature earthy colors, autumnal moods, and elements of the supernatural.
The New York-based artist also leans towards naturalistic motifs and themes, frequently incorporating animals into his canvases.
Brad Kunkle: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to showcase photos by Brad Kunkle.
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