Sketchbook

September

TIPS • ADVICE • IDEAS

Perfect Papers Choosing the right surface will improve your artworks in an instant

One of the subjects we are asked about more than any other is how to choose the best type of paper for the drawing or painting you are trying to make. Here is a breakdown of the key factors to consider…

MATERIAL

Most papers are made from one of two substances. Cotton is the most stable and so 100% cotton papers are perfect for finished artworks of a professional standard. Papers made from wood pulp, meanwhile, are a good economical choice, particularly for prep work. WEIGHT

The weight of paper is measured in pounds or grams per square metre (lbs or gsm). The medium you intend to use is a good guide to what weight to choose.

Pencil drawings can be made on lighter papers, while 160gsm (75lb) is a good minimum for more expressive pastel work. Painting with water-based media requires heavier papers – either 300gsm (140lb) if you intend to stretch them or 425gsm (200lb) and above if you don’t.

TEXTURE

Surface texture has a direct bearing on the marks you are able to make. HP or “hot pressed” is the smoothest surface, ideal for precise marks and a more realist finish.

Rough is self-explanatory, the most textured surface available and one designed to maximise the granulation properties of watercolour paint as it settles in the tooth of the paper.

“Cold pressed” or NOT paper (literally meaning “not hot pressed”) is a midpoint between the two, a good all-rounder.

PRODUCTION

Top paper manufacturers will often state whether a paper is “mould made” or “machine made”. The former are more stable, often heavier papers, easily spotted by their deckle edges and sometimes even a watermark. The latter are usually cheaper and boast a more uniform texture.

FORMAT

Good quality paper is obviously available in either sketchbooks or individual sheets, although it is worth considering paper blocks if you intend to use water-based media.

The sheets in these blocks are glued down on all sides, saving the need to stretch the paper before you paint.

THINGS WE LOVE…

14B pencils

Faber-Castell’s new Pitt Graphite Matt range will include the world’s first 14B pencil, allowing you to effortlessly make the softest, blackest pencil marks imaginable. www.faber-castell.co.uk

“[ART] IS NOT ABOUT FACTS, IT’S ABOUT FEELINGS… IT MAKES CONCRETE OUR MOST SUBTLE EMOTIONS” — Agnes Martin Join us online!

The Artists & Illustrators website is one of the biggest resources for artists on the internet. You can find drawing challenges, competitions, interviews and a huge database of practical painting and drawing advice. WWW.ARTISTSAND ILLUSTRATORS.CO.UK

MASTER TIP

When Pierre-Auguste Renoir retired to Cagnes-sur-Mer, his early linear style had shifted to something altogether softer, as seen in this small canvas, Maison de la Poste, Cagnes. Mimic that effect by dipping your brush first into a medium made with a mix of linseed oil and turps, before picking up your chosen colours. Use less medium in subsequent layers to avoid the surface cracking when it dries.

© NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON

Bag It Up! Start the new art college term in style with these three top portfolios

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The Soft Portfolios from Jakar are a fl exible solution for life drawing classes. www.jakar.co.uk

Zieler’s showerproof Presentation Art Cases protect from British weather. www.zieler.co.uk

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Stand out with Mapac’s AM Art Case – the 6cm gusset lets you pack more in. www.mapac.com

NEW HUES BURNT UMBER

Discover a new colour every month

Umber is the darkest of the earth pigments, originally extracted from the ground in the Italian region of Umbria. While it is yellowbrown in its natural state, it becomes a more intense, reddish brown when heated. Choosing a true PBr7 pigment means following in the footsteps of Vermeer, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, who used this quick-drying colour to access rich, dark shadows.

The Diary

7 SEPTEMBER ING Discerning Eye ING Discerning Eye 2021 submissions close 2021 submissions close today. This year’s six today. This year’s six selectors include painter selectors include painter Pete “The Street” Brown Pete “The Street” Brown and Talk Art podcast and Talk Art podcast presenter Russell Tovey. presenter Russell Tovey. www.discerningeye.org www.discerningeye.org

30 SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER The World Reimagined The World Reimagined aims to educate about aims to educate about slavery via 10 large slavery via 10 large globe sculptures on globe sculptures on display in major UK display in major UK cities next year. cities next year. Submit a design for the Submit a design for the chance to feature. theworldreimagined. artopps.co.uk

30 SEPTEMBER Enter your art into Holland’s Painting of the Year 2021 for the chance to feature in an exhibition in Amsterdam or win a rather appropriate €2021 cash prize. www.painting oftheyear.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Figure Drawing by Jake Spicer Regular A&I contributor Jake Spicer reveals himself to be the natural heir to Andrew Loomis in his tenth and most comprehensive book to date. Early exercises with attainable targets give way to a library of anatomical reference, while profi les add vital context. Figure Drawing is structured like an art school course and is every bit as rewarding. Ilex Press, £25

Reader offer – SAVE £9! A&I readers can buy Figure Drawing for £16, including UK P&P. Order by calling (01235) 759555 and quoting the code: “9952100052”.