Hi William!
Very true on the observation of less paper discussion. I do see more paper chatter on Instagram if you’re on that platform. Many people describe what they’re using for a piece during that particular post. (I actually did a small paper swatch test back in February on my Instagram account @jillgustavisart.)
I just started switching over to cotton papers this year, so I don’t have a tried and true favorite yet. (For cellulose, I used a lot of Canson Montval or Fluid blocks.) I’ve been trying a few new ones here and there and added around 10 different full sheets in August to slowly chip into in addition to some blocks I have. I don’t usually like to jump between papers while I’m trying them out for the first time. My focus gets muddled and I don’t get an accurate understanding of each paper’s strengths and weaknesses. Even that swatch test I did, although I kept the test to 2 identical subjects (same iris, same landscape), didn’t reveal a fraction of what I now know these papers are capable of (or not capable of), so the quick snapshot of characteristics didn’t really work and I haven’t done it with new papers since. Now I pick a paper and work on it consecutively, then I’ll move on to the next. Once I get through these, I may realize, oh, I most enjoyed working on so-and-so paper, or that paper gave me the results closest to what I want, and slowly refine my inventory to match my preferences.
Indigo’s flax blend has a LOT of character (it’s yellow colored) and paint flow is good, but a little unpredictable at times. I need to get better acquainted with it.
Recently I made a sketchbook out of a full sheet each of Fabriano CP and rough (both 90lb). Haven’t used any of the rough yet, but I like the cold press a lot. It has more ‘velvet-y-ness’ (making that word up) than Arches, but not as much flow as the Hannemuhle Cezanne I’ve also tried. What I mean is when I’m working wet in wet, the color doesn’t just swim on the surface, but doesn’t soak in either, it creates silken washes with luscious soft edges. Maybe most cotton papers do that in varying degrees, but since I’ve only tried a few, just stating what I’ve observed.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lily I did on Fluid 100 HP (140lb I think) paper was enjoyable since the predictability of the paper was perfect for achieving subtle blends and sharp details. I find Arches is much like this too; many not as exotic or exciting, but reliable and it what does, it does well.
I’ve enjoyed painting on all of them so far though, and haven’t come across one I’ve disliked. Some are more suited to different styles and techniques than others, but since my own style is still evolving, I can’t even pin down which I prefer there either. Like color, I sometimes want a white paper so that the subject really shines, especially when paired with an equally white mat, but I get a different satisfaction painting on the yellow tones of the Indigo flax, more raw, creating sketchy moods and warm values.
Thanks for bringing up the topic!
