The Simple Panel Prep Trick That Saves You Half the Time (And Half the Gesso)

The most amazing thing happened yesterday while we were setting up for the Mexico retreat.

I was preparing wood panels with Kate, one of our coaches, as we got ready for all the participants who would be arriving soon. We had dozens of panels to prep, and I was doing what I’ve always done. Coating the front with gesso, then covering the entire back to prevent warping.

It works perfectly, but it takes forever and uses so much material.

Then Kate showed me something that completely changed my approach.

The Problem Every Artist Knows

You know how wood panels can warp when you paint on just one side? The moisture from the paint causes the wood to expand unevenly, and suddenly your beautiful flat surface is curved and challenging to work with.

I’ve always solved this by gessoing both sides completely. First, the front, then the entire back surface. It creates balance and keeps everything flat.

But here’s what Kate taught me that I never would have thought of in a million years…

Kate’s Brilliant Solution

Kate had this completely different approach that I’d never seen before. Instead of what I was doing, she does something so simple but so effective.

It prevents warping just as well as my method, but uses half the gesso and half the time.

I’ve been painting for decades, and this never occurred to me.

 

 

The Magic of Learning in Community

What strikes me most about this moment isn’t just the practical value of Kate’s technique. It’s how learning happens when artists come together.

When you’re in a room with other creative people, sharing the process, these little gems just emerge naturally—different perspectives, new approaches, fresh solutions to old challenges.

Kate has been using this technique for years. It never occurred to her that it wasn’t common knowledge. I had my way, and that worked. It never occurred to me to question it.

But when we were working side by side, the conversation naturally led to “Oh, here’s how I do this.”

And suddenly, my entire approach improved.

Beyond the Technique

This experience reminds me that some of the best learning happens not when we’re isolated in our studios, but when we’re open to what others bring to the creative table.

Every artist has developed their own solutions to common problems. When we share those solutions, everyone benefits.

The information flowing between artists in the community is incredible. It’s not just about techniques. It’s about different ways of seeing, thinking, and approaching creative challenges.

The Ripple Effect

Kate’s technique is going to save me hours of prep time and money on materials. But more than that, it’s reminded me to stay curious about other people’s methods.

How many other elegant solutions are out there that I haven’t discovered yet? How many ways of approaching familiar challenges differently?

This is why I love these retreats. The collaborative learning that happens when artists work together is irreplaceable. Every participant brings their own discoveries, their own ways of seeing. The learning flows in all directions.

When was the last time you learned a technique from another artist? When did you last share one of your own discoveries?

The creative journey doesn’t have to be solitary. Some of our best breakthroughs come from the generous sharing that happens when artists support each other’s growth.

What’s the best art tip you’ve ever learned from another artist? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.


Keep painting,

Nicholas