Gesso resist papers
January 30, 2007 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Home & Living
I really like the look of the background papers you can get using this simple technique. This is the same paper that I used for the background of the digital collage In the Shadow that I showed you yesterday. Depending upon how many layers you build up, the texture can end up being extremely complex for such an easy method! So put down some waxed paper, grab some white card stock, white gesso, large stamps and a few acrylic paints, and let’s go!
Here’s what the technique looks like close up. It’s hard to see in the following step-by-step pictures I took, so I wanted to make sure you could get a good look at the craggy surface you end up with. It’s great!
I just picked up gesso today to play with and learn about…I can’t believe I have everything else! Gotta go try this now…thanks!
Gesso is amazingly useful stuff Sarah! You won’t be sorry you bought it. Many surfaces that you want to paint on or glue on are difficult because of a lack of “tooth”. Gesso the surface first, and away you go! (comes in black too, which can be really helpful)
I love this look. Where can I buy gesso?
I just bought Gesso yesterday, but I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, on my canvas paintings that is. Does it act as a glaze if you put it atop a painting? Or do you put it before?
Use it as a primer, Isabella, not a glaze. You *can* use it as a middle or top layer, especially if it’s watered down, and it gives a lovely chalky shabby finish that can be scratched through or rubbed back partway off. It’s great stuff, and it’s primary function is to prepare any surface that you’re going to paint to give it enough “tooth” to accept the pigments.
I read about your gesso resist technique and the next day I decided to play around with it as gesso is a fave of mine. Naturally, I “forgot” exactly what you said to do and I sort of “winged” it. I used 140# cold press watercolor paper, stamps and gesso – beautiful pattern. I added Lumieres but spread those on the whole page instead of “dabbing” – it gave a bit of a different look but the overall effect is wonderful!
LOL!! Nothing sacred about my techniques, Jeri! I’m glad you’re happy with the results of your playing. Do you want to share a picture of your results? cyndi@b5media.com
Love the texture…gotta find me some gesso. Can’t wait. Thanks for this tutorial.
Shirley