It is my habit to work on a “toned ground” – years ago I worked on a red ground and sometimes ochre. Then I found that a grey-blue background worked best for me — I mix the gesso (if necessary thin a little bit with water to a workable consistency) with Payne’s Grey and then apply two to three coats to the canvas in a swirling motion (let each coat dry to the touch before applying the next) – avoid painting in straight strokes. Let dry overnight before stacking boards or canvas for storage.
