omg i was going crazy why the background i am painting has all lines and streaks , and why few parts just refuse to get coated with color no matter how much paint i apply ...this is indeed great help thanks a lot you are amazing teacher and i am learning a lot from you
I am a beginner in Acrylic painting. Your instruction is so helpful and valuable. No wonder my paint can't spread out evenly. Thank you for your teaching.
I FINALLY found a video showing me the issue I've been going nuts trying to figure out. Gesso your canvases no matter what! Store bought ones aren't primed right or something, but i visually see the issue i had. Thank you soooo much.
ive been painting on pre-primed canvases for so long just struggling with all my paint being soaked up! Thank you so much for this, i always thought i wouldnt need to prime if they already are.
THANK YOU !!!!! I didn't know why the canvas was sucking up all my paints......I was about to pull my hair out my head. I didn't understand because I bought prepared canvas's..... Thanks so much ! :)
Thank you. I have always gessoed my canvases, primarily because I paint "wet on wet" but my canvases are always primed as you demonstrate. I teach this in classes also.
Thank you, Clive!!!! I have been scouring the internet for a while trying to find out how to make my canvases smooth and now you've shown me how to step by step. Thanks!!
I was really torn between putting a layer of gesso again to the pre-primed canvass i bought, or will just paint tonit directly. Thank you for this vid! You bring enlightenment to my confusion hahahahahaa
Thank you for the very informative lesson. I was really surprised when you placed the canvases side by side. I just ordered gesso tonight after watching your video. Thank you so much.
I only painted in oil and water color for years until I became allergic to one of the oil panting product.I stopped painting for a few years but started again with acrylics.I was not so happy with the end results until I came across your videos. You've taught me all I needed to know and I'm so grateful.Thank you so much! I'm subscribing.Love and Light....
Great!! By George, I think you have got it! I have learned more from you than you can imagine. I will continue watching you. Altho that is not much. I am going to learn what I can. Fantastic.
Love your channel. Very concise and you don't leave out details that beginners need. Love how on your tutorials you change cameras when you apply the paint to the brush! Super helpful, lots of videos leave that out
Okay, just like any technique, there are some slight differences. First, when applying gesso, don't go for massive layers of primer as this will later warp your canvas or create a very plastic like surface to work on. Gesso is merely to add tooth to the canvas itself because it is often white acrylic mixed with a bonding agent; clear gesso contains no white acrylic hence it's colorless once dried after applying. Second, if a person is like me, a thin layer of gesso goes down. I mean, THIN. to the point where it may seem non-existent. Again, this is merely to add tooth and even then, not all canvas need such strict preparation. Wood is a very good example of this, requiring only really enough sanding for the ink or, in this case, paint to absorb into the wood fibers evenly. You are right about dust and oils. But simply cleaning your canvas before use can help for this. Some use a thick clean brush and others simply use a slightly moist paper towel. Either way, a coat of gesso is really all that is necessary unless you are wanting to build in thicker layers. Otherwise, even three coats of gesso is fine but should be tempered down with a thin sanding once the gesso is dried. Just my experiences...
Im starting with acrylic painting, and kept hearing about priming the canvases, but in none of the videos they explained it, one search took me here and now I know 2 big mistakes I guess beginners often will do, that I wont, thank you for this informative video! Gesso allready ordered :)
I am an oil painter who Is new to Acrylics. This was very helpful! Your instructions are so easy to follow and to remember because you give reasons each step is necessary. Thank you, Clive! I am going to subscribe now.
I didn't know any of this. I touch my canvas when opening. Then rub my hand over the surface to feel if it is smooth. I've told the instructor that my canvas sucks up the paint and I have to use tons of paint but never get a good response. Now I know how to fix ! Can't wait to try to paint with a properly prepped canvas. THANK YOU, Clive.
