Gesso before Watercolor painting?

[AnitaB]

I'd like to know if you guys use gesso before you paint your watercolor? Or is gesso only used for acrylics and oil?! I'm confused on this one.

I've been practicing my brush strokes and different shapes and shades on my standard watercolor paper. I'll probably do this until I feel comfortable attempting a canvas.

[Bill76434]

I paint on watercolour paper which needs no preparation (unless you want to stretch it) I have used white "Watercolour Ground" on other surfaces like wood or metal, or to cover an old painting.
I suppose Gesso would serve the same purpose

[AnitaB]

May I ask what brand/weight paper are you using? I know nothing about stretching paper, but will definitely read up and obtain more info about it.

[nolan]

Anita, Dennis has a class on stretching paper HERE

[AnitaB]

Anita, Dennis has a class on stretching paper HERE

  Nolan!

[Bill76434]

Anita, I have settled on the Saunders Waterford paper, Smooth (hot press), medium and rough. 300g, for my use it doesn't need stretching. Apart from practice pieces for most of my work I  generally use a quarter sheet.

[TeresaM]

From my experience you don't tess watercolour paper as this would not allow the paper to absorb the watercolour paint. I have only used gesso when preparing a surface for acrylic paint.
Lots of great information on YouTube about paper, paints and painting.
Good luck with your painting.