CRUSADE No. 25 ~ Properties of Gesso

 

I'm not an expert on gesso, but I did come across some cool things when working with it in my journal a few years ago.  I discovered it had an incredible resist quality.  Most of us think of gesso as a type of prep or primer for a surface.  If you cover a canvas or page with gesso and let it dry really well (like overnight) then you can paint over it and spray it with water to get a cool speckle effect.  Gesso can also be used to make a textural pattern.  Stamp with it, let it really dry, then paint over it.  You can buff it down with a damp rag and the gessoed area will resist the paint.  Once your paper is super dry you can even use sand paper to reveal more of the image.

Like Crusade No. 21 (back in June) where we did resist with wax rubbings, this is just an exercise to try something new or revisit it.  Spend a day playing with gesso and show us what you discover.  Think of it as a way to make some cool backgrounds in your journal.  (Keep notes in the margin of how you did it.)  Here are some of my studies:

 

    

 

The exercise of trying gesso under, and gesso over, is to get to know how gesso behaves and it's unique properties.  Once you have made a sampler of each try layering more and more with acrylic and gesso.  The key to avoiding muddy colors is to let the page dry between layers.  If there is part of a page you don't like you can re-work it, but wait for some dry time first.  Try monoprinting with gesso, then layer on color.  What?  You want a tutorial on monoprinting?  Stay tuned for a future crusade.

 

 

 

Look like fun?  Try it!  Just think of it as an appointment with creativity and you'll end up with some wicked backgrounds.   You don't have to show us a completed journal page, just show us what you learned by playing with gesso.  New to the Crusades?  You can find out more info at the link upper left or HERE.  Everyone is welcome to come play - it's all about sharing and widening our circle of friends.  If you are a "cruiser", and like to visit the crusades and crusaders but don't participate yet, be sure to leave them a comment.  We all like to be validated, especially when we go out on a limb and share stuff we make in order to encourage others to make cool stuff too.

   

CRUSADE NO. 25 ~ Properties of Gesso DUE DATE: December 1st.

Edit:  Oops!  Forgot to say - leave your participating link in the comments below to be including in the Top Hat Pick.

With the holidays coming up I have an easy crusade planned for December, then we will get back to painting in January.  Try gesso this month - you'll have lots of backgrounds prepared in your journal - ready for the busy weeks ahead.

EDIT:  Archived links have been moved from sidebar to here.

CRUSADE No. 25

• Arlene
  
• Barbara Smith
  
• Becky New
  
• Bre
  
• Chris Miser
  
• Chris Miser (more)
  
• Dale
  
• Elizabeth Woodford
  
• Hanna Andersson
  
• Hedwig
  
• Inge Bekaert
  
• JeriAnn
  
• Johanna Goisser
  
• Julie Prichard
  
• Kathryn Antyr
  
• Kim Mailhot
  
• Kim Tedrow
  
• Laura Bray
  
• Lay Hoon
  
• Leah
  
• Lee
  
• Lorraine
  
• Marci Glenn
  
• Marie Johansen
  
• Megan Warren
  
• Megan Warren (more)
  
• Melissa Sabin
  
• Melissa Sabin (C19)
  
• Michelle Brown
  
• Michelle Ward
  
• Pam Carriker
  
• Paula Long
  
• Paula Long (more)
  
• Robin Mayberry
  
• Rosie Rowe
  
• Sue Pieper (C22 & C24)

Comments

[Chris]

I LOVE gesso.
I'll be on this by tomorrow.

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

I'm a gesso junkie. I'm definitely looking forward to playing with gesso.

I'm in!

[Marie Johansen]

Oh! What fun - I love Gesso ...

[inge Bekaert]

I use gesso a lot lately, but didn't really use it as a resist... must give it a try !

I don't know where I read it, but I discovered there is also BLACK gesso ! I had to look around quite a lot, but finally found it in an artshop. I'm curious how the black gesso might react as a resist...

Talking about backgrounds : I started a new cours in bookbindinglessons and the first one is a creative one ! Preparing paper with all kind of techniques so we can use them afterworths to use for bookcovers.

We started past thursday with playing with colors and I made a post about it.
But as we learn new techniques I surely will share them on my blog. Maybe most techniques will be known, but maybe you can discover new ones !

greets
Inge

[Marci Glenn]

How fun! I love playing with Gesso. As soon as I get home from work I'll be creating some new pages.
xo,
Marci

[Chris]

I finished my first couple of pages and posted them. How fun this was! Thanks for the ideas!

[Sarah]

I'm SO in :) I have a little quilt to make for a fabric round robin I am in - so might try this gesso resist out on a few different fabrics just to see what happens....

[Barbara]

Michelle, thanks so much for the inspiration!! I am working in my DC journal (summer trip) and added some stamped gesso images to a few blank pages. I'll be playing tonight with water and acrylic paints over the gesso, and once all is dry, I'll add my photos and journaling. Looks like I should be able to participate in this fun crusade!! I'll let you know when I have my blog post up.

