Question about papers

[Wordsmith]

I'm looking for some basic paper information which I can't find in the other threads (although I did read the free samples thread and have requested some). I live in a smallish area where the most I can find in stores is your basic Canson drawing pad. So I have to order online. The problem is, I don't really know what any of these papers you all mention are like (Stonehenge, Colourfix, etc. etc.) and it's pricey to buy them on spec.

I've done enough experimentation to discover that I don't like a really textured surface like watercolor paper--I like a smoother surface. So which papers are smoother and which are more textured? It's surprisingly difficult to find that information in the descriptions of the products.

Thanks for any information!

Sherry

[Bill C]

If you want smooth I'd reccomend Stonehenge. Smooth, durable , and will take many layers.

If you want more reading try this thd from our index of helpful threads.

http://scribbletalk.com/showthread.php?t=189

[christine]

Hi Sherry,

You will probably recieve many answers to this, as so many of us work on different papers. I just started a piece on colorfix - my first - as I had heard so much about it working up quicker than other papers. It has a fine "sanded" type surface, one that I think I'm going to love working with.

I have worked on museum board, which is expensive, but comes in large sheets and can be cut down for several pieces (same as any paper). It's tooth is much finer than the colourfix. I've also worked on Stonehenge, Somerset Vellum and Satin finish (printmakers paper), which is even smoother and has a lovely surface that receives CP well.

There are so many papers out there and it's a matter of experimenting and finding out what works best for you. Some places to shop around for online sales that I have good luck with are:

Dick Blick
Jerry's Artarama
utrechtart.com

Do you have a college/university in the area where you live? If they have an art dept., often times they have stores and will sell to the public. Might be worth checking out. I work in the store for a workstudy where I go to school and we don't mark up prices (not allowed to), so you can save money there.

Hope this helps,
Christine

[Wordsmith]

Thank you, Bill! I knew I'd seen that thread long ago and then couldn't find it again. It does sound like Stonehenge might be my best bet.
:)
Sherry

[Wordsmith]

Thanks, Christine! I hadn't thought about the university. I'll look into that, too.

Sherry

[Norma69]

Hello fellow Canadian - I buy a fair bit from Currys.com (Can) Their prices are great in comparison to local (Vanc Island) - min order 35.00 but they have Prismas on sale now at a good price.

I have been looking for colorfix (is there a brand name anyone?) but can't find it this side of the border. Anyway hope this helps

Norma

[Wordsmith]

Thanks, Norma! The only Canadian place I've ordered from is Art Supplies Direct, and I've had good experiences with them. I'll check out Curry's.

Sherry

[oozoo]

Stonehenge is the very best for a paper with a smooth texture...It accepts many layers, but it's not so toothy that light or few layers will leave too much tooth showing, and it's relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased in pads of 15 sheets.

For slightly more texture and more ability to accept layers, Somerset Velvet. It's more expensive than Stonehenge, but it's still quite smooth and soft, with slightly more tooth, and fine hairs that let you layer the pencil forever!!

If you didn't like WC paper, you probably won't like Colorfix or Wallis. It's not quite the same as working on WC paper...these papers have a sandpaper-like surface which grabs the pencil, making the colors quite vibrant. You have to either put down many layers or use heavier layers to really fill the tooth, but the results are amazing for those who have adjusted thier techniques for these papers. I haven't found the trick to using them myself, and prefer Somerset Velvet for my own pieces.

[CindyH]

Hello fellow Canadian - I buy a fair bit from Currys.com (Can) Their prices are great in comparison to local (Vanc Island) - min order 35.00 but they have Prismas on sale now at a good price.

I have been looking for colorfix (is there a brand name anyone?) but can't find it this side of the border. Anyway hope this helps

Norma

Norma, Colorfix is made by ArtSpectrum and I buy mine at Hobby Lobby. I have used the dark brown for cp. I have used black for pastels. But in comes in all sorts of yummy colors.

[Wordsmith]

Thanks for the information, oozoo! In tootling around the web today I see that there's what looks like a good deal on Somerset Velvet at Red River Papers (http://www.redrivercatalog.com/discounts/index.htm). It's at the bottom of the page. Seems like just an overstock, not that these are seconds, but of course one would probably want to check first. Twenty-five 11x17 sheets for $30.90 if anyone's interested.

Thanks again!
Sherry