You really don't need the gesso, unless you want a white underlayer.
The Goldens Acrylic Ground for Pastel has the grit and is the product you need. Experiment on small pieces to see what texture you like. I like a lot of texture and use it very boldly everywhere except where a face is going. I generally brush it both directions and use it SPARINGLY on my brush and drag it. If you use too much ground it will give you too many raised ridges to deal with. Also you can vary the texture with the amount of water you use. I also buy the Goldens fluid thinner for acrylics. Their website
www.goldenpaints.com is very informative.
I tint mine with Golden's MATTE fluid acrylic, not the regular (important) available at
www.theitalianartstore.com.
I then airbrush mine with the matte fluid acrylic. It makes a lovely velvety surface. Regular fluid acrylics are too shiny.
I always spray lightly as the pastel does not seem to darken as much on this surface. Also the grit really HOLDS the pastel and you never get that shredded paper effect from overworking.
Hope this helps!