What is Gesso and How to Use it for Mixed Media Projects

[@harveypeggygoltz7956]

I am in awh watching you.paint. I think a person could learn much watching your videos. Glad I found your videos. Thank you so much, Peggy

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Awww, thank you so very much Peggy!

[@beatrizaguillon1596]

Omg!! She is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Getting so much information out of this one. I also love the stabilo pencil but I make a mess with it. But now I’m gonna know how to tone it down.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thanks Beatriz! I'm so glad you found it to be helpful!

[@sarahdermody6665]

Omgosh your sharing is a beauty to behold! Watching the nose materialize was amazing! (I can't do noses no matter how much I try). She's beautiful

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so very much, Sarah!!!

[@nancybeebe7622]

You make it look so easy. Beautiful

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Nancy!

[@sharonhurst3542]

I was mesmerized watching you bring this canvas to life... I would love to have your talent. Thank you for sharing this video and your amazing creativity. 😊

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Sharon!!!

[@fortierdawn]

So beautiful. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jenniferwood8944]

You are so inspiring! I am collecting all the tools -found cool eraser today - or yesterday its 3h47 in the morning in South Africa - cant sleep so I decided to watch your stuff and get happy and inspired! I will I hope have the courage to send you pics next year of how I have progressed! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aw!!! I certainly hope so too Jennifer!! I'd really like to see that!

[@mariach46]

where have I been all these years? I just found you a few days ago and I am ever so pleased. you are so talented and so informative, explain everything so well. So much to learn, thank you. and the girl looks just like you :) New sub.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Welcome, Maria!!!! So glad to have you here!!!

[@lindawoodmore9181]

You are a fountain of knowledge and your passion for art is sooooo infectious. Love it.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Linda!!!! I'm so glad my passion comes through, I'm very grateful to have an outlet for it!

[@sarahyoung1676]

I have used Gesso for years, decades, but never the way you do with the Stabilo, can't wait to try! I am new to your channel and could kick myself for not finding you sooner! I LOVE your style! Thanks Ms Karen!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Welcome, Sarah! Glad you found me, hope you are having fun watching and learning!

[@SharonMarieWhite]

Your enthusiasm is contagious!!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i love your channel thank you for your beautiful personality you cheer me up

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thank you so much Gina!

[@butterfly4591]

Absolutely beautiful Karen. Just magical to watch the lady come to life on the canvas. It was like she was looking out at us into to our souls. I was mesmerised. Thankyou so much for sharing your incredible art work. hugs Glenne

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much Glenne!

[@doloresparra4604]

Clear gesso is perfect for preparing coloring books to accept watercolors. Great video, Thank you 🙏

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Dolores!!!

[@kingtigerbooks1162]

Great video from a wonderful channel. Art books have provided me a much-needed escape from real life. I have my easy chair set up with a desk, a lamp, a blanket and a cup of coffee. I spent many hours with dragons, unicorns, space battles, pixies, knights, and now with my National Geographic books, the vast undersea world of the coral reefs. My art books are the best investments I ever made. My 3 favorite books are: - Wonderworks by Michael Whelan - Infinite Worlds by Vincent DiFate - Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy 1 by Tim Gibson

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Love this, thank you!

[@janehumphreys402]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so very much, Jane!

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

I absolutely love this one. Now that I've done your mixed media challenge I think I'm going to jump in and give it a try. You have such amazing imagination and talent, Karen.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I hope that you do, Brenda! I think you will really enjoy it!

[@katf3836]

I love GESSO!! Thanks for the lesson!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Right?! Me tooooo! Welcome!

[@rosavaldes2599]

Stunning; loved the whole process. You are amazingly talented:) WOW!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much!

[@GigisOwnCreativeMeanings]

With a hint of humor! Gorgeous! 👊🤟

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Gladys!!!

[@breannalemons7246]

Love seizing the sketch first instead of the background, sometimes I like to start subject first, so it really got me thinking about what to do next

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so very much for watching, Breanna!

[@AnjelicaLynch]

This is really helpful, I appreciate you taking the time to make this.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so welcome, Anjelica!!!! Thank YOU for watching!!!

