Artist’s Gesso: The Studio Staple That Shapes Every Painting
Gesso is one of the most fundamental materials in an artist’s studio, serving as the invisible foundation upon which countless masterpieces are built. Though often overlooked, this humble primer is essential for preparing surfaces, ensuring paint adhesion, and preserving the longevity of artworks across centuries.
What Is Gesso?
Gesso is a white paint mixture traditionally made from a binder (such as animal glue), chalk, gypsum, and pigment. Its name comes from the Italian word for “chalk,” and its origins can be traced back to centuries-old artistic traditions. Modern gesso, especially the widely used acrylic version, is similar to white acrylic paint but thinner and more absorbent, designed specifically to prime surfaces for painting.
Why Do Artists Use Gesso?
Gesso’s primary role is to prepare—or “prime”—a surface, making it ready to accept paint. It is most commonly applied to canvas, wood panels, paper, and even sculpture, creating a slightly textured, absorbent layer known as “tooth”. This tooth allows paint to grip the surface, preventing it from soaking in unevenly or failing to adhere.
Without gesso, paint can seep into the fibers of raw canvas or wood, leading to dull colors, uneven textures, and reduced durability. By sealing and stiffening the surface, gesso acts as a protective barrier, enhancing the vibrancy of colors and extending the life of the artwork.
How Is Gesso Used in the Studio?
Applying gesso is often the first step in any painting process. Artists brush on one or more thin coats, allowing each to dry before sanding lightly for a smooth finish. Multiple layers may be used to achieve the desired texture and absorbency. While most gesso is white, it can be tinted with pigments to create colored grounds, offering creative possibilities for underpainting and mixed media.
Gesso is not limited to traditional painting. Sculptors use it to prepare surfaces for gilding or as a base for three-dimensional works. Its versatility extends to collage, printmaking, and experimental art forms, where it serves as both a primer and a creative medium in its own right.
Traditional vs. Acrylic Gesso
There are two main types of gesso:
Traditional (Glue) Gesso: Made with animal glue and chalk, this brittle mixture is best suited for rigid surfaces like wood panels. It is prized by oil painters for its absorbency and historical authenticity but is susceptible to cracking on flexible supports.
Acrylic Gesso: A modern formulation using acrylic polymer as a binder, making it flexible and suitable for both canvas and wood. It is the standard choice for acrylic and oil painters today due to its ease of use and durability.
A Studio Essential
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St. Martin of Tours gesso panel at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst, memorial for George Blyth Martin (1890-1916)
St. Martin of Tours gesso panel at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst, memorial for George Blyth Martin (1890-1916)
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, gesso is a non-negotiable studio staple. It ensures that every brushstroke sits atop a stable, receptive surface, allowing artists to focus on expression rather than technical pitfalls. From Renaissance icons to contemporary abstracts, the quiet presence of gesso underpins the visible layers of art, silently safeguarding creativity for generations.