Never rub your hand on the canvas as you put grease on it and the paint may not stick correctly gesso the canvas and you will find it’s much better for you
Thank you! I have use acrylics sporadically for a couple of years and now I'm officially retired..... can't tell you how much this makes sense!!!! I just love to understand the "why" behind every tutorial....When instructions , for anything, say don't do this or don't do that... without an explanation of why? or this will happen if you do....etc. it just leaves me feeling stumped! Again, thank you for the clear explanations in your tutorials...."the why's and why not's , or else....:) " It's much appreciated!!!!
Im a beginner at painting so I’ve never applied this gesso or medium and am currently trying to learn so I’ve bought a kit and everything so I want to make sure I’m doing it right by learning the basics. I’m the same way with many things. I like to know the science or reasoning behind it. We’re like curious children “but why?” Haha
Now I understand why I am having some trouble with paints. I always have clean hands when I take them out of the wrapper, and thought they were "ready to go." This explains a lot. I keep thinking it is the brand or quality of paint, but I will gesso the next one. Thank you again, Clive for another great tip!
I’ve just started learning to draw and paint and found your channel. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you so much for all the time you’ve put into your channel which is helping newbies like me.
I always thought priming was optional depending on what look you're wanting. I still think if you're going for a certain look not priming will work but I've struggled with paint dragging, streaking, and looking just...bad since I've started painting and now I have a much better grasp on WHY you prime. Thank you!!
that was a very informative video. Thank you. I'm a new artist in the painting world, so I didn't even know how to apply the gesso into the canvas. I liked seeing the difference between the canvases.
Thank you so much for your videos. I am a beginner as well. I have a disability and use one hand which is my non-dominant hand. I always wondered how other artist are able to make their paintings smooth. I tried gesso but only one coat. I will follow your advice about how to prime canvas’ and to choose the. better canvas. I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for the video it is very timely. I like how you show the reason it's so important instead of just saying do as I do. Excellent work, keep it up
Buddy! I really appreciate the video and I am going to try this. With that said, I hope that it works because your brush strokes on the first canvas were completely different than those to the second.
Thank you Clive... I get so excited when I am ready to start a new piece I have forgotten to prepare my canvas! After watching this it makes me feel like the guy that jumps into the rowboat to go a fishing without the oars! Thanks!
This is very useful, especially the side by side comparison. That problem is exactly what has been frustrating me, I ended up using a lot of paint or painting multiple layers. Thank you so much! But so if you apply extra gesso, do you still need to mix the acrylic paint with gel medium? Seems like gesso works fine making the paint flow better already.
Dunno why but I stopped painting for a year because I was not into priming canvases and thought it too complicated. So but I knew when I didn’t prime/gesso, my paintings were bleeding right through the canvas and it was very frustrating. Now I am going to always prime. Thanks.
Even though this video is five years old, it is one of the most important. I had not understood the reason to prime a canvas that was pre-primed straight from the package. Now I will prime all my canvases.
If you are working with acrylic paint do you need to prime with acrylic gesso, or Can you prime the canvas with white paint? Thank you for this wonderful explanation. I am just starting to teach myself how to paint and found your video to be really helpful.
Hi Sara all surfaces need priming a gesso is a chalk based primers which has a porous nature so your acrylic paint will adhere to if you use normal acrylic white one it will be very expensive and two there's a good chance your paint will flake if cost is an issue use some matt whit house hold emulsion it was just as good thanks Clive
Hi Clive, I just started painting again at age 56, lol. I'm so glad I saw this about gesso and priming my canvasses. Could you please tell me if I can use semi gloss house paint for my gesso. I'm painting on a budget, so I'm checking out all I can to make my paintings correctly. I am excited to get started. Thank you so much for everything. I could use all the help I can get, lol. Just want to prep the right way.
G'day Clive ... Gesso I bought is very thick. Can I water it down to running consistency to prime my canvasses? About to check out your DIY gesso vid. Thanks for all the great info in your vids. Very helpful for beginners.
