“The secret is in the canvas”
Poor quality of the canvas is one of the most important holdbacks for beginners. In my classes I have noticed that students underestimate this issue or even they themselves are not aware of. Most of all commercial canvas is poor.
The main problem is that it is too absorbent. Paint almost immediately is sucked into the texture and loses its color strength and brush-strokes become dull and inexpressive. Also it is a headache to get the paint on the surface. This inconvenience is an obstacle for many beginners and because of this people even might start to hate the technique. The canvas should encourage you and welcome your brushstrokes!
I use a doubled, linen canvas and even on this surface I apply at least three layers of gesso. I don´t want a white surface so I mix a small dab of neutral gray of acrylic paint: ivory black and yellow ochre. I add this mixture to my gesso and I get a light gray basic tone.
What do you mean by “double lined” canvas?
A doubled linen canvas has two, glued, layers of canvas. That makes it double strong: heavy duty.
Hola Ben!,
¿Se puede aplicar gesso encima de pintura acrílica?. Yo creo que sí pero tengo dudas!.
Gracias por todo y enhorabuena por todos tus trabajos!!
*********Feliz Navidad**********
Hola Cristina.
Si se puede pintar el gesso encima, pero temo que agarra menos fuerte. Inténtalo y ya veras.
¡Un saludo y Feliz Navidad!
Merci pour ce conseil ! Je vais respecter ces bons conseils !
Hi Ben, I was just wondering why you tint the gesso with Ivory black and Yellow Ochre?, is there a reason for it?
Best Regards,
Sam