I decided to test the new metallic watercolours on a David Bowie image. The results were pretty nice — when the light catches the painting the pigments give a delicate, shimmery effect, perfectly suited to winter glamour.

The metallics sit beautifully over the wash, creating subtle highlights on cheekbones and collar, and catching the eye on costume details. From certain angles the shimmer reads almost lunar, echoing Bowie’s otherworldly presence. At a distance it reads as a refined glow; up close the pearlescent granulation reveals texture and layering.

This piece feels both homage and reimagining: a classic portrait softened by iridescence, framed in a cool palette that enhances the seasonal mood. The metallics are especially effective for reflective surfaces — jewellery, sequins and hair — and for suggesting atmosphere without overwhelming the form.

If you’re drawn to winter glamour with a contemporary twist, these metallic watercolours add a luminous finish that elevates figurative work while preserving subtlety and depth.