Best type of Gesso for watercolors/oils?

Question

I know there are different types of gesso, but when artist books say use gesso, they don't say what type. Which would be best for watercolors and which would be best for oils? And if its up to me to decide, than how are each type used, so that I can pick which sounds best?

Thanks

Answer 1

Use an acrylic gesso. Normally this comes in white. You can add watercolor to it to give it a different shade however you don't need to use gesso to prime a canvas. You can use it as a medium as it is or watered down.



Here are my recommendations:

+ Acrylic Gesso will work fine, however it comes in white which is very hard to paint on for beginners (if you are a beginner). Colors come out super bright because you are competing with the white.

+ Use the paint located at the link below as a canvas primer. Get Neutral Grey. This helps with colors and really tones down your canvases. It helps out a lot.

http://www.utrechtart.com/dsp_view_products.cfm?classID=1014&subclassID=101413&brandname=Utrecht%20Artists%27

+ Whether you use neutral gray or white your canvas should match your paper.



Trust me going neutral gray on my canvas and palette help me out tremendously. It's hard to mix on white, the pros do it but they have been painting for years. Make it a little easier for your self.



Hope that helps.

Answer 2

dont mess up, use watercolor paper for the watercolors and a canvas for oils