What is Gesso? How To Use Gesso + Why It's Important For Sketchbooks & Paintings!

What is Gesso?! That is a great question! In the video, I answer all of the highly requested questions about gesso and why it is important! It is a great base layer for your paintings and I always use it in my creative process! I show examples of acrylic paintings, oil paintings, some illustrations, and my sketchbook! I hope you find it satisfying and helpful.
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[@fangirl1234fangirl]

TIP: Gesso is also great to mix with acrylic paints! It makes the paint look thicker and not as streaky! Great to make cheap paints look more expensive :)

[@soniccookie655]

You can add corn starch to cheap paints too and it gives a great result!

[@savagejordan781]

​@@soniccookie655nice

[@jasonanthonywilper]

Gesso costs way more that paint

[@naturezone6655]

Good tip!

[@debleb166]

@@jasonanthonywilper You can get cheaper gesso too, more expensive than the cheap paint, but there are budget options like Icon gesso.

[@williardbillmore5713]

When I was in art school in the 70s I discovered that flat white acrylic house paint has all the same properties of Liquitex gesso at a fraction of the cost. I could buy a gallon of house paint at the hardware store for less than what a quart of Gesso cost at the art supply store The oil paintings I did back then, 50 years ago, using flat white acrylic house paint as gesso, still hold up today.

[@arlenekerr1198]

I thought of that,now I'll have to try it, thanks for the tip!

[@williardbillmore5713]

@@arlenekerr1198 Just be sure to get the flat white exterior paint and stir it well satin or gloss finishes may result in bonding issues, especially if your finished paint layer is oil paints.

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

All righty, will go buy flat white paint instead 😮

[@shirleyandrews1152]

I was wondering about that. Thank you for affirming my suspicions❤️

[@karincocker3394]

Wiw great, ok i always add good white wood glue, A slosh of water, to thin this, criss cross big brush, over canvas

[@ericswain4177]

While this may be a good practice generally I would think that 4-8 coats under the finished painting may be prone to craquelure and flaking over time as paintings that endure for many many years may be exposed to many more ambient conditions such as Heat, Cold, Humidity, Etc... I am an Art collector and a few of my paintings have suffered such a fate which I believe from too many base layers though thin. Yes some of them are quite old and may have inferior paint and Gesso materials. The more coats the more prone to mechanical movement especially canvas and paper or any flexible substrate. Another thing to consider is the surface itself such as masonite, solid wood panels, and laminated woods, and their thicknesses that expand and contract sometimes quite a bit so there may be additional coating steps and preps if one wants their artwork to stand the long test of time. Yes, materials are much better today but I fear with the advent of so many paints and techniques and heavy impastos etc.. that there will be many works lost to inadequate forethought of materials and substrates in combination leading up to disaster. Side note Jess Karp nice artwrk.

[@justinmorgan2126]

mix fine talc (baby powder) with white glue and you've got all the gesso you'll ever need for a tenth of the price of shop bought stuff.

[@karincocker3394]

Yes!! That john....&john.... Talc powder is amazing and dries ROCK HARD, ALSO FOR TEXTURE!! (what did i do to my poor babies bottoms!)

[@phillippia]

@@karincocker3394There has been class action lawsuits for the cancer causing effects of some body powders in recent years….

[@Christodophilus]

I was taught to always gesso a canvas or board before painting, but never knew exactly why. Now I do! Oh, and never would have thought to gesso a sketch book, to prevent materials seeping through to the other side. Great advice, and thanks for sharing.

[@artofjesskarp]

Amazing! I am so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for waching!

[@ritakoentopp5364]

lol

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

"Gesso" means "plaster" in Italian. Up until the middle of the 20th century, painters would use a type of gesso made in the studio, using powdered plaster (chalk, calcium carbonate) and an organic glue (usually rabbitskin glue). Acrylic gesso is not a gesso, but it does work well as a primer for one's canvas. The best commecially available gesso is Golden Gesso; it is, in fact, a gesso made with calcium carbonate and a synthetic glue (which is better than the traditional rabbitskin glue, since it doesn't yellow with time and remains flexible).

[@williardbillmore5713]

The white pigment in gesso, titanium oxide, allows you to draw with a pure silver point instead of a graphite pencil. Unlike graphite silver point drawings will not smear and the fine crisp lines will oxidize to a beautiful sepia tone over time giving your drawings the look of Leonardo's sketchbooks. A small piece of silver wire held in a mechanical pencil does the job and will not wear down for years. It is a very different discipline from drawing with graphite because no matter how hard you press down the line will not become darker. Variation in density and tone is achieved by the spacing of crosshatching and fineness of line.

