BobBlast 389 - "Why Start with Colored Gesso"

Weekly BobBlast Issue 389 Why Start with Colored Gesso Welcome Back to Another BobBlast! This BobBlast answers the question I often hear at workshops: Why do you start a painting first with a warm colored gesso? And as I always say… the short answer is this is the technique taught in art school: Tone the surface first. If you start with a mid-tone, like orange - your painting is halfway completed! I start by putting Holbein Acrylic Orange Gesso (they have 22 different colors of gesso) all over the surface. Holbein paints and gesso are heavily pigmented, so I can use lots of water. The gesso can spread out, without loosing its potency of color, as you can see in the video demo. Here's a bit of basic info about gesso - I put gesso on all my surfaces first - because I expect the paint to react the same, whether it is on canvas, wooden panel or paper. Gesso makes the substrate/surface the same... levels the playing field, so to speak. A coat or two of gesso will produce the same expected results on all surfaces, whether it is your standard white gesso, or a colored gesso. Standard play time in the studio can start this way: Apply Orange Gesso, let dry Start painting with acrylic paint, any color While top layer is still wet, scrape and scratch into the surface, revealing the colored gesso layer underneath Painting and drawing on top of a colored gesso surface adds just enough joie de vivre! Reminder - December 14, 2021 Artists in Action: Online Gallery? Try Pinterest Sponsored by West Business Development Center  Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 PM PST This is a FREE seminar Register here: https://www.westcenter.org/workshops/... New Sale! - 25% discount - All Digital Products! Includes eWorkbook, Color Wheel Kit, Studio Guides and eNotes! You can always get a 10% discount with this code: BOBBLAST Click https://robertburridge.com/special-sale/ to go to the Special Sales product page. Online Workshops Coming Up! Sponsored by the Sedona Arts Center • Abstract Figure - Undraped & Costumed Model •May 6-8, 2022 •July 22-24, 2022 •October 14-16, 2022 https://sedonaartscenter.org/product/... We are Open and Ready to Welcome You! Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops 2022 Schedule on our Website More Details - https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s... Burridge Studio Online Workshop Coming Up… Non-Objective Abstract Paintings • January 6-7, 2022 Abstract Figure Painting • February 8-9, 2022 https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit... Enjoying watching Bob's Demos? Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work. •January 3, 2022 "Using Neutrals in your Paintings" •February 7, 2022 "Hearts and Flowers" •March 21, 2022 "Creating a Series, Using the 5Cs" https://robertburridge.com/monthly-de... Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one Critiques • Comments • SuggestionsMore information - https://robertburridge.com/burridge-c... • Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website! • Bob's been busy! Lots of new work! And the SOPs are back! https://robertburridge.com/available-... Ongoing Virtual Exhibits! We are hosting several ongoing Virtual Exhibits on FaceBook - Burridge Studio Groups. Join the groups and post your work! Your work must match the theme of the group. •Windows •Let's Dance •Love Notes •Light at the End of the Tunnel