Do I need Gesso

mona wfg · #1 02-09-2006, 08:54 PM

Greetings All,

I am new here and am not all that computer savvy so please bear with me. I do equestrian and wildlife artwork in oil pastel or watersoluble pencils. I have questions about Op's and that is what brought me to WC initially. I am looking forward to exploring the site thoroughly.

Blessings
Mona

Rose Queen · #2 02-09-2006, 08:57 PM

Welcome to WetCanvas!

I've moved your post to the Oil Pastels forum, but if you find later that you need any help navigating the site, please c'mon back to the New User forum.

**Alan Cross** · #3 02-10-2006, 03:10 PM

Hi and welcome to Wet Canvas. Enjoy the pastel forum...
Alan

The Art Corner · #4 02-10-2006, 03:20 PM

Welcome Mona. What are your questions?

**Pat Isaac** · #5 02-10-2006, 04:14 PM

Welcome to the OP forum. Let us know what you need.

pat

**sundiver** · #6 02-10-2006, 09:06 PM

Ok, you have our attention! Welcome to the Oil Pastels Forum!
You'll find lots of good info in the Pastel Library, and I think you'll find this to be a friendly and supportive forum.
And, some use gesso, some don't. Some say the oil pastels contain acid that would eventually eat the paper, others disagree.

mona wfg · #7 02-10-2006, 11:29 PM

This post was a bit of an error on my part. I did further explain myself in another post. Oops. My art business is largely dependant on digital technology you would think I would be better at working on computers.

Anyway, I guess I am looking for some hard rules that would apply to the use of gesso. I have done alot of searching and googling and can't find anything for certain. I've got some handmade paper that I want to work on but my concern is for the longevity. I earn my living selling my art and so archivability is a major issue for me. I am not comfortable putting out some work that may degrade in a short period of time. Ideally I want it to last the lifetime of the buyer.

Thanks for the welcome from all. I am the only artist I know of who does finished work with OPs and I am excited to meet others. Mind you I live in the boonies in Iowa.

**Pat Isaac** · #8 02-11-2006, 07:38 AM

Glad to have another OP artidt here. Welcome again.

I work on Wallis or Colorfix paper with my OPs so do not need Gesso. At times when I have used Gesso I use it on 140 pound Arches watercolor paper and that is archival and I also use it on Museum board which is archival. How were you planning on using the gesso? What do you normally use for a support?

Pat

mona wfg · #9 02-11-2006, 10:17 AM

I usually use museum board. I like the smooth surface and the pastels go on so silky. Also I have not gessoed anything I've done in the past. It's just a dear friend made this wonderful paper (without sizing) and I have all these ideas for it. It has fabulous deckling and I am quite inspired by it. Maybe I'll just have to let the idea go. I tried to gesso a sample piece and it had a strong resist which I didn't much care for, being the creature of habit that I am.

mona wfg · #10 02-13-2006, 09:13 PM

I think I have something that will work. I got another type gesso and it seems to work ok. If (when) I get a piece done on the handmade paper I will be sure to post it.

Thanks to all.

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