Where’s the paper?
Hey all,
I have a confession. I’m a paper addict.
Well, maybe not that dire, so perhaps I’m just a Paper Enthusiast. Yes, a Paper Enthusiast!
What’s that? Why? Because I have tons of paper stored up ready to become paintings. Artists are notorious for being disorganized, and I try to avoid that tar trap as much as I can. I’ve got a separate attache case for only my paper, and within that case I’ve got little sticky notes bent over the different papers I want to seperate, along with the type of paper and how many. Sounds good and organized eh? Well, it usually works out, but not always.
You see, cutting up a piece of paper before I utilize it is like the old time butchering of an animal. I search in my paper corral for what I want, select a good healthy one, sit it down on the drawing board, and proceed to disect it. I have a very peculiar way of cutting my paper- I’m fond of deckled edges, so I fold the paper over the same seam with a bone folder until it gives way. It’s a very tactile experience. So, in the end, I have up to eight different sheets of paper. Typically I use them all up in one project, but sometimes I have stragglers. These straglers end up as portfolio or fun paintings. Or they sneak into other projects like a vengeful wedding crasher.
I mostly use Arches high-quality watercolor paper, but recently I bought a whole load of different papers to play with because, well, let’s face it- I’m a Paper Enthusiast. As I was working a few days ago, I found myself with the lack of paper (because I draw directly on the paper I’m going to use), and went to get more. Then It dawned on me: I didn’t know what kind of paper I had been using. Why does it matter you ask? Because different papers have different properties, especially with watercolors. Fretful, I grabbed one of the finished drawings and held it up to the light looking for a watermark. No watermark could be found.
“Damn, I must of grabbed one of the sides without the watermark,” says I.
Well, after much investigating by comparing paper texture, looking through my supply, and holding sheets up in bright light, I came to a near conclusion to what the paper was. The whole process didn’t help though, as it seemed that I had ran out of that particular weight of paper. Poo.
Anyways, the point of this whole exercise is not exclusively to provide entertainment, not in the least. I offer those artists who read this a reassurance- Even though most watermarks are a nuisance to paint over, work around, etc., they’re very handy in preventing the circumstances that I went through. And if you’re a paper manufacturer reading this :cough: coventry :cough: strathmore :cough: I implore you to add a watermark or embossing to Every line of paper you make. It helps with authenticity and archival efforts.
End of Public Service Announcement.
Happy Arting!