“The quality of your painting is determined by the quality of your surface. Commercially sold primed canvases are not sufficient enough to paint on directly. There are multiple reasons to add additional gesso layers: to protect the surface from the oil getting through to the other side, causing damage to the fabric and eventually rotting your work; to create a smoother surface for the paint to go on more effectively (you’ll actually economize using less paint this way and the painting will look better); to create a middle tone in the final gesso layer which makes it easier to see your values (the light and dark will read better on a toned ground); finally it saves you from struggling with white canvas showing through making your work look otherwise unfinished. The general rule is to apply thinner layers before thicker ones, so don’t rush and don’t skip diluting the initial layer with water if you are using acrylic gesso. In the old days, you’d actually have to grind animal bones to create your gesso - so don’t think that this is extra work. I recommend that you enjoy the process. I use this time to meditate on what’s to come on my canvas, as if creating a space for my subjects to eventually occupy. I prefer ‘gessoing days’ and doing a bulk of the canvases at the same time, especially if I am in between ideas, but still want to paint. Your hand pressure and brush strokes transmit your energy, and thus your art begins before the image is ever conceived. I don’t mind creating a light ‘wood-like grain’ surface of my gesso strokes, it adds to the sculptural texture of my art. Others might prefer it much smoother. It’s ultimately up to you and your aesthetic choice.”