How and why I gesso my sketchbooks!

Here's a good, reasonably priced gesso: amzn.to/40Jn4WJ
Here are links to the sketchbooks I mentioned:
Moleskine Art Journal large (8.5 x 5.5)
amzn.to/3FsEyxa
Moleskine Art Journal medium (7 x 4.5)
amzn.to/3TKhjFP
Moleskine Watercolor Sketchbook (8.25 x 5)
amzn.to/3JKoQyL
Strathmore Watercolor Sketchbook: (8 x 5.5)
amzn.to/3espMwR
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Hello, I'm Suzanne Allard, a painter of colorful florals and abstracts and an encouraging creativity teacher. I'm on a mission to prove that we ALL have a creative spirit that wants to express itself in one way, shape or form. Of course, there are many ways to create but if you are here that means that painting or color or texture (or all the above) are calling to you.
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[@mycrochetobsession]

To apply a thin coat of gesso on paper use a brayer or spread with a paint catalyst -I use a credit card rather than water down gesso which buckles pages more than they already do and takes longer to dry.

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Great tip! Thank you for sharing!

[@LoriTriesLife]

Gesso buckled my multimedia paper

[@LoriTriesLife]

And can we use hair dryer to dry? 😬

[@Skittl1321]

My "sketchbook" is a happy color planner I got for $1 at Michaels when it was out of season. Gesso the pages, and it holds up great to tons of layers.

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

That is awesome!

[@DWrandom]

Oh! That's a great idea to use with planners that I haven't finished with...t age 39 I was recently diagnosed with ADHD... now I know why I haven't been able to totally complete a planner... now I have a new purpose for my stacks of planners I've haven't used! xD

[@ThomasONeill-pc7hw]

I never thought of using gesso on sketch books! Great idea!! Can’t wait to try it!

[@dianalascruces7461]

THANK YOU! I’ve been thinking about this and wondering about various ways…best way to apply and thin gesso. It’s such a simple thing, but necessary to learn the ins and outs. Thank you so much once again, you’re an angel.❤

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CroisMoi]

I love your flowers. This video is very helpful to teach new artists.

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Thanks so much 😊. I'm glad it's helpful!

[@tanyaschmith9737]

Hey Suzanne I love your art and sketch books ❤ did you know jane davenport does a whole range of coloured gessos called joyful gessos they are fabulous you would love them ❤️

[@Skittl1321]

Her joyful gesso are so pretty, but kind of expensive when you can tint clear or white gesso with paint easily.

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

I will check it out, Thank you!

[@freshspiritworks4535]

This was a good video. I usually gesso my sketchbooks if I'm painting with acrylics) do that the pages don't tear - if they are a bit thin 80# under, that can happen... not the happiest if circumstances but it's better to be safe than sorry. You never have to do it for watercolors, but if you are using watercolors, you can use a watercolor ground on plain paper. It can be confusing, but once you start using gesso, you'll love it. LindaH

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Great tip!

[@freshspiritworks4535]

@@SuzanneAllardDesign You're welcome!

[@jillbeninato3900]

Do you have any plans to teach a landscape class? That would be amazing!

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Yes I do Jill! I just have to find the time but it will be fun!

[@funnydogmom]

THANK YOU!

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

You're welcome!

[@abacavip6426]

Can you use regular acrylic paint instead of gesso? Thanks!

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

well, gesso is really a good primer but you could try a coat of acrylic, that would seal the page.

[@levannah60]

Wait, are you sopost to mix water with gesso?!? because I am a new painter, and am now just starting to use gesso... So...

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Yes I do sometimes but it’s all how thin or thick you want it.

[@trudypage410]

Do you ever use watercolor gesso?

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

I have played with it a little and just bought some more to continue.

[@LoriTriesLife]

Hi! Bought your course 🫡 Is "gesso" the same as decoupage white stuff. Also, it seems you prefer "acril-gouche" to full acrylic as it can be reconstituted w/water better.

[@SuzanneAllardDesign]

Hi Lori! Sorry for the late reply. I don't know what decoupage white stuff is lol. Acryl gouache cannot be reconstituted with water, only regular gouache can and I love them both. I hope you're enjoying the courses!

[@kellylaflash1016]

no, Mod Podge (for decoupage) is different than gesso - essentially, a decoupage medium is a sealer while gesso is a primer