I’ve just started, and I’ve painted my mother a picture for Mother’s Day. However, I knew nothing about this and went straight into canvas. I also didn’t have proper paint because I couldn’t afford any, so used my kids’ poster paint. Not ideal I know, but I love the painting and will she. However, it’s covered in cracks (as you’ve probably guessed). Is there anything I can do to try and prevent it from all flaking off? A lacquer or varnish?
You make good videos. ... thank you.
Thank you for your support
omg i was going crazy why the background i am painting has all lines and streaks , and why few parts just refuse to get coated with color no matter how much paint i apply ...this is indeed great help thanks a lot you are amazing teacher and i am learning a lot from you
+artpassion gesso is very important thank you
I am a beginner in Acrylic painting. Your instruction is so helpful and valuable. No wonder my paint can't spread out evenly. Thank you for your teaching.
Glad it helped
You are so right! I have always thrown away those wooden pieces because I didn’t know what they were. Now I won’t. Lol 😄
I FINALLY found a video showing me the issue I've been going nuts trying to figure out. Gesso your canvases no matter what! Store bought ones aren't primed right or something, but i visually see the issue i had. Thank you soooo much.
They are printed but could be contaminated priming is not gesso
Wow...Thank you for helping me understand why my paints were dragging / not smearing on smooth!
It's called an eureka moment understand simple things makes all the difference
You’ve just changed my life . Thank you , I’m a true beginner and I didn’t know any of these tips
Thank you I’m so happy I’m helping
ive been painting on pre-primed canvases for so long just struggling with all my paint being soaked up! Thank you so much for this, i always thought i wouldnt need to prime if they already are.
Primed means the canvas is ready but gesso has to be added to help the paint grab to a clean surface
THANK YOU !!!!! I didn't know why the canvas was sucking up all my paints......I was about to pull my hair out my head. I didn't understand because I bought prepared canvas's..... Thanks so much ! :)
+P Schaubhut mist people thing the canvas is ready to paint on but it's not that's why I made video happy it helped
Same! :)
Thank you. I have always gessoed my canvases, primarily because I paint "wet on wet" but my canvases are always primed as you demonstrate. I teach this in classes also.
Good to hear thank you
Good grief! Now I know why I was having trouble with drawing the paint over the canvas. Off to prime my next one...
It helps so much
Thank you, Clive!!!! I have been scouring the internet for a while trying to find out how to make my canvases smooth and now you've shown me how to step by step. Thanks!!
So happy to help many people think canvas is ready to paint but they only seal the canvas we must put gesso on to help with the painting flow
Thanks you are so kind to share all of your knowledge with us I'm learning so much thanks again !Love your humor!
Your very welcome thanks
Clive
Thank you for posting ALL your videos!
Happy to make them for you
I am viewing this in Australia as an addition to my current arts course. Nice & simple videos. Cheers
Thanks for explaining this little steps, they make a huge difference.
Your very welcome I enjoy showing how to rather than letting people guess
I was really torn between putting a layer of gesso again to the pre-primed canvass i bought, or will just paint tonit directly. Thank you for this vid! You bring enlightenment to my confusion hahahahahaa
Thank you for the very informative lesson. I was really surprised when you placed the canvases side by side. I just ordered gesso tonight after watching your video. Thank you so much.
That's great I'm happy that it helped you
I only painted in oil and water color for years until I became allergic to one of the oil panting product.I stopped painting for a few years but started again with acrylics.I was not so happy with the end results until I came across your videos. You've taught me all I needed to know and I'm so grateful.Thank you so much! I'm subscribing.Love and Light....
Acrylic is good when you know how and I too stoped using oil as I had a reaction
Great educational video. Your expertise is very much appreciated as l am a beginner. 🇨🇦
Great!! By George, I think you have got it! I have learned more from you than you can imagine. I will continue watching you. Altho that is not much. I am going to learn what I can. Fantastic.
