Artist's plaster is a type of material used by artists to create a surface for painting. It is also known as gesso, which is an Italian word meaning 'CHALK' or 'GYPSUM'. Gesso is a white, chalky substance made from a combination of GYPSUM, CHALK, and pigment. It is usually applied to a canvas or other surface to provide a smooth, even surface for painting. Artist's plaster is often used in the preparation of artworks, such as frescoes, murals, and sculptures. It can also be used to create texture and depth in paintings.