Painting on Paper: Techniques and Preparations

Painting on Paper: A Guide to Preparing Your Canvas

Paper is more than just a humble writing surface; it's also a versatile medium for artists, offering unique textures, colors, and challenges compared to traditional canvases made of cloth. To create captivating artwork on this delicate yet sturdy material, proper paper preparation is key. Let's explore essential techniques and insights into getting ready to paint on paper.

Choosing the Right Materials

Start by selecting high quality papers specifically designed for painting rather than basic office stock. Some popular options include watercolor paper, illustration board, or sketchbook papers with textured surfaces like hot press (smooth), cold press (medium texture), and rough finish. When deciding between these types, consider factors such as your preferred art technique (such as washes, drybrushing, or scratchboard effects) as well as whether you want visible tooth or prefer a smoother surface.

Conditioning Your Paper

To avoid buckling during painting, condition new sheets of paper by soaking them in water until they become softened but not falling apart, then gently flatten them under heavy books for several days before starting your work. This process will prevent warping when exposed to moisture from paints and other media while allowing the sheet to maintain its structural integrity over time.

Sizing Your Paper

Sizing refers to applying a protective coating onto the paper fibers to resist wrinkling when wet, making the paper less absorbent and improving its longevity against deterioration due to aging, acidic media, and environmental conditions. While there exist commercial sizing agents available today, historically, artists would apply egg whites, gelatin, or gum arabic diluted in water to their papers prior to painting. If using modern products, follow manufacturer instructions carefully, ensuring proper drying times.

Toning Your Paper

Toning involves adding colorant—typically pigments mixed with some kind of binder—to unprimed paper before painting begins. Commonly used toners include raw umber, burnt umber, ochre, sepia, and sienna earth tones, which enhance the aesthetic qualities of the paper without obliterating its inherent characteristics. Although optional, toning adds depth and contrast to subsequent paintings, providing a foundation for harmonious blending of pigments once applied.

Priming Papered Surfaces

Priming is similar to toning except that primers often contain binding agents like acrylic resins or casein to improve adherence and durability of paint on paper surfaces. Primers typically increase the opacity and sheen of underlying components, although their application may mask certain textures and colorations. As always, test first to determine if the resulting materials align with desired outcomes. For example, a transparent primer could maintain a natural look, preserving the original properties of the paper itself.

In summary, painting on paper offers diverse possibilities for creative expression. By understanding the nuances involved in choosing appropriate materials, preparing those materials correctly, and exploring various methods for enhancing papered surfaces, artists have a plethora of opportunities to engage in innovative, exciting works of art.