Love your channel. Very concise and you don't leave out details that beginners need. Love how on your tutorials you change cameras when you apply the paint to the brush! Super helpful, lots of videos leave that out
A lot of practice teaching it’s important to show the little things
You are the only one who gives exact informations on acrylic paints in simple words! Your vedios has helped me so much.... Thanx😍
Thank you 🙏
Amazing....these are the types of things I really needed to see ....huge difference it makes.
Okay, just like any technique, there are some slight differences.
First, when applying gesso, don't go for massive layers of primer as this will later warp your canvas or create a very plastic like surface to work on. Gesso is merely to add tooth to the canvas itself because it is often white acrylic mixed with a bonding agent; clear gesso contains no white acrylic hence it's colorless once dried after applying.
Second, if a person is like me, a thin layer of gesso goes down. I mean, THIN. to the point where it may seem non-existent. Again, this is merely to add tooth and even then, not all canvas need such strict preparation. Wood is a very good example of this, requiring only really enough sanding for the ink or, in this case, paint to absorb into the wood fibers evenly.
You are right about dust and oils. But simply cleaning your canvas before use can help for this. Some use a thick clean brush and others simply use a slightly moist paper towel. Either way, a coat of gesso is really all that is necessary unless you are wanting to build in thicker layers. Otherwise, even three coats of gesso is fine but should be tempered down with a thin sanding once the gesso is dried.
Just my experiences...
Im starting with acrylic painting, and kept hearing about priming the canvases, but in none of the videos they explained it, one search took me here and now I know 2 big mistakes I guess beginners often will do, that I wont, thank you for this informative video! Gesso allready ordered :)
Thank you so much 😊
I am an oil painter who Is new to Acrylics. This was very helpful! Your instructions are so easy to follow and to remember because you give reasons each step is necessary. Thank you, Clive! I am going to subscribe now.
You are bloody superb.I thank you a million times.Never heard about Gesso or what it's for until today..Brilliant,thank you again/
Happy to help and thank you
Thanks for lesson. I'm planning on painting a abstract Godzilla.
Very useful! As a beginner I didn´t know. Canvases say they´re already done it...!
I didn't know any of this. I touch my canvas when opening. Then rub my hand over the surface to feel if it is smooth. I've told the instructor that my canvas sucks up the paint and I have to use tons of paint but never get a good response. Now I know how to fix ! Can't wait to try to paint with a properly prepped canvas. THANK YOU, Clive.
Never rub your hand on the canvas as you put grease on it and the paint may not stick correctly gesso the canvas and you will find it’s much better for you
Thank you! I have use acrylics sporadically for a couple of years and now I'm officially retired..... can't tell you how much this makes sense!!!! I just love to understand the "why" behind every tutorial....When instructions , for anything, say don't do this or don't do that... without an explanation of why? or this will happen if you do....etc. it just leaves me feeling stumped!
Again, thank you for the clear explanations in your tutorials...."the why's and why not's , or else....:) " It's much appreciated!!!!
Thank you I found the same that's why I explain all lessons are at ua-cam.com/users/Clive5art
Im a beginner at painting so I’ve never applied this gesso or medium and am currently trying to learn so I’ve bought a kit and everything so I want to make sure I’m doing it right by learning the basics. I’m the same way with many things. I like to know the science or reasoning behind it. We’re like curious children “but why?” Haha
Now I understand why I am having some trouble with paints. I always have clean hands when I take them out of the wrapper, and thought they were "ready to go." This explains a lot. I keep thinking it is the brand or quality of paint, but I will gesso the next one. Thank you again, Clive for another great tip!
It helps to know what can save a head ache I have learned the hard way that's why I do what I do to help people like yourself thanks Clive
Nice video want to get into canvas art and this is something that is helpful to know before hand, thank you
I’ve just started learning to draw and paint and found your channel. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you so much for all the time you’ve put into your channel which is helping newbies like me.
