What God Taught Us about Gold : Inside the Klimt-Inspired Workshop with the Creative Sanctuary
What Gold Taught Us: Inside the Klimt-Inspired Workshop with the Creative Sanctuary
This weekend, I led a very special workshop inside the Creative Sanctuary—something I don’t normally do twice in one month, but this one felt different. Inspired by the golden beauty of Gustav Klimt and guided by God’s Word, we came together as a global community of Christian creatives to reflect, paint, and pray.
Women joined from the UK, America, and Australia. Some had just put the kettle on, others were still in their pyjamas, and some were tuning in late at night. And yet, we were united—sisters in Christ, worshipping through creativity.
As someone who doesn’t have any sisters, just two older brothers, this kind of sisterhood always moves me. There’s something beautiful and sacred about being in a space with women who love Jesus and long to create.
The Heart Behind the Workshop
The idea began with Klimt. I had always admired his opulent use of gold, intricate patterns, and expressive forms. But as I looked deeper into his life, I learned he came from a poor background and didn’t achieve fame until much later. He was often misunderstood by critics, but he stayed true to his unique creative voice.
That resonated with me deeply. As Christian artists, we often feel misunderstood too—especially when we express our faith through art. But that doesn’t mean we must mute our message. In fact, it means we must shine brighter.
I wanted this workshop to reflect that. To be a space where gold wasn’t just beautiful—it was symbolic. A reminder that God sees value in us, even when the world doesn’t.
Gold in the Bible
We began the session reflecting on gold in Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we carry God’s treasure in jars of clay.
In Exodus, gold was used in the Tabernacle—holy, set apart.
In Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having streets of pure gold.
Gold represents divinity, worth, glory, and holiness. It’s not just decorative; it’s deeply prophetic.
So we painted with purpose.
Step-by-Step: The Creative Process
Step 1: Watercolour Wash
We began by preparing our background—a meditative wash using cool, calming shades of blue and hints of purple. This wet-on-wet technique allowed the colours to blend organically, reminding us that even when things feel out of control, God is at work underneath the surface.
Step 2: Klimt-Inspired Motifs
Once the wash dried, we introduced Klimt-style patterns. Gold paint pens, spirals, dots, triangles, and mosaic-like shapes. As we worked, I encouraged everyone to pray into what the symbols meant to them. One woman said her spirals felt like prayers being lifted to heaven.
Step 3: Collage Elements
Next, we added layers with collage—textured papers, fabric scraps, and foils. We talked about layering our lives with Scripture and stories. Some participants used fragments from old devotionals or Bible pages they had marked. Others wrote their own promises from God onto tissue paper before gluing them down.
Step 4: Focal Word or Phrase
This was the heart of the piece. Everyone chose a word or phrase that God was impressing on their heart. Some examples were: Beloved, Refined by Fire, You Are Gold to Me. They wrote or stamped it onto the artwork, making the spiritual message clear.
Step 5: Final Embellishments
We finished by adding gold highlights, black ink accents, and gentle touches of white. These final strokes helped bring it all together—just like the Holy Spirit does with our lives.
Step 6: Prayer + Share
We closed with a moment of silence and prayer. Some women chose to hold up their pieces to the camera. Others simply rested in the peace of the moment. It was powerful.
Sisters Across the Globe
What moved me most was the presence of women from all over the world. It made me realise something: art and faith transcend geography. You don’t need to be in the same room to feel connected in Christ.
For women who feel creatively blocked, spiritually dry, or just alone in their walk—this kind of workshop is a lifeline. A reminder that God meets us in the mess of our paint palettes, the silence of our sketchbooks, and the layers of our lives.
Turning This into a Mini-Course
I’m currently putting together a mini-course version of this workshop. It will include:
The full video recording
Klimt-inspired prompt cards
A printable creative guide
Step-by-step video and written walkthrough
A bonus PDF: “5 Ways to Share or Sell Your Artwork”
And yes, I’m even creating some mock-up templates so you can see what your art might look like framed or printed on products!
You’ll be able to purchase this as a stand-alone resource or get it free inside the Creative Sanctuary.
A New Way to Share Your Faith
One of the unexpected conversations that came up was how we can share our art with non-believers. If you show someone a Klimt-inspired piece that incorporates Scripture, it often sparks curiosity rather than resistance.
It’s a gentle, beautiful bridge.
We’re not here to copy the world’s ways of selling, creating, or hustling. We flow with the Spirit. We make space for beauty and conversation. We pray over our paintbrushes.
As Romans 12:2 reminds us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
That’s what these workshops do. They renew minds and transform hearts.
Want to Join Us Next Time?
If this stirred something in your spirit, I’d love to invite you into the Creative Sanctuary. It’s our safe, sacred online space where Christian women explore art, creativity, and faith together.
You can start with a 3-day trial and see if it’s the right fit for you: 👉 https://www.christianartjournaling.com/trial-member-for-3-days-evergreen
Come as you are. Bring your messy pastels, your heavy heart, your half-finished journal.
God will meet you there.
With love and golden grace,
Bev Jessup
Founder of the Creative Sanctuary
"You are God’s masterpiece." — Ephesians 2:10
You can also explore more videos, blog posts, and podcast episodes at:
👉 https://christianartjournaling.com/podcast
There you’ll find practical encouragement, creative inspiration, and real-life stories from women walking this journey too.
Final Thoughts
Your creativity isn’t just cute. It’s God-breathed.
Your calling isn’t too late. It’s right on time.
And your worth is not up for debate.
So let go of guilt. Step into purpose.
You are here — for such a time as this.
