Art Supplies: Paper
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I started out drawing (a lot!). At some point though, we all get to where we want or need more. What do we do with all the drawings we’ve created? The answer is that we can refine them by using better paper and pencils, using ink, or getting some paint. At this point we need to start seeking out supplies; especially if our goal is a finished piece of artwork.
So let’s start with paper. Whether you need paper for your own sketching enjoyment or want to be more professional; the paper you choose can be a crucial factor to achieving the results you’re looking for. So how do you know you’ve got the right paper? There are papers specially designed for almost every media out there. Things that need to be considered include the fiber, finish, sizing, weight, and format.
Paper is made from Fibers; usually from plants like cotton, hemp, bamboo, rice, straw, or rattan. Cotton papers are the most common and 100% cotton rag is considered among the highest qualities. They can handle heavy erasing without showing wear and tear and can last over one hundred years. Not all cotton paper is the same, though. There are those with lesser quality than others, so you usually get what you pay for. Cheaper papers usually contain more wood pulp; which naturally has an acid content. Like a dead tree, these can deteriorate over time. Paper usually states if it’s “acid-free”; making them less likely to break down over time (becoming yellow, brittle, or crumbly.)
Finishes generally come in 3 types: rough, cold press, and hot press. Rough paper is a very textured sheet, which is air-dried without smoothing or pressing. This gives it a more natural pulp like surface. This is a great choice for media such as Watercolor as it allows the pigment to settle into the hollows of the paper. Rough is also used for Pastels because any texture (or tooth) grabs the pigment. Cold press paper has less texture and is slightly smoother than rough paper. This paper is better when more small details are needed. The paper is pressed between cold metal rollers when it’s still wet. It’s excellent for Inks, drawing, pastels, and watercolors with more detail. Hot press paper is very smooth. In this case the rollers are heated to create a very smooth surface much the same way as a hot iron smoothes your clothes. When using watercolors on this surface, it works very differently and can be difficult to work with. I suggest hot press only for very detailed work.
Sizing is added to the paper or applied to the surface. This makes the paper less absorbent when using watercolors or colored inks. The more color absorbs into the paper, the less brilliant the color will be. In other words; sizing helps keep colors vibrant when using media that has a liquid property, so that it sits more “on top” of the paper. Dryer pigments, such as pastels, which already sit more on top of the paper, don’t require sizing as much. Some artists like the way their paintings look without sizing. Therefore, they remove it - usually in a tub of water to soak it away. It’s all a matter of preference. Try different ways or ask others how they got the look that you wish to achieve.
The Weight of your paper is also an important consideration. Thicker, heavier paper can handle more water or paint without curling or buckling. With watercolors a 60lb paper will shrink and curl, where as a 140lb weight will handle it better, and when you get to 300lb weight the paper won’t buckle at all. The different weights also handle paint differently so you have to find what works well for your media. Ask around what other artists prefer as this can save you a lot of time spent on the trial and error - not to mention saving you money as well. I like to use a 140lb cold press paper for my watercolor paintings.
Paper also comes in different Formats: single sheets, pads, sketchbooks, blocks and rolls. This is another preference of the artist. What is it you are going to paint, how big, and what media are all questions you have to ask yourself. Is it going to be framed or just something you can go back and visit. Go see what’s available and decide what your needs are; taking into account your budget. Remember that cheaper papers will not work the same as the more expensive ones and you often get what you pay for.
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