What paper for gouache. Types of art paper

The quality of the paper often determines the result - drawing, calligraphy, writing. Of course, expensive paper will not add skill to a novice artist, but it will bring pleasure for sure.

To understand the importance of the choice of materials, novice artists are often offered to paint with watercolors on office paper as an experiment. The result is obvious: the paper first gets completely wet, then curls, and the paint spreads uncontrollably. “Probably, the matter is in the density, and the quality is not the same,” the experimenter vaguely guesses. What lies behind the serious word "quality" - let's try to open the veil.

Density is indeed one of the main characteristics of paper. The one on which we print and “xerify” has an indicator of 80 g / m2 (grams per square meter). Newsprint has a low density - 45-60 g / m2, cardboard - high (on average 250-300 g / m2), while standard business cards are a little short of cardboard, having an indicator of 200-250 g / m2. Incidentally, the density of the aforementioned watercolor paper can reach 850 g/m2.

The density index is directly related to transparency - the ability to transmit light, while whiteness is responsible for how effectively the sheet reflects light. Whiteness is also measured as a percentage, ranging from 60% to 98% on average. The higher the whiteness, the sharper the picture. Simple physics continues to explain how and why paper behaves. For example, glossy creates glare due to the fact that a large amount of incident light is reflected specularly - the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, while matte hides the property of predominantly diffuse reflection of light, as if scattering it in different directions. In general, glossy is better to use in cases where you need to achieve contrast and color saturation of large color spots, and matte when details are important. Next to these two antipodal qualities are smoothness and graininess, but they work in a slightly different way: on smooth paper, fine strokes of detailed drawings are more clearly visible, while the texture gives the image volume and expression.

Paper can also be coated with wax (waxed), with a special paste (eg coated), or with a polymer film, such as color. It can be embossed - a relief pattern, or be made by hand, which provides high density, texture, uneven edges, which means uniqueness and, as a result, great pleasure to use. Craft, or wrapping, paper also has its adherents. She is quite strong, rough, as a rule Brown. Due to its texture, it is well suited for working with charcoal, pencil and pastel.

Paper can be made with the addition of various fibers - cashmere, flannel, cotton, while an example of a natural and minimally processed paper is blotting paper - lightly compressed, consisting of almost 100% pure cellulose fibers. Its properties are explained by the same school physics: excess ink is quickly absorbed due to the fact that it rises through numerous small capillaries.

Watercolor

Any specialist will say that there is no exact recipe for choosing paper - you need to try and look for your own. It's like a violinist's instrument or a dancer's shoes. However, general recommendations do exist. If we talk about good paper for professional painting, then it is best to choose thick paper - 200-300 g / m2. Often the sheets are sold fixed in special glues, which eliminates the need to stretch the sheet on a stretcher each time. Cleaning watercolor paper has a high whiteness, sometimes even with a bluish tint. It is quite smooth, although grainy. The most common and proven texture is called “torchon”, which is characterized by a homogeneous uneven surface, however, just like the less popular “ eggshell». Important quality good watercolor paper - cotton content. Some manufacturers use 100% cotton. This distinguishes Arches, being the undisputed leader among connoisseurs and connoisseurs of quality paper. In the same row are Hahnemuhle, Fabriano, Cornwall, Bockingford, Daler Rowney, Cotman and many others. By and large, all advice on which manufacturer to choose comes down to general conclusion- domestic manufacturers can hardly offer professionals worthy alternatives to paper from Western manufacturers.

If we talk about the creative search for beginners, as well as regular painting lessons, then experienced artists it is advised to turn to whatman paper - it is much cheaper and quite suitable for exercises in skill. Before use, it can be checked with an eraser: upper layer must be resistant to the mechanical impact of the rubber. In addition, the paper should not roll when trying to remove a layer of applied paint, and should not be stained and streaked when water gets on it. However, these qualities will be revealed already in the work. In order not to get into trouble, it is recommended not to buy a large amount of the same type of paper at once.

Pencil and ink

As in the previous case, special requirements are imposed on paper. A quick quality check can also be done using the eraser described above. Matte coated paper is ideal for pencil drawing. This "beast" is very rare, does not like an eraser and requires a blade. By and large, high-quality watercolor paper, with a density of 200 g / m2, or even less, will be good for pencil and ink. For regular classes, the same drawing paper is suitable. The only requirement strictly imposed on paper in this case is its texture. Relief drawing is not always suitable for working with ink and pencil. If, for example, the paper has a striated structure, then the ink will collect in the depressions. Grain also affects the intensity of the color, the development of the pigment and the clarity of the strokes.

