About Arches Oil Paper

Let’s talk about Arches Oil Paper.  Since I’m going to be continually using this substrate throughout my Twelve of Twelve series, I thought you might want to know a little about this surface.  This paper comes in a variety of sizes. I purchase Arches Oil Paper from Dick Blick. 

PRO’s

1. Weight 140 lbs, 100% Cotton, Acid Free and sized
2. Needs no preparation prior to use, use paint or mixed media directly
3. Slightly toothy
4. Absorbant
5. Archival
6. Economical
7. Can be framed without glass
8. Can be varnished or sealed with Cold Wax
9. Easy to store
10. Great for transparent colors
11. Allows quick drying, especially when you like to paint wet on wet like me
12. Oil will not soak through paper
13. Doesn’t curl or buckle when saturated
14. Weighs practically nothing, easy to transporting during travel and Plein Air
15. Colors don’t shift in value or intensity
16. Very strong
17. Can be used with a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, mixed media and collage
18. Because of its verstatility there is no need to purchase different types of paper
19. Arches oil paper is formulated to protect the paper fibers, without priming
20. Framing is easy, just mount paper on board

CON’S 

1. Paint can’t be scrubbed off like canvas; it will leave a stain to only be covered by opaque paint or medium
2. May need to take some time to think ahead before painting, similar to watercolor
3. Water abrades paper when scrubbed

I have never found a paper that shows off pigment with such clarity and purity.  It is such a sensual substrate, that allows such wonderful interaction between the artist and the material. Additionally, Cold Wax medium and oil paint is a perfect match made in heaven when combined.  Using Cold Wax and Oil paint with Arches oil paper, allows for the wonderful transparencies initially and in layers creating the most beautiful affects and pleasant surprises. And as the layers build one can see the visible work.  This paper is amazing.