Yacht Lettering & Gold Leaf by Martha Esch

09/05/2025

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc5fhismHCE

Hold your breath. twist your brush in the tigh turns, and use your other arm as a mahl stick, if you forgot to bring yours to the boatyard. MarthaEsch916776...

08/27/2025

08/27/2025

My10th-generation (or more) business card for my yacht lettering since my high school days.

08/13/2024

10/29/2023

I loved refreshing this faded out lettering that was originally done (I’m guessing) in the 1970’s by a real “crackerjack” sign painter.
My first boat lettering job was 49 years ago in 1974 in my Sophomore year in high school in Fairview Park, Ohio.

07/30/2023

Twisting the gold aka engine turning. (Step 6)
MarthaEschGoldLeafYachtLettering_9167761000

07/26/2023

Last stage:

Adding a shadow to make it “PoP!”

07/19/2023

Base undercoat primer free handed. Sizing (the glue) will be painted on top of this lettering. Then gilded with 24 it. gold leaf, then buffed, then outlined with a shade drop, then varnished. Spacing is wide because a big honkin’’ ladder goes down the middle.

05/18/2023

Proud and honored to take credit for these gilded transoms and accessories!
Rusty Areias, Stephens yacht enthusiast! Thank you, Rusty!

03/10/2023

I hand-painted the lettering on my 1964 Dodge Travco in 1984 when I became the third owner of it. In those four decades, the lettering hasn’t faded.
Photo 2023. Needs a spring cleaning if the California rains ever stop.

02/16/2023

My brown-eyed apprentice told me there are big yachts here.

02/02/2023

Did 24 kt Gold Leaf on an antique carved name board for another Stephens Motor Yacht.