Pastel

But pastel, on the contrary, requires texture. It's about about colored soft crayons (pencils), which, when in contact with paper, should cling well to the surface of the sheet. To do this, you can take a special paper for pastels, as well as textured watercolor. Since pastel loves colored sheets - this way the color is more saturated - then a sheet of watercolor paper can be pre-filled with paint or ink. Pastels can also be drawn on a pastel board made from cork chips, as well as on special sandpaper or velvet paper. The latter is obtained by applying fibers to a paper base, resulting in a pile that imitates fabric.

Calligraphy and pen writing

The main contraindication is thin paper. It is worth starting with 90 g / m2, and it is best to choose a density of 130 g / m2. Such paper will endure not only a pen, but also a marker, a brushpen, and a rapidograph. However, density isn't everything. It is important that the paper is moderately smooth: not glossy, because the ink simply does not linger, but not too textured, so that the pen does not scratch the surface and does not cling to the grooves. Main advice in the choice of paper for fountain pen holders and calligraphy lovers - choose with love. You should look at the paper in the light, making sure that the texture is flawless, and also run your finger over it, estimating how pleasant it will be for your pen to glide over it. In the same way, experienced artists advise choosing ink: buy only those that are so pleasant in smell and texture that you want to drink them. After all, love for work, supported by high-quality materials, inevitably leads to success and pleasure from the lesson!

If you want to master a new type of painting - gouache drawing, then you need to prepare brushes and a basis for a future painting in order to paint still lifes, landscapes, portraits that will delight guests at home or workshop for several years.

So, let's try to figure out what kind of gouache paper you need and what are its main differences from a canvas designed for watercolors or pencils. And most importantly - how to determine the quality of the selected paper for gouache painting. We will talk about this in our review.

A few words about technology

Gouache is a paint with a thick consistency, saturated with bright shades. It consists of coloring pigments and water-adhesive components that provide fast drying and pleasant work with the material. By adding a few drops of paint to the palette, for example, red and of blue color, you can easily mix them without adding water.

By the way, gouache quickly dissolves. Keep this in mind if you are going to change the shade of the material using a transparent liquid.

Another detail that is important to consider is the presence of white in the composition of the paint. When dry, the color of the paint may change slightly, becoming lighter by two or three tones.

You can buy such paint in plastic or metal tubes, miniature glass jars. To work with the material, a container with water, a palette, a brush and a flannel sponge are used to remove excess strokes from the canvas.

Overview of drawing materials

They say that you can paint with gouache on anything: on Christmas tree decorations and window glass, cardboard, plywood, canvas and any other surfaces. The main thing is that you feel comfortable applying paint to the selected coating, and the process itself is a pleasure.

But do not immediately count on an excellent result, because when interacting with various materials gouache "behaves" differently.

For example, cool drawing, created by this paint on glass, in a couple of weeks from artwork will turn into clumps of dry material. This is due to the evaporation of the binder components under the influence of ultraviolet rays. After another week, the drawing will begin to crack, and then crumble into small pieces.

As for wood surfaces - plywood, cabinet doors and countertops, it is better to think three times before painting a still life or landscape on their surface. It will be problematic to remove paint from the coating, since the pigment will penetrate into the structure of the tree. It will be quite difficult to return a furniture set or plywood board to its previous appearance. Most likely, they will remain scratches and stains.

The best alternative to gouache painting paper is cardboard. It is dense, has a rough texture. On its surface, the gouache brush glides very easily.

Experienced artists recommend beginner painters use cardboard as a base for practice. Try to draw first on this thick paper in order to get used to the specifics of gouache - its consistency, application features. Only then start painting portraits, landscapes, still lifes on a special canvas.

Drawing paper: main characteristics

If you have already mastered the technique of applying gouache, start painting on a special basis - whatman paper. This paper for gouache painting has the following characteristics:

rough surface: this is the main condition for the paint to better “adhere” to the base, not spread during application and not crumble after drying. It is better to immediately refuse canvases with a perfectly smooth surface, since the result will be disappointing: not only will the paint lie unevenly, it can also “clump” into clots;

thickness of at least two millimeters: using thick paper for gouache painting, you will be sure that the pigment will not be printed on reverse side, will retain its shape and original shade;

dense texture: this is an important indicator on which the uniformity of paint application and the quality of your drawing depend - the clarity of lines and the saturation of shades.

There are not so many requirements for gouache drawing paper, but they are all extremely important.

