Gesso

Definition

Gesso is a white paint mixture made primarily of chalk, gypsum, and a binder, typically used as a primer for preparing surfaces before painting. It creates a smooth and absorbent surface, enhancing paint adhesion and preventing the absorption of oils from paints, particularly oil-based ones. Gesso is vital for artists as it influences the texture and finish of the artwork, making it essential when using various materials and techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gesso can be applied to various surfaces, including canvas, wood, and paper, making it versatile for different artistic practices.
2. There are two main types of gesso: traditional gesso made from chalk and rabbit skin glue, and modern acrylic gesso that uses polymer emulsions.
3. Applying multiple layers of gesso can create different textures on the surface, which can enhance the visual impact of the finished painting.
4. Gesso dries quickly and can be sanded down to achieve a smoother surface, which is especially useful for detailed work.
5. Using gesso helps prevent paint from soaking into the support, preserving the vibrancy of colors and prolonging the life of the artwork.

Review Questions

• How does gesso affect the adhesion of paint on different surfaces?
  • Gesso plays a critical role in enhancing the adhesion of paint by providing a specially prepared surface that is both smooth and absorbent. When applied to surfaces like canvas or wood, gesso creates a barrier that prevents oils from oil paints from being absorbed too quickly. This improves not only the application of the paint but also ensures that colors appear more vibrant and maintain their integrity over time.
• Compare traditional gesso with modern acrylic gesso in terms of composition and usage.
  • Traditional gesso is made from chalk or gypsum mixed with an animal glue binder, resulting in a rigid and absorbent surface suitable for tempera or oil paints. In contrast, modern acrylic gesso uses acrylic polymer emulsions as a binder, making it more flexible and easier to work with on a variety of surfaces. This flexibility allows modern gesso to be suitable for both oil and acrylic paints while offering quick drying times and ease of cleanup.
• Evaluate the impact of applying multiple layers of gesso on an artist's painting process and outcome.
  • Applying multiple layers of gesso can significantly influence both the painting process and the final outcome by allowing artists to customize the texture and absorbency of their surfaces. This approach enables artists to achieve varying levels of smoothness or roughness depending on their technique or desired effect. Additionally, these layers can enhance color vibrancy and longevity in the final artwork by preventing excessive absorption of paints, thus maintaining clarity and depth in color application.

Related terms

Primer: A preparatory coating applied to surfaces to improve the adhesion of paint and create a uniform base.

Acrylic Medium: A substance mixed with acrylic paint to alter its properties, such as texture or drying time.

Canvas: A heavy-duty fabric used as a surface for painting, often prepared with gesso to ensure proper paint application.