Below are a couple of photos of stage two of the project.  I gessoed the piece first and then added plaster to create texture to the flat area.  The plaster has a tendency to crack a bit, so when it dries completely, I’ll fill in the crack with more plaster and then gesso the entire piece again.  At that point, I’ll start painting.

On the upper left is another piece I’m working on.  Same process.  The plaster
on this one is a bit thicker, so it’s taking longer to dry.  I’ll probably be able to
add more plaster tomorrow or Sunday.  Rushing the drying doesn’t work very well.