Gesso resist papers
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!
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Draw lines, patterns, or use large stamps with white gesso on a piece of white card stock. Let it dry completely.
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Paint the entire surface with a light colored acrylic glaze. I used Lumiere’s citrine. Before the glaze dries, wipe it off lightly with paper towels. See how the gesso acts as a resist, but not completely! That’s what you want…don’t scrub it all off.
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Sponge on additional acrylic glazes (don’t apply solidly), and wipe off the excess of each one. I used Lumiere’s olive green.
- If you want even more texture, you can allow the piece to dry thoroughly and then apply more gesso stamps to the surface. Repeat the painting process again…as many times as you wish!
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POSTED IN: Mixed Media, Paper, Technique Tuesday, Tutorials & Techniques
9 opinions for Gesso resist papers
Sarah E.
Feb 2, 2007 at 10:12 pm
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!
Cyndi
Feb 5, 2007 at 8:41 am
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) :-)
Joan’s Jewels » Blog Archive » JoansJewels 02.08.2007
Feb 10, 2007 at 6:56 pm
[…] Gesso resist papers […]
Rosella
Jun 7, 2007 at 3:31 pm
I love this look. Where can I buy gesso?
Isabella
Feb 10, 2008 at 8:59 pm
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?
Cyndi
Feb 10, 2008 at 9:09 pm
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.
TT:Creating backgrounds for artwork
Mar 4, 2008 at 2:06 pm
[…] Gesso resist papers […]
Jeri Aaron
Apr 10, 2008 at 10:19 am
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!
Cyndi
Apr 10, 2008 at 10:29 am
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
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