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Gesso
01
a primer used to prepare surfaces, particularly canvas, for painting
What is "gesso"?
Gesso is a coating applied to prepare surfaces like canvas or wood before painting. It is usually made from a mixture of white paint, chalk, and a glue-like substance. Gesso creates a smooth, even layer that helps paint stick better and improves the texture and appearance of the final artwork. It also helps to prevent the paint from soaking into the surface, ensuring better color and detail in the painting.
Example
The artist prepared a stretched canvas by stapling raw canvas fabric tightly over a wooden frame before applying layers of gesso.