In this entry I will document my method for basing a wood board in preparation for egg tempera.

(1) I start the proses by mixing 1 part rabbit skin glue granules with 10 parts water. I leave this to sit for about half an hour before moving on to the next step.






(2) After leaving the mixture to sit I place it in a pan of simmering water and continually mix with a spoon, making sure to clean the granules  that will inevitably stick to the spoon

(3) When the mixture becomes a creamy paste take it out of the water and test to see if it has the right consistency (this can be done by dipping two fingers in to the liquid, waiting for them to dry and see if your fingers stick together while still being able to pull them apart easily).

 (4) spread a single layer of this paste on to your wood board and wait for it to dry.

(5) add a large amount of Gesso Powder in to the glue and mix thoroughly until all powder disappears.

(5) Spread 4-3 coats on to the wood board. Make sure to keep your brush from getting dry since this can lead to pealing. After applying the coats leave to dry. There is the option of sanding down the board once it is dry but I prefer the rough texture of a non sanded board.