First Pic on Gesso

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Comment by Christine Lewis on March 28, 2015 at 8:37

Excellent information! Thank you so much! I am headed to Maine next week, I will look for some while I am there.

Comment by Thomas Ruckstuhl on March 28, 2015 at 8:36

The priming white is more glossy than the gesso. It dries in an hour or two at room temperature or 5 mins in the oven. A second layer will make it even glossier. If you prime with white oil paint you need to wait quite some time.
If you like the gesso the priming white should work well for you too.

Comment by Christine Lewis on March 28, 2015 at 8:01

Thanks guys for the suggestions ( = very helpful!  As far as the white layer, aren't you concerned with it lightening all your subsequent layers if it is wet? I was also wondering if there is a gesso that has a more glossy finish. The only one I can get here is  a mat finish. I thought that could work. I also tried something that Michael mentioned. He said that sometimes Richard will prime with a combination of MS and Alkyd medium. This gave me a nice glossy finish, but I ran out of the Alkyd and it is hard to get here. Just looking for other options. But like I said, the gesso board was interesting to use. I will practice some more ( = Thanks again!

Comment by Thomas Ruckstuhl on March 28, 2015 at 7:43

I use a german brand, Guardi, probably not availible for you. It doesn't matter much i think. Someone gave me a hint with the priming white when i was using gesso and also mentioned a brand that is not availible for me.
It's a water soluble priming white I usually apply one thick layer and dry it 5 min at some 80 degree in my oven and it's ready.

Comment by Jon Main on March 28, 2015 at 7:26

I'm also remembering some artist applying white oil paint thinly with a palette knife and scraping if off to be flat (can't remember who, dash it) - they loved the resulting surface

Comment by Jon Main on March 28, 2015 at 7:18

W&N make an oil-based one, if I remember right - personally, I didn't like it - but it's sure worth trying stuff to find out - might suit you great

Comment by Christine Lewis on March 27, 2015 at 6:15

Thank you, Thomas...I still need to try different things. I might give the priming white a try. Is there a name brand or something?

Comment by Thomas Ruckstuhl on March 26, 2015 at 23:15

Nice work! I worked on gesso for a while until i used a priming white (less absorbent thanpure gesso) instead. The paint flows smoother which i prefer.... A matter of taste. The gesso works well for you apparently!