Using Watercolor Paper as a Painting Surface for Oil Paint

Jul 13, 2024

Using Watercolor Paper as a Painting Surface for Oil Paint

Common Painting Surfaces

  • Canvas Boards: Often too slippery for oil paints.
  • Wood Panels: Can be either too slippery or too absorbent.
  • Stretched Canvas: Well-known but can present issues such as being too absorbent.

Downsides of Traditional Surfaces

  • Slippery surfaces where paint doesn't adhere properly.
  • Absorbent surfaces that suck the color out of the paint, turning it muddy.

Alternative: Watercolor Paper

  • Watercolor Paper: A highly underrated surface for oil painting.
    • Heavy watercolor paper (e.g., 600 G per square meter) preferred.
    • Requires preparation but is very cost-effective.

Preparation of Watercolor Paper

  1. Select Heavy Paper: Needs to handle treatments like water-based gesso or primer.
  2. Mix Primer: Thin it down with water to a heavy cream consistency.
  3. Apply Primer: At least two coats, preferably three to four. Let dry for 15-20 minutes between coats.
  4. Sand the Surface: Ensures it's not too rough.
  5. Apply Sealer/Spray Varnish: Protects outlines and prevents oil paint from being absorbed.
  6. Optional Layer of Acrylic Paint: An additional protective layer and a creative tone setter.

Advantages of Watercolor Paper

  • Customization: Can be cut into any shape or size after preparation.
  • Texture: A mix between paper, canvas, and wood panel, offering a balance of smoothness and texture.
  • Flexibility: Can handle thick and thin layers of paint, smooth transitions, and sharp lines.
  • Vibrancy: Colors appear intense and vibrant, enhancing the visual impact.

Downsides of Watercolor Paper

  • Large Paintings: Not practical for very large paintings.
  • Hanging Issues: Requires special preparation or framing to hang.

Conclusion

  • Watercolor paper offers a blend of benefits from traditional painting surfaces but requires preparation.
  • It provides artistic freedom and technical advantages that make it a compelling choice for oil painting.
  • Highly recommended for a versatile and satisfying painting experience.

Further Resources:

  • More detailed technical aspects available on Patreon.
  • Finished paintings available in the shop once the related videos are released.

Visual and Textural Impact

  • Allows for dynamic and visually stunning results with lifelike textures and vibrant colors.
  • Provides a different experience compared to conventional canvases and wood panels.

Final Thought: This forgotten and underrated surface deserves a comeback for its unique advantages in the art of oil painting.