Until recently I have been using the Acrylic Dispersion Ground (what the manufactures call "gesso" for marketing purposes). Today I decided to make a change and I added the traditional oil ground on the surface of my canvas for its unique texture, look and effect.
My decision of using the oil ground arouse from 2 reasons.
The first reason is because I learned that Acrylic Dispersion Ground is a mixture of Acrylic with pigments and microscopic particles to allow the oil paints to adhere to its surface. These particles in their own way act almost like a fine sand paper towards the brushes causing them to gradually deteriorate. I have seen many of my brushes become shorter and shorter and it has been a concern for quite some time.
The second reason is from a bit of history I learned recently. In the old days in Europe artist used natural sable brushes. They also ground their own paints with linseed oil giving it fluid texture that is friendly to the sables. In the 19th century a change in the texture of paint occurs with the invention of the aluminum paint tubes, it becomes stiffer! These newly packed tubes of stiff paint also brings a new need for stiffer brushes. Hence the hog hair bristle brushes becomes a common site at the easel. These bristle brushes are useful for stiff paint and are durable compared to the sable brushes.
These information has inspired me to re-evaluate my painting surfaces. Personally, I am a fan of fluid paint and sable brushes so I have been gravitating towards the use of the oil ground.
My decision of using the oil ground arouse from 2 reasons.
The first reason is because I learned that Acrylic Dispersion Ground is a mixture of Acrylic with pigments and microscopic particles to allow the oil paints to adhere to its surface. These particles in their own way act almost like a fine sand paper towards the brushes causing them to gradually deteriorate. I have seen many of my brushes become shorter and shorter and it has been a concern for quite some time.
The second reason is from a bit of history I learned recently. In the old days in Europe artist used natural sable brushes. They also ground their own paints with linseed oil giving it fluid texture that is friendly to the sables. In the 19th century a change in the texture of paint occurs with the invention of the aluminum paint tubes, it becomes stiffer! These newly packed tubes of stiff paint also brings a new need for stiffer brushes. Hence the hog hair bristle brushes becomes a common site at the easel. These bristle brushes are useful for stiff paint and are durable compared to the sable brushes.
These information has inspired me to re-evaluate my painting surfaces. Personally, I am a fan of fluid paint and sable brushes so I have been gravitating towards the use of the oil ground.