[@lise-lottelundroeddik4706]

AWESOME - a master crafter at work :) Incredible that is actually only takes 3 - and oh well a load of other little things :) BUt what you did with just these 3 gessos - RESPECT! Loved it loved it loved it :)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Wow, thank you!!!!

[@stephanieschwartzel4949]

I just can’t tell you how happy I am to have found your videos. And you are a great teacher. Once again beautiful work and thank you for sharing

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so very much, I'm so glad you're here tooooooooo!!!!

[@palmeolive4399]

I just love your work. You sure are a great teacher, i'm so glad to have found your videos. I'm getting better because of you. thank you Karen.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much Palme!!! I'm so happy to help, that's the best!

[@jenbo2547]

I am looking for an answer on whether or not I need gesso, but totally sidetracked by how gorgeous your painting is!!! So, here I am, and you answered my exact questions! Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hahahah that's awesome! (and lucky!). Thanks for watching!

[@palavraembrasa3169]

This is so amazing!!! I could watch all the day and every day I learn a lot!!! Thank you so much for sharing this gift you have and inspire me and making me feel more comfortable to try something new!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, I super appreciate your sweet words and am so happy you are feeling inspired!

[@alicedooling]

Love your art

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thank you Alice!

[@IamSonia1881]

She is gorgeous!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much, Sonia!!!

[@fishtank1599]

Just discovered your channel and so glad I have. Just Wow incredible piece of artwork.xx

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@ginettegingras7081]

Thank you so much for sharing the techniques used in rendering this beautiful painting!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It's my pleasure! I hope you learned something new!

[@meghanthimjon3027]

Really loved watching this! I will have to try the 3 gessos, looks like fun!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Definitely!! And make sure to use it with the Stabilo or watercolor pencil for maximum fun!!!

[@sharonp8618]

Thank you for using you tube videos as your art videos has captions so I can follow along as a deaf artist.. many artists still do not caption everything so I miss out.. I have one of your early books.. followed some of your tutorials thank you.. I love your enthusiasm and that you share so freely many tips and helps too..

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Sharon! It makes me so happy to hear that my videos are accessible for you to follow along. I hope you are enjoying the tutorials!

[@wendystyles2296]

I,m allways scared ti try mixed media ,you make it look so easy ,its beautiful Karen

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hi Wendy! Thank you so much for watching! You can totally do it! I am here to show people that anyone can be an artist! I have a ton of resources available via KZbin, Awesome Art School, and even a few Mixed Media books I've published on Amazon! Please let me know if you have any questions I can help with!

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

This is amazing. I'm sitting here actually thinking this would be a very helpful exercise to get use to light and shadow placement. Just a black and white portrait. How clever and perfect for a beginner like me

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!

[@vickihosman2929]

You are amazing. I just watched your video about how to do eyes. I really thought you just went all over your drawings until you said you went from one eye to the other. I was watching this and saw how you did that during your drawing. Thank you for sharing. I love your videos.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

So so happy to help Vicki!!! If you ever have any more questions, give a shout!!

[@judithgillam5074]

Thank you so much Karen . Your explanation on the amazing effects you can achieve by just using the different gessos with the Stabilo , is both extremely helpful and inspiring . I really enjoyed watching her come to life . Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much Judith!!! I'm so glad the video was helpful to you!

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

Good addiction. I wonder if all these materials are available in India. Never done craft work but would love to give it a try. Simply beautiful

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you! I'm not sure, however some items are available online to ship from retailers. Good luck!

[@SandyWamble]

LOVE THIS!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Sandy!

[@mckracken8650]

I love black gesso for as a base for oil painting, a black canvass is far more approach-able than scary white😃

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hahaha Scary White!!! lol! You're not wrong!

[@renymissos6256]

Beautiful shading. So talented!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you Reny!

[@jneigler]

What a pleasure to watch you. The gesso info was really appreciated. The end result was fabulous! Thanks for sharing!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh thanks Joan! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@NancyBee4623]

From a beginner's point of view that was very helpful information & inspiring at the same time. Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Omgoodness I'm so glad you think so! If you ever have any questions, you just let me know!

