Friday, September 11, 2009

Cheyenne, gold & silverpoint, 10"x14", 9/11/09 $150


We had Cheyenne again this week and since I had already done an oil painting last week, I thought I would try out my new gesso for gold and silverpoint.   I prepared the paper by soaking it in water then taping it down to a board.   After it had dried I applied two layers of silverpoint drawing ground.   I lightly sanded with a 400 sand paper.  The paper must have been too thin because it developed some buckling which I didn't care for.   Next time I will use an illustration board or much heavier paper.   They recommend 2 or 4 ply strathmore.  I think I used 2 ply.    The ground is absorbed in to the paper rather quickly making it difficult to get an absolutely smooth surface.  I worked very fast but maybe did not use enough of a pool in the middle to spread.   The head study came out ok, I like the hands the best.     Ya'll know how I love to do hands.  Also a draw back of this gesso is that you absolutely cannot erase and it is very hard to get an even grey tone.