[Luanne]

wow wow wow! You absolutely inspire me... in all ways. I can't wait to do this one!

[Marci Glenn]

I finished up one page last night. Pretty cool! Take a look, it's on my blog. Hope to get more done after work tonight!

[lorraine]

check my blog to see my messy experiments with gesso. Great to see the challenges are messy again!

[Dale]

I enjoyed this challenge :). I was fascinated by the idea of stamping with gesso. I tried out stamping and using the gesso as a resist for an ATC, and was very pleased with the results.

Thanks for the great challenge! I will probably be trying out more experiments with gesso, as this one turned out so well :).

[Kim]

I am new to these Crusades and I'm so excited to have found out about it. I can't wait to try this this weekend! I think I'll get some better quality gesso first. Mine is the cheapo deapo kind and is super thick. Now, I'm off to look at some of the past Crusades. :)

[Pam Carriker]

I love the smell of gesso-lol! I played, it's posted on my blog, http://www.thebagladysart.blogspot.com
Fun,fun,fun!
xoxo
Pam

[Melissa]

This is a first Crusade for me, but I read them all! I love gesso so I had to participate. There are 3 pages to see at this link.

[Monica Magness]

I'm ges-so Xcited about THIS one! (and for the record, DID last crusade too, but kept it privy 'tween Jeff & I).

Thanks again Michelle, YOU ROCK!

~me :)

[Melissa]

This is pretty late, but wanted to add my stencils for Crusade 19, with 7 pages here. They are pretty addicting. I still have several pages waiting to be cut, and am going to give a two tone a whirl. Let me just add...stencil burners are fantastic!!!

[Jeanne]

Will try the gesso stamps. I've been preparing all my pages with gesso and really like the thicker stuff with not so much water on the paper. Your examples are so cool and inspiring artwork like crazy!

[Julie Prichard]

Gesso? I guess so. :)

http://lostluggage.typepad.com/the_land_of_lost_luggage/2008/11/gpp-street-team-crusade-25--gesso.html

[Chris]

WWWOWWWW!! I've been visiting the players to see what they've done. Aren't all these images amazing? I had no idea gesso could be so cool. It looks so antique-y! Great mood to put to the proper piece.

[lee]

Here are some on mine.....

[Arlene]

I saw Pam Carrikers piece of art for this challenge and had to stop by and check it out for myself. This will be the first crusade for me.

http://alteredbyme.blogspot.com/2008/11/gesso-resist-and-gpp-street-team.html

Arlene

[Rosie]

I had a blast with this one... I found it highly educational too! You know me, Michelle - can't stop, won't stop. Thanks for a great crusade. (((hugs)))

http://alteredartandstuff.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/properties-of-gesso/

[kim mailhot]

Hey Michelle and fellow Crusaders

I just did my post after spending an entire afternoon playing with gesso last Saturday. Thanks for the inspiration to play ! It is so good when I decide to spend that time, just for me and my great "toys".

Thanks, as always, Michelle !
Cheers !
http://queen-of-arts.blogspot.com/2008/11/gpp-street-team-crusade-25-properties.html

[Laura Bray]

Super fun! Thanks for reminding of this technique! http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-havent-participated-in-creative.html

[Elizabeth Golden]

Off to try some of this. I knew I bought that gallon of gesso last weekend for a reason!

[johanna]

finally found the time to take part at the crusade again... i LOVE gesso and will go to check out all the other entries...
thanks for that wonderful challenge theme, michelle!

http://johanna-mixedmediafun.blogspot.com/2008/11/step-by-step-gesso-spidercard.html

[Rosie]

Couldn't help myself... I had to do some more!

http://alteredartandstuff.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/playing-with-paint-again/

[Becky New]

Hey M... I'm back. :)
My gesso page is on my blog:
http://beckynew.typepad.com/beckynew/2008/11/gpp-challenge-25.html

[iHanna]

My crusade post is ready!!!!

it's here:
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=930

thanks Michelle, I do heart the play crusades so much!

[hedwig]

Hi Michelle
as a gesso girl i had a fun time digging through my journalpages to see which to use for this crusade. So you'll find some old and some new pics!
Thanks for this crusade, again: had lot's of fun...
hugs
Hedwig
http://belle2create.wordpress.com/2008/11/23/it-has-been-a-while-back-on-track-with-gesso/

(hope you are doing fine, can imagine thanksgiving and the upcoming festivities for christmas can be difficult...XOXO)

[Lay Hoon]

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for coming out such fun challenge again.
My experiment ....
http://mescrap.blogspot.com/2008/11/gpp-street-team-crusade-25-properties.html

[Elizabeth]

