Hi Sonia,
140# watercolor paper is most common weight, whether it is cold press or hot press. I buy my 300# in big sheets and cut it to size for multiple smaller projects. I was thinking about sending you a couple samples from my pile of scraps for you to try out. Would that be helpful?
Terri Robichon
A number of very helpful tips! Thanks!
Hi Lenet. This is progressing nicely. Well done. Continue to be patient with the process and take as much time as you need.
Terri Robichon
@lenetg137
Lenet, it’s looking amazing! You got great control for watercolor painting.
Sonia
Terri,
I checked on the sheets of WCP I have. Apparently the 400 series means 140 lbs.
Thank you for offering to send a sample, if you think about it at some point that would be great. However, knowing myself, I just might try using the one I have just to “tame” the little beast. Will soak it, wring it, iron it, steam it and torture it into flatness lol
Sonia
Thanks Terri @robichon , I am trying the patience thing, but that has been a skill Ive had to work on. Building up layers here is helping that skill.
Lenet
Tnaks Sonia @Meme5 , Terri’s advice has really helped. I’m using small brushes for detail. I’m to the point that I may need to go smaller in some cases. I’m enjoying the color mixing process and starting to learn more of what to expect as the watercolor dries.
I think it is time to move on to other parts. Then I will come back and refine the details some when I get to doing shadows.
Lenet
Sonia I love your attitude. You make me smile.
Terri Robichon
Looking at your drawing, which is very quirky and great fun, I think you would enjoy trying pastels due to the blending possibilities.
Progress is going a little slow this weekend, due to other activities consuming my time. I did get some more detail work on leaves, added some value there also, and started on the front block of cheese.
Lenet
Hi Lenet. You’re making good progress. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve started the background details. Just need to finish that and the cheese. My 140# paper is still giving me grief when working on the background, even with it securely taped down. I will never use a wet medium again on anything but 300# paper. I’ll probably post an updated photo tomorrow. Keep painting my friend.
Terri Robichon
Terri @robichon , I’m using the 140# block, and not getting too much wrinkling (yet). But working slowly in small sections also.
Lenet
The problem comes only when working on the background because I’m using more moisture and it involves a big portion of the paper at one time. The big ripples go when it dries, but it is never totally flat again. Let me know how your paper handled after you work on the background. Thanks
Terri Robichon
Terri @robichon , I used a wet into wet technique for first layer of background. I took a low level shot. Very little warpage on the block. There is some. I will let completely dry before moving on to add more detail and color.
Lenet
The table! Great looking progress. You are a natural for watercolors. I’m keeping track of your and Terri’s posts on this, they are very informative as to how to work WC and paper as well.
Keep it up Lenet!
Sonia
Hi Lenet - thanks so much for showing this. After seeing your photo I’m wondering if part of my issue in addition to the 140lb weight, is that I’m using Hot Press and you’re using cold press.
Terri Robichon
@lenetg137 , @Meme5 and anyone else that has been following along with this little project. I FINISHED. If you remember, I threw my first (colored pencil) attempt away after working on it for 5 hours. This one is definitely a keeper. 8x10 ink painting on 140# Hot Press watercolor paper. Lenet - thanks for telling me you were going to do it, otherwise I doubt I would have. It has been a challenge, but a fun one.
Terri Robichon
PS look at the top of the background and you will see 4 vertical bands where the color is noticeably darker. That is because the ink pooled there where the paper rippled from the moisture. I’ll only use my 300# paper with wet media from now on.
Terri @robichon , I didn’t think about that. I haven’t used the hot press. I have been drying often between applications and doing smaller sections at a time and trying to leave a soft edge to work back into rather than a hard line.
Going to let this completely dry for a while before getting into shadows. But spent the better part of the day working the table.
Lenet
Thank you Sonia @Meme5 .