[@vibesmom]

Thank you so much for being so detailed. It’s so helpful and takes away the fear factor of trying something new. ❤️

[@VisualMind]

I've seen a lot of people use Gesso but never really knew that much about it. Thank you so much for this informative video! Also your artwork is absolutely breathtaking!

[@hiddentidesgaming]

It's also good to gesso the back of your wrap canvases, as this will seal the raw wood and raw canvas backs, making them last longer and less chance of getting ruined.

[@rtsartmania9529]

Your channel has been a major source of inspiration for me to be more creative on my Channel! Thank you jess❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Aw thanks!

[@Blick_Art]

Great explanation of the function of acrylic gesso, and excellent visual demonstration of application technique. The Utrecht Art Supplies team cheered when they saw their logo on your brush!

[@BLTV_Photoshop]

You're such a wonderful artist, Jess!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you for answering questions and showing me what I can do with with Gesso.

[@thelilyfactor]

The timing of this video couldn’t be better. I just started using varnish from that brand for acrylic painting, and I couldn’t find very many videos showcasing all of its uses as well as how to use it. This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome!! I am so glad! I agree I wasnt able to find videos on this topic - SO I decided to make one :)

[@dianecharest8365]

Jess, you are an amazing artist. And im just talking about your sketchbook art. If your that good in your sketchbook, then your paintings must be phenomenal.

[@hannahnfvideos1043]

Can you post a video of an “old” sketchbook tour? Like when you first started drawing? Or even your oldest artwork?

[@artofjesskarp]

I want to yes!

[@maryamkhan1070]

Yes please

[@TyTLZacharie]

Thanks so much doing this video because I honestly needed to see it. Idk if you done it before but maybe you can do a video on different brushes for different mediums & artist levels?. Also your work is so beautiful!! I’m never not amazed when you share your work. Especially work we haven’t seen before or much of.

[@Mijuki]

Thank you very much for the video! Especially the tip at the end, to either sandpaper or add some water to it, to get an even surface. I thought i did something wrong, because my whole surface turned into brush strokes

[@catherineraper]

Thanks for this video, I’ve wanted to start working with oil paints, but I didn’t know I should do it before acrylic and gouche.

[@alexandramolleker2231]

This answered so many of my questions! 😊 Thanks for that, Jess! 😊

[@greekveteran2715]

Wow!! That blue eyes drawing on the wooden panels, looks awesome!

[@davidnicolas8019]

I’m not an artist but I was looking to prepare my 7 year olds daughters canvases properly. I must say I think your “sketch” book is beautiful.

[@bhavinipatel2697]

I love the mix of videos on your channel! It's such a motivation to create :)

[@AlssadaryaM]

This is such an amazing video! As a self taught artist of many mediums I often learn by trying things blind or from wonderful videos like this. I wouldn't have thought about using Gesso before because I honestly had no idea what it is but now I want to try it out immediately in my sketchbooks. Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you! I am so glad you find informative!! enjoy!

[@MaryParr-iy3pu]

Thanks for the info. You are a beautiful artist. What a beautiful gift you have

[@nashrakhan8606]

Thanks so much for this information Jess it's very helpful!😊❤️

[@toobad41]

nice tip jess, FYI -I use a small hardware or paint store roller. much smooooother😊. less sanding, no streaks, drips or errors.

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

awesome, i was wondering what it was for and if I needed to use it for my paintings. Thank you! Subscribed!

[@lccsd2392]

thank you for your clear and thoughtful how to.

[@YewYiqin]

Yesss I needed this video!! Posted just in time!! Thank you so much

[@willchadwick2414]

cool info. Especially about using gesso in sketch pads for painting - if I were ever able to figure out painting on the go that is....

[@denise801]

thank you for your tips. I am a beginner and excited to start. Now, excuse me while I gush: wow, what a talent you have! your art is beautiful!

[@arlenekerr1198]

You're an amazing artist, thank you for sharing!

[@anuska8098]

all of your drawings, including the bird , Chita and the cat , are awesome.

[@atulpatel2850]

Thank you. You answered all my questions.

[@shanelledavis8158]

What a coincidence!! I was just thinking about buying my first bottle of gesso!!

[@ptaylor4923]

I use sponge brushes. Comes out nice and smooth. I also go for the large size so I don't have as many "stroke lanes" (which is a term I made up out of the blue because brush strokes made me think of bowling alley lanes. 🙄 Yes, I can be a weird person. 😏)

[@artofjesskarp]

Yeah! its all personal preference

[@samsitonik4670]

Look for the shiney areas between coats. Good tip!