Thank you for your support
I made my own gesso today, it was perfect! Thank you. I love your videos!
Thank you
I am a new painter and appreciate your tips! Ty!
Keep up the good work you will get there
Great video and thank you for the side by side at the end it helped shut up my inner skeptic real quick ... will be watching more
Thank you for your support
Thank-you very much! Your tips are like going to art school for free!
So kind thank you
You are terrific. THANK YOU so MUCh, Clive!
What an 'AHA Moment' - I thought I'd 'lost it' completely. Now I can see if I ever really had it. ; )
Somethings we miss make it so difficult it's always a simple thing that makes a difference
CLIVE5ART
Yes...sometimes it makes ALL the difference! I'll always be grateful.
I always thought priming was optional depending on what look you're wanting. I still think if you're going for a certain look not priming will work but I've struggled with paint dragging, streaking, and looking just...bad since I've started painting and now I have a much better grasp on WHY you prime. Thank you!!
Primer is different from gesso primer is just Matt paint where as gesso is a chalk based preparation coat which works well for acrylic
Superb painting, Clive! You make it look so easy... You have a natural talent.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
very important and informative......thank u clive
Glad to be of help
I surely thot buying them pre primed was the the thing to do. I see the difference now. Thank you, Clive
Clive, pleasant personality and your videos are so informative and thorough ! A fan of yours now! Great presentations!
Thank you so much 😊
Thanks Clive, easy to follow ...
Happy to help thank you
WOW !!!! great advice !!!!
that was a very informative video. Thank you. I'm a new artist in the painting world, so I didn't even know how to apply the gesso into the canvas. I liked seeing the difference between the canvases.
Wow! I did not expect that much of a difference - great video, thank you!
It makes a whole lot of difference try it it works and makes the paint a lot smoother
Thank you so much for your videos. I am a beginner as well. I have a disability and use one hand which is my non-dominant hand. I always wondered how other artist are able to make their paintings smooth. I tried gesso but only one coat. I will follow your advice about how to prime canvas’ and to choose the. better canvas. I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Thank you so happy to help. Only disability beginners have is not painting so keep up the good work
no wonder my paint on the brush never seems to be enough. thank you
Very helpful. Thank you for your guidance!
Thank you 😊
That is fantastic! So glad you compared the two!
It makes a large difference
Hi Clive I’ve just started acrylic painting and your lessons have been very helpful... thanks for your effort
Thank you Clive! You're so informative to us newbies!
Aways willing to help
Thank You. Informative ! Very True . & As a Former Car Body-Man, CLEAN Surfaces & Priming Is Essential To Adhesion & Flow out of Paints
Very true prep is everything
Thank you for the video it is very timely. I like how you show the reason it's so important instead of just saying do as I do. Excellent work, keep it up
Thank you 😊
Thank you for taking the time to make this video sir, I went through many videos before I found this one, the right one.
Thanks so much
I like your videos. They're very informative.
Thank you
Buddy! I really appreciate the video and I am going to try this. With that said, I hope that it works because your brush strokes on the first canvas were completely different than those to the second.
It's not so much of the brush strokes more about the flow of the paint it's a tried and tested approach and hope it helps you
Thank you Clive - awesome advice 😊
Thank you so much for your support
Thank you! Beginner looking for some good instruction and your video was very informative and simple😌
Thank you so much.. At last I found what I search for. 🙏
Thank you Clive... I get so excited when I am ready to start a new piece I have forgotten to prepare my canvas! After watching this it makes me feel like the guy that jumps into the rowboat to go a fishing without the oars! Thanks!
Lol good one been there a few times for sure
Thank you. Just the information I was looking for.
This is very useful, especially the side by side comparison. That problem is exactly what has been frustrating me, I ended up using a lot of paint or painting multiple layers. Thank you so much!
