How to Make and Apply

Hard and Soft Gesso

ARCHIVE RECORDING SERIES: Although this particular class has ended the Class Recording series is available and remains viewable with Registration for 1 Year. Sign up to receive the links to watch this previously recorded 2-Part series!

Gesso, the essential foundation for Traditional Water Gilding for frames, furniture, and architectural elements as well as for gilded panels for tempera painting and Iconography, can also serve as a ground for oil gilding and painted finishes to fill the grain for any carved wooden object.

This special two part Masterclass Tutorial explores the many workings of this ancient method of making and applying traditional gesso made of rabbit skin glue, calcium carbonate, and water in a formula of Hard and Soft gesso.

During Part I we focus solely on preparing gesso including the 10 percent glue solution, combining the calcium carbonate and straining followed by the application of glue and fabric to our 10” x 10” Panel. During Part II we apply the gesso to the panel with a precise demonstration of brush application and using our hands to help minimize and prevent pinholes.

All student levels are welcome including beginners as well as those who have attended the Traditional Water Gilding classes (you can never make too much gesso!) along with those who are familiar with gilding but wish to explore this very stable Old English method of Hard and Soft gesso. ~

A Materials list and link for a gilding kit with student discount from Gildedplanet will be provided upon registration along with a link for the Gesso Recipe that you can download..