plein air and a great trick when preparing your ground

You know I can't say enough good things about painting in plein air, even if the purpose is purely personal, rather than to sell. There is no studio replacement for studying the color and discovering possibilities.

Being there is like having x-ray vision glasses. You look more than paint. Study what is underneath. Spend time painting the color that glows from beneath rather than what is on top. Does that make sense?

Now finally I will answer one of the questions I was asked.
How do I prepare my wood supports?

Answer: After building the structure with wood bracings I coat the front of the panel with Gamblin Oil Painting Ground. It's an alkyd that makes a strong, bright, non-absorbent foundation for oil paintings. Colors are more brilliant and "glowy" on it. 
Tools necessary: 2 large brushes (one for Gamblin alkyd, one for golden acrylic gesso), a container of each ground-Gablin and Golden,  palette knife, throw away gloves, sandpaper, and time

I wear gloves and use a palette knife to scoop out this thick goopy ground. Once it is on the wood I spread with a brush while using vigorous strokes.

sorry for the odd angle ..it was wet

I apply one coat and let it dry for about 24 hours, but not more than 48 hours. Sand lightly or heavily, depending on the amount of smoothness of the direction of underneath patterns you want. Before putting on the second layer I coat the back side of the panel (the side with bracings) with Golden acrylic gesso (less expensive, easier.) This is done to prevent warping. 
Now coat the front with a second layer of the Gamblin ground.You must wait 1 week for it to dry before beginning to paint.

Now here is the trick; because you have to wait between layers to paint again, I simply wrap the brush in a plastic bag. It will keep for at least two weeks if the bag is tight around the handle. So far I have not noticed any damage to brushes. My dad taught me this trick when he was here building my studio. We all know we have to take good care of our brushes (and I do) but who doesn't want a good short cut? Happy painting!

the trick