But so if you apply extra gesso, do you still need to mix the acrylic paint with gel medium? Seems like gesso works fine making the paint flow better already.
Hi thank you so much for theese tips! So helpful. Should I do the same for painting with acrylics on paper?
Dunno why but I stopped painting for a year because I was not into priming canvases and thought it too complicated. So but I knew when I didn’t prime/gesso, my paintings were bleeding right through the canvas and it was very frustrating. Now I am going to always prime. Thanks.
People think the canvas is gessoed from the store they are just primed for oils not really for acrylics gesso always
Even though this video is five years old, it is one of the most important. I had not understood the reason to prime a canvas that was pre-primed straight from the package. Now I will prime all my canvases.
No one does but it’s so important
Thank you about the information on the priming of your canvas first. I am just a beginner.
+Maureen Rosewag That's great watch this it may help
ua-cam.com/play/PLaZySNJiYKq_LO7VFgrisRlocaTO8TolA.html
Great video! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for your support
thank you Clivev great class
Thank you your welcome
Soooo helpful!!
Thank you for this, now I understand! 💕
love your lessons. ..
Do kind thank you
Should you wait for gesso to dry before painting with acrylic paint ? I find it difficult to paint on wet gesso.
Thank you for this information
Thank you for this lesson.
Your welcome
Priming a canvas very important . Thanks for video
Thank you for your support
You are a true artist.
Thank you so much
thanks Clive - love your videos and jokes :-)
Thank you so much
Thank you Clive5Art.
Thank you 😊 for your support
You are the BEST
If you are working with acrylic paint do you need to prime with acrylic gesso, or Can you prime the canvas with white paint? Thank you for this wonderful explanation. I am just starting to teach myself how to paint and found your video to be really helpful.
Hi Sara all surfaces need priming a gesso is a chalk based primers which has a porous nature so your acrylic paint will adhere to if you use normal acrylic white one it will be very expensive and two there's a good chance your paint will flake if cost is an issue use some matt whit house hold emulsion it was just as good thanks Clive
Thank you so much Clive. You are right, I did notice I was going through my white paint like crazy.
Glad to be of help
Thank you for your time. I appreciate you for this. Can you do goat eyes? They have rectangular pupils.
Useful....got a lesson tomorrow but I drew on the paper.....now need gesso....
Good information, Thanks
I would love to see more palette knife work. I love poppies and sunflowers
Will be doing something this year thank you
Clive you are so charming & full of Surprises!
That’s so kind thank you
Hi Clive, I just started painting again at age 56, lol. I'm so glad I saw this about gesso and priming my canvasses. Could you please tell me if I can use semi gloss house paint for my gesso. I'm painting on a budget, so I'm checking out all I can to make my paintings correctly. I am excited to get started. Thank you so much for everything. I could use all the help I can get, lol. Just want to prep the right way.
Matt white interior house paint
Thank you CLIVE5ART
Great job thank you
G'day Clive ... Gesso I bought is very thick. Can I water it down to running consistency to prime my canvasses? About to check out your DIY gesso vid. Thanks for all the great info in your vids. Very helpful for beginners.
He learned that canvas good
Wow I learned my lesson.. thank you!!'
Thank you keep watching
Thank you so much for this!
I’ve just started, and I’ve painted my mother a picture for Mother’s Day. However, I knew nothing about this and went straight into canvas. I also didn’t have proper paint because I couldn’t afford any, so used my kids’ poster paint. Not ideal I know, but I love the painting and will she. However, it’s covered in cracks (as you’ve probably guessed). Is there anything I can do to try and prevent it from all flaking off? A lacquer or varnish?
WHOO I have been having that problem BUT NOT NOWTHANKS THANKS 🙏
Thank you 😊
really v hellpful, thankyou for the video
This helps me. I have to do a boat paining and a nice sky in the back ground. Now I see the difference.
Great Mary thanks for all your great comments I'm always here if you need help thanks Clive