Checking paper quality

Experienced artists can determine the quality of the painting canvas visually, but novice masters are advised not only to carefully examine the canvas, but also to conduct a small check:

Swipe across the paper with the eraser. If you notice that after you drew with a pencil and then erased the line with an eraser, villi appeared on its surface, then the quality of the base is low. In the process of work, the top layer of the coating will be erased, and holes will appear in the picture. Paper High Quality dense enough that no damage appears on its surface even after erasing the sketches with an eraser.

Wet the gouache drawing paper: if there are stains on the coating, you have a low-quality product in front of you. When applying paint mixed with water, the lines will spread. You will get a picture with fuzzy and blurry contours.

Consider the color of the canvas: a bluish tint is best. It retains the original color of the pigment longer. It is also resistant to moisture and direct UV rays.

Apply paint and wash it off: To identify a quality sample, dab the paint and then wash it off using a damp sponge. If there are no streaks, stains or other marks left on the surface, then this is a high quality base.

It is worth checking the quality of drawing paper in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises in the process.

Types of paper for gouache painting

Masters who have been painting in gouache for a long time choose torchon. This is a dense and embossed base that retains the color of the pigment for a long time. It is not at all difficult to apply paint evenly on a torchon.

You can also use a standard drawing paper for work, checking its density, texture and shade.

Remember that gouache paper should not quickly absorb paint and pass it into the lower layers, otherwise the pigment will quickly change shade.

Buying paper

Until you have learned to determine the quality of the canvas "by eye", we recommend buying paper in specialized stores, because there you can better see the shade, evaluate the density and texture. If you place an order on the Internet, then buy products only from trusted brands: yes, it is expensive, but it is convenient to work with it, it will retain the maximum quality of your drawing for many years.

Choose paper for drawing without fuss and haste, because the result of painstaking work depends on it.

We will help with the choice of paper for gouache Just leave a request for a consultation

There are currently a large number of different types paper. Not every one of them is suitable for the work of the artist. Therefore, the right choice largely determines the quality of the drawing and is the basis of creativity.

You should choose based on what kind of drawing tool the artist will use for his creative ideas.

Peculiarities

When choosing paper for drawing, you should consider some features. Let's consider in more detail.

• Very important feature is sheet density. It is determined by the weight of 1 sheet with an area of ​​1 m². The low density does not allow working with an eraser or using watercolors, since the sheets are thin and loose, easily torn when erased and deformed when wet. On paper with a good density such external influences practically no effect.
• Texture or grain sheet is determined by its smoothness. Texture may be pronounced or absent. At high degree graininess, the work will turn out to be voluminous and lively.

The smooth texture is great for technical sketches where crisp, precise lines are essential.

• Such a feature as working with an eraser is also very important. After all, there are species in which it is almost impossible to remove a trace from a pencil. In this case, it can tear or wrinkle. Most often, working with an eraser is difficult on sheets with low density.
• Paper whiteness for drawing in some cases can have a very great importance. For example, if in the future you need to scan your work, it is better if the sheets are of perfect whiteness. So the resulting scanned document will be clear and catchy.

Kinds

The stores offer a huge selection various kinds paper products for a variety of purposes.

• Office paper. Snow-white sheets with low density and smooth texture. Under the influence of the eraser, they crumple and tear.
• For watercolor painting. The sheets are distinguished by good density and coarse-grained texture. The color is usually white or egg white. It can be purchased both in albums and sheets separately. Cotton is added to professional paper products of this type for better absorption of pigments and air.

• pastel paper. This species has a wide range of colors, including neutrals and bright tones. The surface is soft and pleasant to the touch. On sale it is found in albums, gluings or sets.
• Coated paper. Occurs rarely. Has a glossy surface on which it is convenient to perform graphic work. Suitable for ink or ink.

• For drawing. It has a higher density than conventional office sets, and is also characterized by a smooth, even surface. Suitable for drawings and drawing with pencils and oil pastels.
• Craft wrapping paper. Dark yellow or brown wrapping craft, as it is called in a different way, is suitable for tools such as pencil, charcoal or pastel.

• Embossed paper. White or lightly tinted sheets, which may contain various patterns. With the help of them, in the process of drawing, you can get very interesting work. Suitable for pastels and charcoal.
• Rice paper. Used most often for Chinese painting. Very thin sheets, often twisted into a roll. Smooth on one side, rough on the other. Requires careful attitude in the process of drawing.
• Handmade paper. All sheets are handmade. It is made from vegetable raw materials, on which its quality depends.

