What is Gesso?

Gesso is an art supply used as a surface or primer for painting, gilded and sculpture. Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have been developed in Italy because the word is Italian for "chalk". The preparation varies according to the intended use, but usually consists of mixing the adhesive with plaster, chalk or plaster.

created for use in painting

This substance resembles color, but it is thinner and dries hard. It applies a brush and must dry before the surface can be painted. Gesso was first created for use in painting to make the surface the right properties for accepting the color. In the painting of the Gothic and Renaissance panels, it was applied to the wood panel to give color something to stick to. He created a slightly rough surface and prevented paint from penetrating the wood.

Traditional Gesso was the same volumes of filler or chalk dust; White pigment, either from powdered chalk or other mineral, drought as zinc; and glue for animals. The mixture was then heated and mixed. ThisThe substance was fragile when it was dry and was therefore prone to cracking.

in 1955 was developed by an acrylic company, Liquitex, the first acrylic Gesso based on water. Modern Gesso is a mixture of calcium carbonate, pigment and acrylic polymer medium. Pigment is usually titanium dioxide or titanium white.

Modern Gesso retains the absorption properties of the older version, but is more flexible and can therefore be used on canvas. During the production process, it can also be colored by replacing titanium white with another pigment. The artist can also color it using watercolor, acrylic color or other color to color the surface to be painted. Ballows with the already used gesse are commercially available.

Use in sculpture

Gesso is also used sculpture. During the 18th century it was commonly used as a base for decorative gilded or otherwise decorated carved wood, as isfor frames of images or furniture. GESSO is not always connected or painted on another surface. Sometimes it is used directly to create a real artwork.

This material can be casting in the mold or used to create the mold itself, or can be model or carved. This is useful for forming or building relief designs. Gesso is also used in the manuscript lighting, as the page forms an increased area that can then be gilded and shin.

potential disadvantages

Some artists ask if modern Gesso should be used under an oil paint on canvas. Some materials that are used in oil paintings such as mineral spirits can penetrate oil and damage the base canvas. Acrylic -type archive properties are also not known.