Arches Oil Painting Paper

This is the first time I've used water soluble oils with the Arches Oil Painting Paper. I have to say that I like working on this paper better than any canvas or board that I've ever used. It was so nice to just pick up a piece of thick smooth paper, cut it to size and just start painting...no prep at all. This paper was so nice and smooth, just great for the portrait I'm working on. I messed up quite a bit, because I hadn't painted in a while, but I just wiped it up with a paper towel, and the Oil Painting Paper was just as smooth as it was when it was new.

After saying all these nice things about the paper, I have to say that I don't expect to use it much except for practice painting. I can't figure out how to mount this for framing, without it being a big pain. I don't think most people will be too thrilled to receive a paper portrait either. It's a lot cheaper and faster than linen for painting a small practice portrait though. And it sure is a lot of fun to paint on. When the painting is finished I'll try to post it...I'm not very computer savy, and we recently got a new computer that I haven't completely figured out.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Oooooh, thanks for posting about the Arches paper. I've wondered about it but haven't ordered any.

Don't fear mounting paper on a board as it's an easy process. I've used it several times for mounting my gouache paintings and there are basically two methods, just be sure you use a sealed board for either one.

Here's a link for the glue method:

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2012/08/mounting-finished-paintings-on-paper-or.html

And a link for the double tack paper process:

http://esterroi.com/blog/post/how-to-mount-paper-on-board

And here's a youTube video that shows how to do the glue method:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrKifvmeVeo

You'll have to varnish after the painting is totally dry just like any oil painting.

I do hope you'll show us your painting and let us see what the paper looks like!

Crystal. Sounds like a good surface for practice

Crystal, thanks for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like a good canvas for things like portraits where you want smoothness. I done several paintings on canvas paper and then mounted them on acid-free foam board using acid-free photo adhesive. I haven't had a chance to look at the links that Jan gave, but I bet there are some good ideas on them.

You mentioned about cutting to size. How big is a sheet of this paper? I have some odd-sized frames that I would like to use, and having the flexibility to cut the paper to the exact size would really be great.

Than you Jan, too, for the links.

judyfilarecki wrote:

Crystal, thanks for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like a good canvas for things like portraits where you want smoothness. I done several paintings on canvas paper and then mounted them on acid-free foam board using acid-free photo adhesive. I haven't had a chance to look at the links that Jan gave, but I bet there are some good ideas on them.

You mentioned about cutting to size. How big is a sheet of this paper? I have some odd-sized frames that I would like to use, and having the flexibility to cut the paper to the exact size would really be great.

Than you Jan, too, for the links.

Good one Judy! I hadn't even thought of the photo adhesive but that's a great idea.

I was going to ask about the size and cost of the paper too. Do you think it's economical to use, especially since you'll have to mount it? Being able to take advantage of odd sized frames is one reason I like to cut my own hardboards but they're a bit time-consuming to prepare - this oil paper might be easier.

At Dick Blick you can get 1 sheet of Arches Oil Paper, 22" x 30", for $7.72 plus shipping and taxes. I bought 1 sheet at the local Artist store for less than $10.00. I bought a few other things at the same time, so I can't remember the exact price. You can also buy a large roll of this paper at Dick Blick. This won't be as cheap as a $5.00 canvas on sale at Michaels, but I'd never be able to buy a nice linen canvas at Michaels for this price either. Can you even find a nice linen canvas at Michaels? If you like painting on a smooth surface and think paper would be okay for your project, then it's wonderful. I wouldn't think this would be very acceptable for an Art Show or for selling at top dollar, but I don't really know that for sure.

Thanks for all the information! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks again for the info. We have two very good art supply stores here in Tucson so I think I might check out there.