BobBlast 298 - "Painting Surfaces Paper, Part One”

BB 298 - Painting Surfaces - Paper, Part One

Painting Surfaces - Your choice! So many to choose from: Paper? Canvas? Wood? Panels? Rocks? It depends on what you intend to do with your artwork.

This subject will be in two parts. Paper Surfaces - Part One. Canvas Surfaces - Part Two.
All surfaces discussed, showed and demo’d in these next two BobBlasts are surfaces that I like working on in my studio.

Paper! Ah, glorious paper! Paper for artists are available in long rolls, elephant sizes and standard sizes. Paper is available as single sheets, as well as convenient pads of the most popular sizes. The following is a brief “need to know” about paper for artists.

Smooth or Textured?

Smooth paper is referred to as HOT PRESS (HP) - smooth. The paint flows.
Slightly textured paper is called COLD PRESS (CP) - rough. The paint sticks.

Paper Thickness - AKA “the weight” in pounds (lb) not grams (gms)

The popular weight in small pads is 90 lb. The next popular is 140 lb. - medium weight. Depending on the manufacturer, 140 lb. can curl too much for me. I prefer the thicker, sturdier weight of 300 lb. paper. This weight holds up well after my aggressive painting techniques and abuse!

So, when purchasing your paper, pay attention to weight in pounds (not gms) and the surface - HP or CP. These papers are for water based paints such as watercolors, acrylics and inks. The latest addition to my favorite papers in my studio is Strathmore Oil Painting Paper pads, requiring no primer gesso. Great for oil painting sketching.

And finally, to make my point stick, paper may be marked as 300 gms - That’s 140 lb. Paper marked 640 gms is 300 lb. They just love to confuse us painters!

The next BobBlast is Part Two - Canvas, Wood and Panel Painting Surfaces. Hope this helps to clear things up. Whatever surface you choose, practice every day!

Keep your brushes wet!

Видео BobBlast 298 - "Painting Surfaces Paper, Part One” канала Robert Burridge - BobBlast