Gesso Colors: A Comprehensive Guide

When working with gesso, it's essential to understand the range of colors available and their historical significance. This guide will explore the primary colors of gesso, its use in restoration, and the modern applications that allow for a broader palette.

Primary Colors of Gesso: White and Black

Gesso, a base coat used in painting preparation, traditionally comes in white. This is due to its historical roots in egg tempera painting. However, modern gessos, especially those with an acrylic base, offer a wider range of colors, including white and black, which remain the most popular choices among artists and restorers.

Modern Gesso: Colors and Versatility

Many contemporary gessos have an acrylic base, allowing for a myriad of colors. Brands like Holbein and Golden offer a variety of hues, ranging from the classic white and black to more specialized colors such as red and grey. These versatile gessos are perfect for creating a unique base for your artwork or restoration projects.

One of the unique features of modern gessos is their transparency. Clear gesso, when applied to wood panels, can help retain the natural texture of the wood while providing a protective layer. This makes it an excellent choice for restoring antique furniture or preserving the authenticity of historical panels.

Traditional Gesso: White and Hard Finish

For those interested in the traditional methods of gesso application, it is important to know that this gesso, often made from animal hide glue and calcium carbonate (white chalk), is traditionally prepared and used in egg tempera and water gilding. It remains white even after drying and offers a very hard finish, making it ideal for restoration work and painting on wooden panels.

Historical Significance and Modern Applications

The use of gesso has a long history dating back to ancient times. Traditional gesso was crucial in the creation of iconic painting techniques and still finds use today. Artists and restorers continue to use gesso in restoration projects, particularly in the restoration of antique furniture and historical artwork.

Acrylic gesso, on the other hand, is valued for its versatility and ease of application. It can be used in a variety of ways to prepare surfaces for painting and can be mixed with various pigments to achieve the desired color. This makes it a preferred choice for contemporary artists working in different mediums.

Conclusion

Whether you are working on a restoration project or creating modern artworks, the choice of gesso color can greatly impact the outcome. From traditional white gesso to modern acrylic gessos in a range of colors, there is a gesso type suitable for every artist's needs. Whether you want a hard, white finish or a more flexible, colored base, understanding the different types of gesso will help you achieve the best results in your projects.

Key Takeaways: - Traditional gesso is usually white and hard, ideal for restoration. - Modern acrylic gessos come in a variety of colors and are versatile for painting. - Clear gesso retains wood texture and is used in restoring antique furniture.