[@josephlai9759]

Wow! Your standard is truly top notch!

[@tlojewelrylove]

Wow, you've done some really beautiful paintings! ❤️❤️❤️ I'm just hoping I survive my paint by numbers kit. LOL! 😄 I've never painted before so I'm trying to educate myself on some of the techniques. Thanks for a wonderful demo! 🙂

[@jasonblevins5319]

Nice work. Liquitex makes the best pre made gesso period. I mix it with paint ,plaster ,paper ,cloth it’s also my white for acrylics. 40 yrs.

[@whimgarden]

Very comprehensive, thank you Jess!

[@Angela10277088]

So helpful Jess! Thank you!

[@Ailuro49]

You are such a talented artist, love your art book.

[@leelanandaihalagamage8005]

That is so helpful thank you, Jess

[@Waltkat]

While the information about gesso is very interesting and useful, I was most impressed with how beautiful your art work is. I would love to see your work at a gallery.

[@manarsalem9432]

Your sketches and paintings are absolutely beautiful, you’re so talented ❤

[@maxineoliver7404]

That was very helpful-Thank you!🎨🤗

[@nowistime8070]

I really am fond of your style! I just checked your website out and I definitely want to order something for myself!

[@briantaulbee6452]

I've been using gesso as a white paint. And also to lighten other acrylic colors

[@Ya_Love]

Thank you ❣ Love your painting, too 🤗

[@sammohanamshivam]

Wonderful video... Very informative for me .thank you ❤

[@TimothyDempsey]

So useful, and your talent is remarkable ❤

[@rupapandit8188]

Thanks a lot, cleared all my doubts about applying gesso.

[@artofjesskarp]

I am so glad! thanks for watching!

[@anitadavidson1266]

Thank you so much for this crucial information. As for your artwork? Oh my goodness, it’s all stunning. Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stay healthy! 🌈❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you so much!! Heard great things about Scotland! Hope to visit one day :) thanks for watching!

[@charlesvitanza8867]

Gesso is even nice for me doing work with alcohol markers in my sketchbooks as the pigment bleeds through if I don't use it. When I work with pastels I even use it to give a nice base layer.

[@theartistjodievans]

Liquitex professional is my favorite as well. It feels like silk! And I find it has better coverage as well.

[@rosemarymohan6484]

Hi. Beautiful and clear explanation... Thanks

[@mohanpoondii1988]

gentle and neat work always are jess speciality

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you

[@jakp212]

Wonderful explanation and great artist 👩‍🎨🙌🏼

[@withstarsvini]

So, I really need this gesso thing, thank you Jess for giving this important information P.S : Your hair are beautiful ❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks

[@lynx_the_artist5351]

Can we just take a moment to appricate her beautiful nails

[@sussu3213]

Always 👌💅

[@kingbrother761]

No we cannot

[@michelleromero2204]

I learn so much from from u

[@voradorhylden3410]

Theyre pink. Whats so beautiful?

[@Jeremy-ff4ku]

You can

[@nanetteatienza4297]

Love your painting and sketches. Wish I can do that.

[@shrug_shrugsly]

So helpful! thank you!!

[@shirlthetwirl]

Wow nevermind the gesso - what about your Art . Absolutely stunning . Mesmerised. Thanks so much for sharing. 😍💖

[@terrythomas790]

Its all in the gesso. Just scribble over gesso, and you will get beautiful artwork! lol Her Sketches are good enough for the final product! Just frame the sketchbook!

[@yipiyak]

You are a very talented artist. Beautiful 🎉

[@chloealvares1224]

Very informative! Love your art style and drawings 💕

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you I am so happy you found it informative!

[@korukiwiarts]

Thank you for explaining this product

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you for watching

[@cmac9248]

You are incredibly talented ✨

[@Jesziihras]

this is just the video I needed! i recently purchased a bottle and I want to practice with oils on paper, thank you so much Jess! have a good one! also I love how it smells haha

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome!! Thanks!

[@dheeraj5722]

This video was super informative ......I got to know alot about gesso......keep informing us about variety of supplies.....thanks alot for this one........❤️❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

I am so glad! thanks for watching!

[@gajendrasingh4544]

Thank you maam, pl. give some knowledge about varnish and why it is required for various medium. Thanks and regards.

[@lemony7946]

This is super helpful! Thank you so much!

[@artofjesskarp]

I am so glad! thanks for watching!

[@willali2830]

I waited so long for you to post! Yay!