[@NancyBee4623]

@@KarenCampbellArtist That would be great ~ Thank you! All I'm doing so far is playing with the colors & the different brushes & brush strokes, watching videos, & just letting my imagination run wild about what kinds of creations that are possible. I'm just taking it all in

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@NancyBee4623 that's the best way to learn! If you're in the mood to consider more formal classes you can feel free to check out what I have at awesomeartschool.com . otherwise, HAVE FUN PLAYING!!!

[@tinyfemaleshooter8756]

Oh my goodness!!! Thank you for explaining all this…I was so confused!! And yes! I don’t like the clear gritty Gesso either….so, did I hear you say I don’t need to prime my canvas? They already come primed?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes!! That’s why they’re white, they have already been coated with Gesso! So happy to help!

[@tinyfemaleshooter8756]

@@KarenCampbellArtist wow!!! Thank you!! You are an awesome artist!

[@millana6292]

Beautiful Karen.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!!!

[@yvonnewsd]

Wow!!! Beautifully done. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so kind, thx so much!

[@-fixmyhairdo-1798]

A classical, musical , artistic performance, you brought happiness, sadness, excitement...bravo on making me feel happy!! 📝🎢🎻🎷🎨🎨🎶☺️ Oh my ,your artistic ability is entertaining and enjoyable..This piece included the words and the music!! Often need just one but this included both!♥️

[@terriwinborn5189]

Thank you Karen for sharing. You are so talented. Love your different videos. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh you're so kind to say all that. You too Terri!!! Thank you for joining me today!!! ❤❤❤

[@nicoleallen7254]

What type of stabilo pencil did you use please so I can give this a try. Also what type of brushes did you use with the gesso to do the face? Thanks so much 🙏

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It’s the Stabilo All pencil (black). And brushes should be old and super stiff. Brushes you wouldn’t use for anything else ❤️❤️❤️

[@mariamasini7211]

I love your painting thanks

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so kind!! Thanks for being here!

[@mariamasini7211]

Karen Campbell, Artist your welcome

[@dkearney66]

WOW Amazing as always!! Thanks for sharing Deanna

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for being here Deanna!!!

[@aliloucreations1817]

This is fabulous Karen 😍😘

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so very much!

[@alliexo1]

Amazing!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!

[@elsawillis3964]

I was afraid to use gesso on the top of the face I am paiting. Thank you for your video!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching, Elsa! So glad that this helped!

[@elsawillis3964]

Karen Campbell, Artist I added a little of white gesso to the face of acrylic painting at it get white. Do I have to dilute the gesso ?

[@madelynsmith8281]

Loved the video. So talented. Very informative. Thanks!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks! You're welcome!

[@craftycx7197]

Thanks for the helpful info and you're so right about the black gesso. I used it for first time today in my altered book journal as the background for a Halloween piece. It's amazing! Could you maybe do a talk through video on how you make the eyes so beautiful on your faces?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh good I'm so glad you liked it and YES to the power of Black Gesso!!! I'd be happy to do a walk through on eyes, that's a great idea! I have a little notepad of video ideas, I'll bump it closer to the top 😘😘😘

[@junesteuterman2818]

You are a fabulous artist, I know you know but had to tell you anyway. Love your work !!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aw! June!!!! So kind, ALWAYS!! Love you lady, thanks!

[@reetadesai5409]

loved your video, what did you use ti glue the printed paper and flower, clear gesso? how long does it take for that gesso to dry so you can paint over it ? thank you.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great questions! So Gesso isn't an adhesive, it doesn't really make things too too sticky. I use Matte Medium to glue things down. I always use a hair dryer to dry my layers because I have 3 kids and I have too much to do to wait around for things to dry! So it takes probably just a quick minute or so with a hair dryer. The Gesso is the actual "paint" that you see me using, so it is used wet on wet, same as paint. Hope that clears that up!

[@reetadesai5409]

@@KarenCampbellArtist do you think i can use modpodge to glue a photograph on a canvas to paint around it?

[@reetadesai5409]

@@KarenCampbellArtist thank you so much for your reply, i learnt a lot from your video and would love to watch more of your videos. you are beautiful and talented.

[@melissab2112]

Which best gesso color for black and white portrait on canvas ?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You should probably use both black and white gesso for a black and white portrait.

