Hi everyone!
I have a few questions about the “ideal” ground for oil painting. For context, I prefer to paint on panels and use an indirect method, working in multiple glazes with detailed brushwork. Here are the questions I have:
1) One of my painting professors mentioned that traditional chalk ground is far too absorbent for oil paint, and should be reserved for use with mediums like egg tempera. However, I’ve also read some information online claiming that, on the contrary, chalk gesso is ideal for oil paint, and that this ground is what was traditionally used for oil painting prior to the invention of acrylic gesso. So, which is it?
2) If it’s true that early oil paintings (i.e. Van Eyck) were painted on chalk gesso, have they survived hundreds of years in spite of this fact, or because of it?
3) The two types of grounds I’ve used for oil painting thus far are acrylic gesso and Gamblin oil ground. Personally, I’ve found I prefer the slippery-ness and luminosity of oil ground, and also that my paints “sink in” far less. I’ve also heard, however, that this slippery-ness can lead to delamination and cracking problems down the line. Is this true? Would it be better to use acrylic gesso for adhesion purposes? Does this depend on my technique? (alla prima vs. indirect?)
I realize this is many questions and might be complicated, so lengthy and convuluted answers are welcome. Basically, I just want to make sure I’m painting on a surface that will ensure a good amount of longevity.
Thanks!
Audrey
Hi there,
traditional chalk ground with rabbit skin glue is absorbent and risky of paint flake off especially used with solvent, remember old master at 15 century doesnt use solvent. also this gesso is very brittle, only useful on rigid surface not on canvas.
for modern ground, the acrylic which is semi-absorbent that have tooth in microscope, thus bonds oil paint well. and it remains flexible as well.
as to oil ground, the issue is it maybe too fat as in terms of fat over lean rule, and oil ground will be brittle over time as well.
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