[@artofjesskarp]

yay!

[@BetaGolchin]

I gessoed my Sketchpad paper as an experiment many months ago and immediately saw the difference. I use it within the tape edge markings and not outside it. Once the painting is finished and I peel the tape, the painting looks almost 3D. It’s remarkable how awesome Gesso is for the finished result

[@lilysudak4347]

can we talk about how good her manicure looks?! love that color a lot!

[@Two_sides_of_everything]

Very helpful video! Thank you! I am a beginner and what I really struggle with is that acrylics seem to be transparent... I tried to draw on copper sheet but the result was not what I expected.. After some minutes the colour became transparent so I had to add more layers and it was no smooth at all...

[@melanie990]

Thanks for the tips!! Any suggestions on transparent ground? When to use it, if it's actually needed at all? Do you use it?

[@bakotademon5543]

Thanks so so much, I appreciate that it was helpful....💜

[@artofjesskarp]

I am so glad! thanks for watching!

[@samsitonik4670]

2 questions 😅 1) What grit of sandpaper? 2)How many coats did you use to cover the old painting? Thank you so much for making this video!

[@artcreative.studio]

This video was so much more full of info and tips than I expected! Thanks! ❤ 🎉

[@PixiePrincess501]

Ooh, I didn't know Gesso helps with gouache on sketchbooks! I usually treat gouache as I do watercolor when it's in a sketchbook, so I'm gonna give this a try! ;3 I had a question regarding using oils in sketchbooks: Do you have any issues with the lighter colors yellowing over time? No one seems to want explain this one to me, and I really want to give it a try...

[@lalithanagarajan1055]

I haven't tried oils before. So this is really an important question for me.. Thank you for asking. Can you use oil paint in a sketch book? Would it dry quickly to close the sketch book after you finish the sketch?

[@sammohanamshivam]

She has mentioned at around 2:00 - 2:04 if you replay the video to use gesso before oil painting in a sketch book to protect the oil being seeped through pages on otherside. Might this info help you. Enjoy 😊

[@NebraskaWriter]

You should NEVER place oil paint on acrylic gesso. It will eventually delaminate. Smithsonian forbids oil on acrylic for all their restorations.

[@maryamkhan1070]

Never seen an artist more passionate than you. Been watching you before you had 10k. You are an inspiration 👍

[@janetlitchfield1774]

A very informative video - Thank you for sharing

[@artofjesskarp]

I am so glad! thanks for watching!

[@wyrdo1501]

You are probably the best person to ask this. Wanting to figure out a way to improve sketchbooks for watercolor, curious if using gesso on the back side of a page would help make thinner paper hold up to watercolors on the non gesso front side?

[@terrythomas790]

Why not just use any acrylic paint for the backside if all you want is a little more durable front surface?

[@sheetalbantode2678]

I love these video wow jess ❣😊

[@rkug777]

I have an old silhouette portrait. I want a cricut but confused about all the cricut machines and possibilities! My silhouette could cut printed images with a diff mat which I bought but no clue how to use it unfortunately. Silhouette is not as good at teaching their customers how to use their products. I’ll check out your other videos. Txs so much!

[@LadyJP6969]

Very informative👍🏼, Thanks for sharing.

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@kavirmootoo]

Ty for this!

[@RAJENDRAKUMAR-vq2de]

Congratulations for 140K 😊😍😘👍💖🎉🎊 And I love ur art💓💓💓💖💖💖💕💕💞💝💗✌ Keep going✌ Once again, ur art is amazing.... 💞💖

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you!!!

[@starmazaheri7448]

Thank you very much for this informative video. What about if you are using coloured pencils please?

[@avissmith8384]

Info helpful thanks❤

[@docfrayon]

Silly question, can this be used for highlights ? Thank you so much for your videos, especially the sketchbook tours and the tips on art supplies !

[@itsmeart]

Omg so early and the video is awesome as usual guess I will have to buy a gesso one day 😆

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!!

[@sazurichan5955]

thx for this video Jess

[@scholarthefuture7284]

Thank you!

[@Lavrnjaa]

I just use white acrylic paint/craft paint because it is SO cheap and works just as well bc it's still an acrylic base!! My oils have looked so vibrant on it since I started in November :)

[@MercyCuenca]

EXCELLENT HACK!?!

[@MercyCuenca]

"!!!" NOT "!?!"

[@ahala7650]

U helped me thanks....and congratulations ❤️🎉

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!!

[@withstarsvini]

Oh my! You posted 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Yay

[@callumbrooks3177]

You've inspired me to start drawing .. 😁