Preparing your base with gesso gives a strong and interesting surface for your daily visual journal. 

Gesso is similar to acrylic paint but thinner and it dries without a glossy finish. It is used to prime canvas before painting so that the weave of the canvas is protected. Without priming the canvas, the paint would sink into the fibers. 

The gesso will stiffen the surface of your paper and give it a nice texture to work with. White is most common, however you can also find colored gesso.  

Start by covering your working surface with parchment paper or something else to protect your surface from the gesso.

Lay your bases on the parchment paper and, using your paintbrush, cover with a coat of gesso. When that is dry, apply another coat of gesso.

If you are using a colored or manilla tag board, you could apply gesso only to the center of the base leaving uneven edges to the white gesso. It is simple but adds interest; the edges provide a type of frame for your work on the white surface.

Also, will see the texture lines of your brushstrokes, which can add interest to your journal page and be used as inspiration for your journal entry.

Supplies:

1. Cardstock base
2. Gesso
3. Paintbrush
4. Water and rags for cleanup

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