Gesso is a mixture of glue, chalk, and pigment that artists use to prime surfaces to be painted upon. Today, most pre-stretched canvasses have been primed by the manufacturer. However, if I want to paint on a board, or I need to create a custom sized canvas I need gesso before I can apply any paint. Gesso serves as the primer and base layer for paint.
Gesso also serves as a “do over” step in the midst of a project.
Every painting starts with a vision. I have a notion of where I am heading. Sometimes along the way, I realize I have added a color here that is pulling focus—distracting from the focal point. Perhaps I have added an element that doesn’t fit the overall message and vision of the piece—a tree where it doesn’t belong, a setting sun when the horizon should be clear, etc. Other times I realize that while painting a landscape, I have missed the mark on the perspective and/or need to make corrections.
The phrase “gessoing over” has become a phrase synonymous for needing a do-over in my life plans or vision. Think of it as driving down a road and you realize you missed your turn. You stop, back up, and turn around.
Those “do-over” moments are bound to happen when we soar with God to pursue who He created us to be doing what He created us to do.
Times when you find yourself following something that is actually a distraction from your identity and purpose.
Times when you have added something in your life that is taking too much energy and time to allow you to pursue your destiny.
Times when you have pursued your life from your own perspective rather than checking in with Holy Spirit for God’s perspective.
Times when you have not responded obediently to the direction of the Lord and need correction.
The good news is that God does not condemn us for our need for do-overs. The Apostle Paul tells us this in his letter to the Romans.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Gesso covers up and allows for do-overs. Jesus does more than cover up.
When Jesus died and rose from the dead He wiped away our sin. His blood doesn’t cover up our sin. It bleaches it away. It is gone.
Jesus died so that when you mess up the painting of your life, you can stop, back up, and start again.
You can gesso over and repaint God’s masterpiece that is your life.
This painting is from the Fruit of the Spirit Collection. It represents peace. It is one I had to gesso over in one or two places in order to get the perspective and transitions right.