Formats

The most popular are A2, A3, A4 and paper rolls. If standard formats have a fixed length and width of sheets, then when choosing roll products, you can measure the sheet size you need, which is very convenient.

Colors

The color scheme for each type of paper product may be different. There are species that are found in only one color. For example, craft wrapping paper only comes in brown or dark yellow. And there are views from a wide colors. For example, you can purchase colored pastel paper. It comes in both light neutral tones (blue, pink, pale yellow) and quite bright ones (blue, red, black and other various colors).

Formerly artists I had to tint the drawing paper myself. Now in stores there is a large selection of tinted sheets of various tones and shades.

How to choose?

Choosing paper for drawing should be based on what tools you will use. This will determine how thick paper you need. If you most often draw in one technique, then it is much more convenient and cheaper to buy folders of at least 40 liters. Professional paper must be of high quality. You can often see insignia on the packaging indicating this.

• For gouache. It is better to paint with gouache on sheets with a high density. Their surface should be rough, then the gouache will have a good grip and lie more evenly. From a smooth sheet, gouache may crumble after drying. Drawing paper and cardboard are excellent options.

• For oil paints. Traditionally for oil paints, artists use canvas or board. But it is much more convenient to use special paper or thick cardboard for oil to create quick sketches. On sale you can find sheets for oil painting, which in quality and texture are very reminiscent of linen canvas.

There are brands that make this product for 100% cotton oil paints. They are also suitable for an easel.

Gouache paints are diluted with water to the state of a liquid creamy mass. Due to the tendency of gouache paints to delaminate, they should be thoroughly mixed. The excess water makes paint layer thin, translucent", and the paint loses its density, while the paint is lightened, and after drying, the paint layer usually gets dirty and cracks.

When working with gouache, you should not blur the paint and rub it with a brush in the same place.

It must be remembered that gouache, when applied to paper, should not be collected in “islands”, since, having dried, they form a stain that can no longer be covered by subsequent application of paint. Gouache, laid in a thick layer, forms a gluey shiny spot.

Gouache is applied to paper or canvas in a thin, even layer, inscribing one color into another when the previous layer is still wet. Overlapping the paint layer with several layers is not recommended. When working with gouache, it is recommended to first cover the paper in a horizontal direction, and then across it with vertical strokes, carefully maintaining the clarity of the outlines of the picture.

In order to paint over the surface with an even layer of color, it is necessary to moisten the brush in water beforehand and only after that take the paint with it, but the paint should not be taken from the can, as the wetted brush will take paint of different thicknesses and there may be stripes on the painting when it dries. Therefore, paints should be diluted in separate cups before work.

In addition, to obtain a field that is even in color, use rough paper or cardboard.

The necessary corrections in the process of work are made only by wetting or removing the paint, scraping it off with a razor or scalpel.

To work with gouache, soft but elastic brushes are used, both flat and round; some easel painters use elastic round bristle brushes.

Gouache is widely used when working with poster pens and drawing pen. To do this, it is bred so that the paint easily comes off the pen or drawing pen.

When painting large planes, gouache is diluted and applied with an airbrush.

Before working directly on the fabric, it should be covered with wetting agent No. 1, which prevents the paint from rolling into drops.

When working on a poster intended for the street, a 5-6 percent solution of wood glue or gelatin, as well as potassium alum, which serves as a tanning agent for glue, must be added to the paint.

The main difficulty of working with gouache lies in the fact that the paint, when it dries, changes its lightness dramatically, and it is difficult for the artist to follow the correct color and tone ratios while working.

Brighten: chromium oxide, cobalt, cadmium, light ocher, golden ocher, emerald green.

Darken and brighten again: natural sienna, burnt sienna, kraplaki, ultramarine.

Get dark: Hansa yellow, orange.

Darkening and lightening paints are usually whitened with zinc or silver white, which are included in the range of gouache paints. Glazing and semi-glazing paints also need to be whitened to increase their hiding power.

To determine the color of dried gouache, you can use pre-composed paints, which will simplify the work of a novice painter; In general, work with gouache requires certain skills. Gouache should be stored tightly closed banks at room temperature without cooling below freezing.

If the gouache has dried up, it can be easily restored. To do this, the paint is poured with water or, better, with a one percent solution of gelatin or wood glue and dissolved for two to three days, after which it is thoroughly stirred until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

Gouache work should be stored in folders. It is impossible to roll such works into tubes due to the fragility of the paint layer.

In addition, it is impossible for the sheets of painting to rub against each other, so tissue paper pads are needed.

Cracking or shedding of the paint layer is possible if the paint is applied in a very thick layer.