What is the meaning of the art term Gesso?

Gesso is a thick white primer or base coat that is applied to surfaces such as canvas, wood, or metal before painting to create a smooth and even surface. It is typically made from a mixture of a binding agent (usually acrylic polymer) and chalk, gypsum, or calcium carbonate.

Gesso helps to seal the surface, prevent the paint from soaking into the material, and provides a suitable surface for paint adhesion. It can be sanded or textured before painting to achieve different effects. Gesso is commonly used in various art techniques such as acrylic, oil, and mixed media painting.

Gesso is an art term that refers to a material used in painting and other art forms as a surface preparation or primer. It is typically a white, thick, and slightly granular substance. The word gesso is derived from the Italian word gesso which means chalk or plaster.

Gesso is composed of various materials, including calcium carbonate (chalk or limestone), gypsum, pigment (usually white), binder (such as glue or acrylic polymer), and water. The mixture of these materials creates a smooth and opaque layer that adheres well to a variety of surfaces, such as canvas, wood, or paper.

The primary purpose of gesso is to create a suitable ground for painting. It provides a textured surface that promotes paint adhesion, preventing the colors from soaking into the support material. Gesso creates a barrier between the support and the paint, allowing the artist to apply layers of paint more easily and maintain the vibrancy of the colors.

Moreover, gesso helps to strengthen the support, particularly when working on porous surfaces such as canvas or wood. It seals the pores and prevents the paint from degrading or corroding the support material over time.

The application is done using a brush, palette knife, or roller, depending on the desired texture and thickness. Multiple layers of gesso can be applied, allowing the artist to build up the surface and create a more substantial ground.

Gesso also serves another purpose: it can be used for priming or preparing surfaces to be painted on. For example, if a painter wants to work on a non-traditional surface like a wooden panel, applying a layer of gesso beforehand allows the paint to adhere better and prevents the wood from absorbing the paint and altering the colors.

Furthermore, it can be sanded or textured to achieve desired effects. Artists may add sand or other materials to the gesso to create a custom texture that adds depth and interest to their artwork.

It is a versatile material used primarily in painting as a surface preparation or primer. It creates a smooth, opaque, and adhesive layer that enhances paint adhesion and preserves the support material. Gesso allows artists to build up the surface, experiment with different textures, and work on a variety of surfaces like canvas, wood, or paper.