Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Sketchbook Tuesday - tulips and paper

The lovely tulips I received for Valentine's Day are now faded but I did manage a watercolor sketch before they completely wilted. I had written the quote on the page a few days before doing the sketch, which seemed to fit nicely with the thought presented.

I had a couple of inquiries about the paper I am using in this hand made journal. It is Canson Edition paper. I had first tried it a few years ago, using watercolor pencil and then dry colored pencil on top, and did enjoy working on it in that fashion. I purchased it from a local art supply shop, where the owner had suggested it as a good multi-media paper. He said the university art students liked it for its versatility and inexpensive price. So when I was putting together my current sketch book, I remembered that I had liked this paper and decided to try it again. I am very pleased with it in my sketch journal and plan to use it again in the next one I make for myself. This journal is made with the vanilla color and next time I plan to use a brighter white. Just for the variety.

Now, I know that paper preference is a very personal issue with artists. I used Arches hot press for the first journal that I made for the Artists' Journal class. I like hot press paper just fine for some media but I really prefer a little tooth to the paper in my sketchbooks. But not too much, as in a cold pressed paper. Canson Edition has a slight tooth that appeals to me, for grabbing onto pencil and watercolor pencils and crayons. One side is smoother than the other, although unless I scribble a little pencil over the surface it is difficult for me to tell which side is which. It is a softer paper than hot press, yet not as soft as Stonehenge. Also, it is a lighter weight than 140lb. hot press, yet thick and sturdy enough to handle watercolor, even some lifting of color as I did with the tulips above. I know this explanation is probably about as clear as mud but maybe it will be somewhat helpful anyway. For now, it is a paper that I enjoy using in my sketchbook because of its texture, weight, and ability to handle various media.

15 comments:

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Lovely tulips! Thanks so for the paper info. I've been looking for another type of paper to try. This sounds perfect.

Alex said...

I always knew that Tuesday is a special day :) I have always loved Tulips as I think that they are very elegant looking and not too over-rated like roses(I love those too).
Beautiful drawing!

Gillian Mowbray said...

What a pretty journal page. I love tulips. Thanks for discussing the paper you use - I always find it helpful when art bloggers share how they work. x

Sarah said...

Lovely Tulips and thanks for the review of the paper. I find this kind of information very useful.

nanke's stuff said...

Your tulips are lovely and it's so nice to see spring flowers, as I sit watching the snow fall! I appreciate your paper info - I'm going to be making a journal soon, and I think the Canson Edition paper will be a great one to put in it! nancy

Autumn Leaves said...

Gorgeous bouquet of tulips! Tulips are such a harbinger of spring, aren't they? I look forward to seeing them pop up around these parts! Thank you too for the info on your paper choice for your sketch book, Ann. The one I bought from the Etsy shop seems to be the type of paper I have purchased to print resumes on. It works well for the colored pencils. Haven't tried watercolors (pencil or otherwise) on it yet, but I expect I will...

Jennifer Rose said...

very nice colours :D I'm going to have to find some of this paper to try

Revelle Taillon said...

beautiful tulips! had a dream last night that the snow was gone and all these fantastical flowers were blooming in my garden. nice dream!!! revelle

Aarti Harish said...

These tulips are just lovely...and Im sure the real ones were pretty as well...and what a wonderful way to preserve someone's valentine gift...for a lifetime...wow...!!!

Unknown said...

Great tulips and I really love to hear about the supplies. There is nothing more aggravating to me than to try new paper and it doesn't take watercolor at all! I realize it's a personal choice, that everyone is different, but it does give direction! (Especially since I buy most things online!)

Jennifer Lawson said...

Wonderful tulips, Ann.
Thanks for the great information on the paper you used for your journal. I bought some Canson Edition paper to make a journal this weekend with a very good friend of mine who knows how to do this mysterious craft.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful. Love the reds! And thanks for the info on the paper.

Ann said...

Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments! If any of you do try Canson Edition paper I'd love to hear how it works for you.

Jennifer, I'm looking forward to seeing the book you create!

Revelle - I like your dream - wish that would happen here sooner rather than later!

ffyrebird said...

Lovely tulips, they have me longing for spring!! Thank you for reviewing the Canson paper. Information like this from a real person is so much more useful than the little blurbs in catalogs and such.

Krista Meister said...

Such lovely, deep reds in these tulips! What a beautiful Valentine's Day gift as well.

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