[@barbaras.7135]

You are absolutely amazing. She is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching!!! So glad you like her!

[@marellejackman4323]

Karen could you please tell me which Stabilo black pencil you use please?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It is called the Stabilo All and I love it!

[@jenniferwood8944]

Oh and I bought clear gesso too!!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Awesome!!

[@marinazanotta]

Good lesson (thanks) and great painting! Marina

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Huge Thanks Marina!

[@gracestroup5715]

Great job really Beautiful!

[@jamiehatch1012]

I got some whit gesso in a jar, and it's pretty thick and opaque (compared to what I've seen you use). Am I using too much? Can it be watered down?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It's probably just a different brand. I wouldn't add water, it's pretty much the perfect formula! Grab some Liquitex!

[@teresamarsh1555]

Karen, this drawing/painting was so inspiring...I hope to be able to draw a girl like this one day..she is just beautiful. Thanks so much for all the videos you do. :)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Teresa my friend!!! So good to see you here, your trip sounded awesome, welcome back!!! Thank YOU for always being here, and being so kind. Appreciate YOU!!!

[@ValleyMermaid]

Doesn’t the gesso ruin your paint brushes? And what did you do this project on? Was it on watercolor paper or a canvas board? I’m wanting to attempt this. I skipped it when I first came across it in the Mixed Media Society class, but I’ve gone back to this module because I have stabillo alls now. This looks super hard and advanced.i know I can’t do the hand for sure! But the skin tone looks very difficult too.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I’m pretty sure I answered the this for you in another post / if I’m mistaken just let me know!

[@ValleyMermaid]

@@KarenCampbellArtist YES!!! You did! I’m sorry the question was posted twice on two separate videos. I should have deleted this but forgot.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@ValleyMermaid oh gosh you’re fine! I is it wasn’t sure if I dreamed that 🤣

[@donnabennett2853]

I just found your channel a few weeks ago and LOVE your videos. Watching this girl come to life was just amazing . I am a want to be artist .... no skills .... I just got your first book and have been practicing faces.... Which one of your courses do you think would be most beneficial for me ?..... I do love mixed media... watercolor... attempting to draw faces :). Thank you for time and your videos ... Love each and every one of them!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

So glad you are enjoying the videos!! Ooooh, that's tough because I teach faces in all of my classes, in all different media!! But all my classes are on sale right now at AwesomeArtSchool.com (30% labor day sale, expires in a few hours!! Coupon Code YAY4YOURDAY) so maybe you could read some of the course descriptions and look at the photos! I have so many classes and so many price points, I'm sure there's one in there for you!

[@eleonoralanfredi7324]

Semplicemente meraviglioso🤩🤩🤩 tanti saluti Karen😘

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

aw, thanks so so much! ♥️

[@gracienorton1152]

Lovely and helpful. As a raw beginner I have to ask what part water plays in the application of the gessos.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

That's a great question! I use no water at all 😊

[@racecarinred]

Incredible

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much, how kind! ❤

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

You’re simply amazing!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so kind, thank you!!

[@patriciasmith6359]

Wow! You are incredible!

[@JanisGagliardi]

Beautiful! What is your substrate?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks Janis! I painted her on a canvas panel (or board).

[@jameyqg398]

Love this!!! You're great -thanks for sharing!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks Jamey, thanks for being here!

[@ArtByMarlina]

Beautiful work!! Liked and Subscribed💜

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh thank you so much! Welcome, so glad you're here!!

[@4711Dorothea]

so beautiful. love it too bits. just love watching the process thanks for sharing. greatly appreciated. : )

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

aw, thanks so so much! ♥️ I'm so happy that you got something out of it!

[@camilleragucci5244]

Your amazing, I wish I could do that I tried but not quite there yet!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oh it's all good girl, you'll get there!!! Thanks for hanging out today!

[@sheiladiaz9530]

Stunning. ❤

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you Sheila!!!

[@chrishawnsimpson]

So incredible!

[@sherryvarvel3151]

What was that you use to draw on the canvas

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Stabilo All Pencil!

