Any botanical painters?

[crafters_corner]

I have always found some of the smoother toothed NOT papers to be acceptable for botanical and natural history subjects. However, a residential course that I shall be attending has stipulated HOT pressed paper.

Does anyone have a preference of makes? I know Arches is good - but very unforgiving; has anyone tried Fabriano or others?

[HerMajesty]

I almost always use Arches. I think Fabriano is softer, but don't really remember. I know there is one kind (sorry I don't recall the make) that is actually a type of glass fiber........and very nice.No buckling or wrinkles, so very good that way. I do love Arches hot press..............so smooth and lovely!! I'd get a heavy weight, tho. Also, illustration board is superb for things like that.....

[suesjools]

Good question, sorry I don't have a clue, sounds like fun though.

HerMajesty might have some info. about this, being a painter and photographer of the first order.

LOL and she posts while I'm still reeling from my first cup of java.

Bows and misses the kitties, at bf's for a fun vacation.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[crafters_corner]

Thanks, Hermaj I will try Arches - seems to be the most popular. I'm used to painting with watercolour but have the option to use gouache which I rarely used. It would be a good opportunity to try this medium but wonder whether I should use a Dalerboard for this. Is that what you mean by illustration board? Not familiar with that.

[HerMajesty]

Not sure what Dalerboard is. Illustration board is a hot-press, acid-free paper surface on a rigid pressed cardboard type backing. Often used in commercial illustration, like architectural drawings. It has a nice surface, thick enough not to warp, tho the board may eventually curve a tiny bit if you use a lot of wet on wet painting, but the surface stays flat. Nice to use for classes, too, as you can cut to any size you want that is easy to transport. Surface is quite sturdy, so shouldn't tear if reworked.....tho you probably won't be doing that too much, if doing botanicals.

[HerMajesty]

No, not Dalerboard. That looks like a canvas backed with cardboard. Illustration board, the good ones, are acid-free W/C paper with rigid backing.

[HerMajesty]

Arches Art Board, or Arches Illustration Board....if you do a search you will find it, at least in the US. Crescent Board is also similar, but I don't know if the paper is as good. May well be, I just don't know. Just make sure you use acid free, as you will be creating works of art that you will want preserved!!! (I haven't bought any boards since I've been here, as I'm working through my stack of W/C paper.)

I think these come in at least cold-press (some tooth) and hot press (very smooth surface).

[crafters_corner]

Thanks for the info I've a cupboard full of W/C paper - everything except Hot pressed. I shall wait until nearer the course time before making any purchases: just in case it doesn't run.

Bliss! Three whole days in the Cotswolds: just painting; no cooking - three meals a day being provided.

Can't wait

[HerMajesty]

Color me jealous!!!