What makes Gustav Klimt’s gold shimmer so unforgettable? In this Masters Reimagined study, I spent 40+ hours testing real gold leaf, imitation leaf, and metallic paints on watercolor paper. From adhesive timing to archival concerns, here’s what I learned about adapting Klimt’s techniques into watercolor — and why texture, patience, and even failure matter as much as the gold itself.

I tested R&F Drawing Oils on watercolor paper, sketchbooks, and more—layering them with pencils, acrylic, and pastels. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and how they dried over 2 days.

I had never used oil sticks before Phoenix reached out to sponsor a video—and let’s just say, my first attempt was a total mess. But after some frustrating trial and error (and way too much pigment clumping), I started figuring things out: from which surfaces actually work to how warming the sticks completely changes the experience. This post walks through my honest learning curve, what surprised me, and how I ended up painting a Basquiat-inspired piece that finally made it all click.