Gold used by artist creates atmosphere (4)
I believe the answer is:
aura
'atmosphere' is the definition.
('aura' can be a synonym of 'atmosphere')
'gold used by artist' is the wordplay.
'gold' becomes 'au' ('Au' can be a synonym of 'gold'**).
'used by' says to put letters next to each other.
'artist' becomes 'ra' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'au'+'ra'='AURA'
'creates' is the link.
(Other definitions for aura that I've seen before include "Peculiar sensations" , "Intangible air or quality" , "Occult glow" , "Distinctive quality around a person or place" , "Distinct but intangible quality about a person" .)