Art Journal Challenge - No Gesso

Note:
Sorry for the typos in the subtitles! I should've proof viewed it before I published it... So in layer two, it's paint, not pain ;) And collag. It's collage :D For some reason it kept cutting off the last letter. Hmph :/

So the other day, I was searching high and low for my gesso, and I just couldn't find it anywhere!! Finally I just gave up. I knew my gesso would eventually pop up somewhere, and I'd bonk myself on the head and say "Oh duh! It was there all along!"

But I really really wanted to paint, but I just couldn't wait until I found gesso. So I took up the challenge! Can we still art journal without gesso?

{What is so important about Gesso?}
Gesso is almost always used as a primer. It's a thick white paint that helps the paper become stronger to holding up lots of paint and collage. Also, if you put Gesso on textured paper, like watercolor paper, it'll give it the smooth surface while still absorbing the paint like paper is supposed to, but not ever letting the paint seep through the whole page.

So in doing this experiment, I'm NOT trying to prove that you don't NEED gesso, I'm just doing a fun experiment on what happens when there is no gesso. And I noticed that my page was very flimsy, and it might take a lot of abuse later on. So lesson learned! Art Journaling with Gesso is possible, but not the best choice!

My Blog: http://awkwardnbeautiful.blogspot.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• art journal
• visual journal
• art
• mixed media
• paper
• gesso
• acrylic
• paint
• pen
• ink
• wild things
• picture

[Daphne12321]

where did you get your art journal? btw i love this song!! :P

[nattym]

@Daphne12321 it's made by Cachet, and I got it at Hobby Lobby but haven't found the same sketchbook in a long time.

[randomdancing8]

Is that just glue that u use to stick on the paper,pictures etc. with?

[nattym]

@randomdancing8 it's actually gel medium, it can be used for a lot of different things but yes, I was using it as glue in the video!

[angelsaremystars]

random question: is that kyo in your t-shirt? :D

[nattym]

@angelsaremystars Why yes, yes it is! :D

[sherrell360]

I love your work, and I totally understand you doing the layers. You can see parts of the layers looking through. It gives it depth and is very cool. Good job, TFS.

[angelsaremystars]

@nattym God t-shirt then :) Love him!

[ubarapara]

lol - Second Layer: Pain

[bytonynguyen]

Thanks so much for sharing.