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gesso Definition

gesso (jes′ō)

noun

plaster of Paris (or, now, chalk) mixed with glue and applied to flat or carved surfaces or as bas-reliefs, etc. and then painted, gilded, etc.

Etymology: It, gypsum, chalk < L gypsum, gypsum

gesso Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • canvas: Black Square 1913 2006 oil, graphite, gesso on canvas 36 inches by 36 inches Another variation on the golden rectangle.

Adjective modifier

  • acrylic: This medium should be applied over an acrylic gesso primed surface.
  • colored: Using acrylic with Clear Gesso Base, you can make your own colored gesso.

Modifies a noun

  • panel: Drawing room fireplace Drawing room, bay windows The gesso panel has been produced by Margaret Mackintosh and is very detailed.
  • ground: Applying layers of color onto a gesso ground enables light to reflect back from the whiteness of the surface to give a luminous quality.
  • layer: On the cheek piece where another piece of wood had been added, the gesso layer was quite thick - perhaps 2mm.
  • overmantel: His wife Margaret MacDonald contributed all fabric designs and a unique gesso overmantel.
  • work: A lush Arts and Crafts crucifixion surmounts the altar, done in gesso work on wood.