Navigating the Vast World of Art Paper
The world of art paper is vast and varied, offering a multitude of options that can be overwhelming for artists seeking the perfect canvas for their creative expressions. Whether you are a drawer, watercolorist, or mixed-media enthusiast, understanding the nuances of different art papers is essential. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of various types of art paper, offering insights into their composition, surfaces, weights, sizing, and the crucial aspects of stretching and longevity.
1. Understanding the Basics of Paper
Art paper, the canvas for artistic endeavors, is crafted from interwoven fibers, predominantly plant fibers for fine art papers. Cartridge papers, made from wood pulp, provide a quick and extensive drawing surface. Newsprint and sugar paper are ideal for sketches but lack durability over time due to fading and lignin-induced brittleness. Wood-free paper, despite its name, is made from treated wood pulp, offering an economical acid-free option. The pinnacle of archival-grade paper is 100% cotton, providing strength, acid-free properties, and resistance to deterioration.
2. Exploring Art Paper Surfaces
Art papers come with various surfaces, including Rough, Not or Cold Pressed, and Hot Pressed. The Rough Surface boasts texture, making it perfect for landscapes and mixed media. Not or Cold Pressed is common for watercolors and drawing, offering a balanced tooth for pigment adhesion. Hot Pressed, with a smoother surface, suits botanical artists and those desiring fine detail. Each surface serves a unique purpose, contributing to the overall aesthetics of the artwork.
3. Weights of Paper
Art papers come in different weights, expressed in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Ranging from 120gsm to 850gsm for fine art papers, the weight impacts thickness, with heavier papers accommodating more erasing and mark making. Understanding paper weight aids artists in selecting the right canvas for their preferred mediums and techniques.
4. Deciphering 'Size' in Paper Manufacture
Size, a glue-like sealant, plays a pivotal role in paper strength and durability. Internal sizing, incorporated during production, benefits wet media applications, preventing damage to the paper surface. Surface or tub-sizing involves applying starch or gelatin-based size, enhancing surface smoothness and durability for extensive drawings and paintings. The choice between internal and surface sizing depends on the intended use of the paper.
5. Stretching Watercolor Paper
For watercolor papers below 300gsm, stretching is essential to prevent buckling during wet applications. The process involves immersing the paper in water, taping it to a board, and allowing it to dry at a slight angle. Heavier weight papers generally do not require stretching but come at a higher cost. Understanding when and how to stretch watercolor paper ensures a smooth painting experience without deformation.
6. Storage and Longevity Considerations
The longevity of art paper is influenced by its pulp composition. Papers with recycled pulp may lack longevity, while lignin in newsprint causes acidity and deterioration over time. 'Acid-free' indicates paper without rosin and alum sizing, making it more archival. Proper storage, ideally in a neutral atmosphere, is crucial to avoid foxing – brown marks resulting from impurities reacting with the air. Plastic bags serve as an effective barrier against atmospheric influences.
Choosing the right art paper involves a nuanced understanding of its composition, surfaces, weights, sizing, stretching requirements, and longevity considerations. Armed with this knowledge, artists can confidently navigate the expansive world of art paper, selecting the perfect canvas to bring their creative visions to life.
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