[@sherryvarvel3151]

Thank u

[@briga_bijoux]

Complimenti è stato bellissimo vederti all'opera 💖

[@MRosado383]

Love it....🙋you can make a video painting with color prism Berol pencils? Please please please 🙏

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hi there, thanks! Do you mean just art made with colored pencils only? Ya know, just colored pencils doesnt pack enough color power or enough emotional punch!! Lol! I have to couple them with acrylics or watercolors or alcohol markers, just SOMETHING to kinda produce more of a colorful effect. Does that make sense? I'm sure there are lots of KZbin artists that do tho!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@MRosado383]

oh, ok Karen, but can you make a painting using colored pencils and other paint like acrylic? What happens to me is that I would like to learn a mixed paint with colored pencils, acrylic paint and maybe even use gelatos in the same art. If you can look at my instagram instagram.com/mayrarosadoart/?hl=en and give me your advice I need them and I value a lot. You were my inspiration for me to decide to paint. I am Hispanic born in New York but I grew up in Puerto Rico.😍 excuse me if I write a wrong word in English..😅😀

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

@@MRosado383 okay, got it. So you're into mixed media then! You should watch this series then (if you haven't already!). You can learn how I layer up my supplies! Colored pencils can be added in the Gelato (3rd) layer. Here's the link to that series! Http://bit.ly/hamburgerseries I hope that helps!!

[@MRosado383]

@@KarenCampbellArtist thank you so much

[@williamzaneski2077]

What kind of Stabilo are you using?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Stabilo All in Black

[@letsmakeamesstoday]

this is amazing!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks!!

[@Sunflower-rx8rf]

Stunningly beautiful. I never thought to use gesso, clever. I’ll have to give it a try..😊 Someone else asked if the stabilo will run if you try to seal the artwork.....have you had any experience, good or bad with this?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great question! If you activate all of it with the Gesso, it shouldn't move too much again. But to be safe, just use a spray. I love Americana Acrylic Spray/Sealer!

[@Sunflower-rx8rf]

Karen Campbell, Artist - that makes sense! Thank you.

[@fortierdawn]

Is there a big difference between Liquitex Basics Gesso and their Professional Gesso? There's a huge price difference, so I'm assuming there is.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I find the professional one to be thinner, I do prefer it!

[@johayes7953]

Amazing

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!

[@Lklkpoi]

So beautiful 😍

[@LadyInTheTree]

I love clear gesso but like you said it has its place - I like using it when I am doing a more abstract fun style art page that’s more texture based then shape based - I would hate it for more face / subject matter style pages. I am not going to lie I never thought to mix it for skin tones ... it should be common sense but never thought of it! So thanks for that lol!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yeah, it's weird stuff the clear! Altho a sub (above) mentioned the Dina Wakely gesso isn't granular so maybe we could both give that a shot some time!

[@SunshineLeclair]

thanks for this video ;) great info .... btw I like your neaklace, where did you find it, or how did you make? ;)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks!! I bought it at Lazy Daze (a huge arts/crafts show in NC!!), it's one of my faves, thanks!!

[@jennief2108]

i like all types, depends what I am doing. Thank you x

[@midnightcrafter1618]

Wow! Gorgeous!! 😍USA

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Midnight Crafter16 thanks so much!!

[@victoriamichalik1797]

Do you spray a fixative after all dry? If so, any particular one?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You absolutely don't need to, no. But I love a nice spray varnish and like to use Americana Acrylic Spray/Sealer.

[@valeriesmith7261]

She looks like you Karen. Great job Thanks!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You think so?!? Lol! Thank you Valerie! 😊😘

[@lilarosana3374]

Hi Karen! How are you? Thank you for the video. Please, let me know the name of your book. Thank you again,

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hi Lila! Yes of course, it is called Mixed Media Magic. You can find it on Amazon (paperback or ebook) or you can get it from me directly. Have a beautiful day ❤

[@ronnettebostick7643]

I love you painting

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!!!

[@judyjanemcadam241]

Omg perfect fingers

[@marshastark3306]

Awesome

[@stargirl9870]

That is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for the tips. What is the name of your book?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much!! I have lots of art books (5) and one more due out in the fall! You can see them all on Amazon, just search How to Draw Fun Fab Faces and you can see them all there!