How and when to Use Gesso in Acrylic Painting

Most painters who use gesso in their paintings typically use it as a staging medium based upon what they are going to paint on the canvas if they have predetermined what the image will be in their acrylic painting. Gesso is basically a primer that prepares the canvas for acrylic, gauche, oil or watercolor paints. Therefore, when using gesso in acrylic paintings, it can be used as a primer or mixed with the paints, or both. When using gesso with paints, it may be necessary to use a drying retarder to keep the acrylic paints from drying out too soon.

Gesso has been around for centuries, and has been a staple for many artists in many types of media. White gesso is the most commonly used gesso in acrylic paintings, but not the only one available these days. Black, dark and light gray are the other colors most readily available in gesso for acrylic paintings. A painting that will have light colors throughout most of it would be best to have a layer of white gesso on the canvas or board before painting.

Another type of gesso that is forgotten about is the clear gesso. This gesso can be used directly with paints as it will not change their color as any of the other types of gesso will do so. Clear gesso allows the paint to stay wet a little while longer and helps to thin the paint better than using water. Adding too much clear gesso is the same as adding too much water. The paint will slide down the canvas or board all too easily if it is not missed correctly.

Mixing clear gesso with drying retarder will allow the paint to not dry so fast so that the artist can come back to the acrylic painting as they would with an oil painting. Although this is not a common practice it does, however, lend a helping hand to an acrylic artist who has many projects on the 'back burner."

Gesso does not have to be used in an acrylic painting if the canvas or board to be painted upon is pre-primed when purchased. Acrylic paints do not even need to be diluted unless the artist feels the need for it.

The darker colored gessoes will darken the paints used when missed with them. As with any type of art, much practice and pre-planning is involved when using this method of painting. Artists who are just starting out in this type of painting method tend to paint on inexpensive boards and canvas pads.

Gesso can be found in art stores around the world. Some of the more sought after brands are Matisse, Liquitex, and Winsor & Newton. Before purchasing gesso for your nest acrylic painting, ask yourself what purpose are you going to use it. This will determine how much you will need and which type as well.