This was a gamble for me to do, especially on a piece that I'm liking so far, but in a bout of late-night risk-taking mood, I decided to layer the fabric with transparent gesso. I didn't dilute with water or stretch the fabric better, just going at it with gusto. Now dried, it looks and feels fantastic. The oilstick and pastel feels mummified. I can't wait to go in with washy oil paint on top.
