Tips for Painting on Cheap Watercolor Paper

Summary

In this video, Becca Hillburn, a watercolor comic artist, shares her tips for painting on cheaper cellulose watercolor papers. She covers the importance of experimenting with different brands, the best supplies to use for optimal results, and the limitations of cellulose paper, such as its quick drying time and inability to hold as much water or pigment as cotton rag paper. Becca emphasizes techniques like ink-and-wash and mixed media to work around these challenges. She also recommends specific papers, including Canon XL and Montval, for artists seeking budget-friendly options. The video encourages experimentation and offers practical advice for artists on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 Not all cheap cellulose papers are the same. Experiment with different brands to find what works best for you.
• 😀 Cellulose paper doesn't absorb water the same way cotton rag paper does, so expect different drying times and behaviors.
• 😀 Limit the number of layers and avoid excessive glazing when working on inexpensive cellulose paper to prevent uneven results.
• 😀 Invest in softer, high-quality brushes and professional-grade paints for better results when painting on cheap cellulose paper.
• 😀 Cellulose paper is great for ink and wash techniques, making it easier to ink compared to cotton rag paper.
• 😀 Mixed media works well on cellulose paper. You can use alcohol markers, watercolor pencils, and watercolor paints without the markers draining too quickly.
• 😀 Be mindful of the environment you're working in—cellulose paper behaves differently in dry and humid conditions.
• 😀 If you're working on comics, cellulose papers like Canon XL or Montval are affordable options, but be mindful of their limitations with layering.
• 😀 For sketchbooks and quick paintings, cellulose paper is fine, but for detailed, professional work, cotton rag paper is recommended.
• 😀 Don't invest in 300 lb cellulose paper as it's often not worth the extra cost compared to cotton rag papers. Thicker cellulose (140 lb) is a good alternative.

Q & A

What are some of the common challenges when painting on inexpensive cellulose papers?

Inexpensive cellulose papers often have a smoother, more regular texture, which may not hold water as well as cotton rag papers. They also absorb water differently, drying by evaporation rather than absorption, and can't hold as many layers of paint, leading to issues like streaking, patchiness, and uneven drying.

Why is it important to experiment with different cellulose papers?

Not all cellulose papers are created equal. Some have better texture or performance than others, and personal preferences vary. Testing different papers allows you to find one that suits your artistic needs and helps you understand the paper's limitations and potential.

What is Becca Hillburn’s opinion on mixed fiber papers for watercolor?

Becca Hillburn finds mixed fiber papers, like Fabriano Studio or Paul Rubens watercolor paper, to be less ideal for watercolor as they combine cellulose with cotton. These papers tend to perform poorly in terms of layering and glazing. However, she notes they can be fun for other techniques like inking with brush pens.

What does Becca recommend when working on cellulose watercolor paper with lower performance?

Becca recommends limiting your expectations when working on lower-quality cellulose paper. This includes using fewer layers, avoiding extensive glazing, and opting for local colors. She also suggests working quickly to avoid issues with drying times and uneven paint absorption.

Why does Becca suggest investing in better brushes and paints when using inexpensive watercolor papers?

Cellulose papers are less forgiving than cotton rag papers, meaning that cheaper paints and synthetic brushes may result in unsatisfactory outcomes. By investing in high-quality brushes (like soft, professional-grade ones) and paints, you ensure better results, even on less expensive paper.

How does Becca handle the issue of cellulose paper drying too slowly or too quickly?

Becca points out that cellulose paper dries at different rates depending on the environment—quickly in dry conditions and slowly in humid conditions. She suggests being mindful of this when planning your work, especially for techniques like wet-on-wet, which can be more difficult on cellulose.

What is Becca’s preferred method for working with ink and watercolor on inexpensive papers?

Becca finds that inexpensive cellulose paper is particularly good for ink and wash techniques. The paper absorbs ink well, and she suggests over-inking watercolors with the same local color to help tie the elements together and improve the overall coherence of the piece.

What specific qualities does Becca look for in her preferred cellulose watercolor papers?

Becca prefers cellulose watercolor papers that are 140 lb weight, with surface embossment for texture variation. She also likes top tape-bound or spiral-bound pads for easy access and removal of sheets. Her favorite brands include Canon XL and Montval, as they handle better than other inexpensive cellulose options.

Why does Becca prefer Canon XL and Montval papers for her work?

Becca finds that Canon XL is easily accessible, performs decently well for watercolor, and handles both sketching and inking without dulling the colors. Montval, though harder to find, offers better performance, being able to handle more layers, glazing, and wet-on-wet techniques compared to other cellulose papers.

How does Becca handle the curling problem often associated with cellulose watercolor paper?

To manage curling, Becca recommends using heavier, thicker cellulose papers or taping the paper down if using thinner options. For larger projects, she prefers using cotton rag paper to avoid curling issues, as heavier cellulose paper tends to curl when wet.