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
- Select Heavy Paper: Needs to handle treatments like water-based gesso or primer.
- Mix Primer: Thin it down with water to a heavy cream consistency.
- Apply Primer: At least two coats, preferably three to four. Let dry for 15-20 minutes between coats.
- Sand the Surface: Ensures it's not too rough.
- Apply Sealer/Spray Varnish: Protects outlines and prevents oil paint from being absorbed.
- 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.