Hi Michelle!
I am sooo glad that I popped by! Yet again you have inspired me- this time to make some fancy tags for some Bird Assemblages that are on their way for a Giving Gallery for the Holidays!!
I took the time to make the tags and made a ahuge batch for the next time- I am usually so stressed to get things on their way that I put the simplest of tags on things- I like this method much more!!
Big Hugs!
Elizabeth

http://elizabethcreates.blogspot.com/2008/11/fancy-gesso-tags-for-birdies.html

[Elizabeth]

Hi Michelle!
I am sooo glad that I popped by! Yet again you have inspired me- this time to make some fancy tags for some Bird Assemblages that are on their way for a Giving Gallery for the Holidays!!
I took the time to make the tags and made a ahuge batch for the next time- I am usually so stressed to get things on their way that I put the simplest of tags on things- I like this method much more!!
Big Hugs!
Elizabeth

http://elizabethcreates.blogspot.com/2008/11/fancy-gesso-tags-for-birdies.html

[Elizabeth]

Hi Michelle!
I am sooo glad that I popped by! Yet again you have inspired me- this time to make some fancy tags for some Bird Assemblages that are on their way for a Giving Gallery for the Holidays!!
I took the time to make the tags and made a ahuge batch for the next time- I am usually so stressed to get things on their way that I put the simplest of tags on things- I like this method much more!!
Big Hugs!
Elizabeth

http://elizabethcreates.blogspot.com/2008/11/fancy-gesso-tags-for-birdies.html

[Michelle Brown]

Yet another great Crusade - I hope all participants survived the Gesso onslaught (it does get stuck onto some unusual places!)

http://aztecmichelle.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/gpp-crusade-no-25-gesso/

Michelle Brown
Melbourne Australia

[Marie Johansen]

YIPPEE! I made the deadline this time. My Gesso delights are on my blog today - well it will be today soon - Tuesday, 25 Nov. at:
http://zquilts.blogspot.com

Blessings to you all & wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love & laughter & the comfort that only friends and family can give.
Marie /Zquilts

[Elizabeth]

Sorry about the triple comment- i had tons of trouble getting my comment posted for some reason. I tried several days ago and it never took!!! Computer gremlins are chasing me!!

But this gives me a chance to wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family, love and support. Shannon will be with you all>
Hugs!
Elizabeth

[Babsarella]

Hey Michelle,
I got my post ready for Friday 11/28 at 7am. You can find my site at http://www.smith411.typepad.com/

Thanks for the challenge and I was so happy I could play along this time!!!

[Kim T.]

Hey Michelle! Thought I'd show up this month, and I'm so glad I did.

Here are my results:

http://kimtedrow.blogspot.com

Thanks for all of your hard work on these challenges!

Best,
Kim

[Megan Warren]

Hi Michelle

Thought I'd make the effort to join in this month's crusade.
http://therosegarden.blogspot.com/2008/11/ive-undertaken-michelle-wards-gpp.html
I want to play some more, so I gesso I'll be back!

Megan

[plo]

Look! I am participating! Ville has been running around with BAM, so I had some extra time on my hands. Heh heh! Thanks for keeping me inspired! Paula Valo http://amothintoabutterfly.blogspot.com

[plo]

Sorry Michelle, my mind was so filled with VILLE that I forgot to leave the actual address of my post...forgive my stupidity....ha...

http://amothintoabutterfly.blogspot.com/2008/11/messin-with-gesso-is-sweet.html

[Leah]

Okay, so I am kind of new to Gesso but have tried it a few times. I've always wanted to do something like what you have pictured here because it's just like some of my favorite scrapbook papers. I tried the techniques you said but for some reason mine just does not look cool and splotchy like yours. I'll definitely keep trying, but does anyone out there have any more tips? any good product suggestions? THANKS!!http://colorfulartgirl.blogspot.com/2008/11/crusade-no-25-properties-of-gesso.html

[Chris]

Did a bit more.
I may take photos again when the sun's fully up, because it might give more detail.
Wanted to get it in.
Take care!
C

[Robin]

I have always used gesso as a practical tool, but it was a whole new world to play with it! It's really thick and heavy and takes up color when you paint over it. What a nifty discovery! Thanks Michelle!

xxoo Robin

http://alchemy-studio.blogspot.com

[Megan Warren]

More gesso in my poetry journal
http://therosegarden.blogspot.com/2008/11/more-gesso-pages-in-my-poetry-journal.html

[inge B]

I MADE IT...

as this is the last day of this crusade, I finally posted my experiences...

You find them here :
http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Artikelen/2008/11/30_GPP_%3A_crusade_25gessoresists.html

Mission accomplished... ready for the next one :)

greetings from Belgium
Inge

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

I'm in under the deadline!

Thanks for the great idea to apply gesso to sponges, stamps,and stencils. I love the resist effect.

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

Oops here is the perma link: http://www.collagediva.com/collagediva/2008/11/gpp-25---gesso.html