It's a stretch!
Feb. 4th, 2010 08:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
argosThe paper, that is. Early this morning, before going to work, I finally got to sit down with my new art toys and experiment. Using a piece of 80 lb paper that was not quite properly stretched, I fiddled around with a set of Derwent water soluble colored pencils to see just how they work, and did find it interesting. I don't think such things existed the last time I was seriously trying to produce art.
I did various tricks to see how the pencils work when wet, dry, and on both wet and dry surfaces, and how they blend when stroked with a wet brush. I don't think I'll be throwing away my regular watercolors, but I see some potential for quick and easy fun with these. On one corner I did a color sketch of the pepper mill, since I was sitting at the dining room table and it was handy. With some judicious brush work, it turned out quite acceptably.
As for the paper, well, it needs better stretching. I did find and order some of the old water-activated gummed paper tape and it should be here in a week or so. A 600 foot roll is probably a lifetime supply if this is all I use it for.
I decided to try again this afternoon, this time using the pressure sensitive "drafting tape" that Gary picked up at the office supply. This looks like ordinary masking tape or freezer tape, though perhaps a bit thicker. I was dubious, but soaked a sheet of 80 lb. paper in the sink for a few minutes, then shook it out and patted it down with a paper towel to remove surface liquid. Laid it on the board and let it dry for a couple more minutes, then taped the edges down with strips of the drafting tape. I didn't think it would stick to the wet paper but it did. I stood by, pressing the edges down repeatedly for ten minutes or so. Then I let it dry for ten minutes and came back to check. Two of the tapes seemed to be loosening, so I pressed them down again hard. Then I took some push pins and skewered both tape and the edges of the paper to the board. Leaving the whole mess to dry for a couple of hours. It seems to have worked. The paper is now dry and tight as a drum. The tape is still stuck to the paper and the board. I plan to try drawing and painting on it yet tonight, and then in the morning will find out if the tape comes off cleanly.
If not, I think I'll move to some 140 lb. paper for now. That's thick enough not to require stretching to avoid buckling when wet.
I did various tricks to see how the pencils work when wet, dry, and on both wet and dry surfaces, and how they blend when stroked with a wet brush. I don't think I'll be throwing away my regular watercolors, but I see some potential for quick and easy fun with these. On one corner I did a color sketch of the pepper mill, since I was sitting at the dining room table and it was handy. With some judicious brush work, it turned out quite acceptably.
As for the paper, well, it needs better stretching. I did find and order some of the old water-activated gummed paper tape and it should be here in a week or so. A 600 foot roll is probably a lifetime supply if this is all I use it for.
I decided to try again this afternoon, this time using the pressure sensitive "drafting tape" that Gary picked up at the office supply. This looks like ordinary masking tape or freezer tape, though perhaps a bit thicker. I was dubious, but soaked a sheet of 80 lb. paper in the sink for a few minutes, then shook it out and patted it down with a paper towel to remove surface liquid. Laid it on the board and let it dry for a couple more minutes, then taped the edges down with strips of the drafting tape. I didn't think it would stick to the wet paper but it did. I stood by, pressing the edges down repeatedly for ten minutes or so. Then I let it dry for ten minutes and came back to check. Two of the tapes seemed to be loosening, so I pressed them down again hard. Then I took some push pins and skewered both tape and the edges of the paper to the board. Leaving the whole mess to dry for a couple of hours. It seems to have worked. The paper is now dry and tight as a drum. The tape is still stuck to the paper and the board. I plan to try drawing and painting on it yet tonight, and then in the morning will find out if the tape comes off cleanly.
If not, I think I'll move to some 140 lb. paper for now. That's thick enough not to require stretching to avoid buckling when wet.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-02-05 05:50 pm (UTC)I've never used the water soluble pencils, only regular one.
I guess my question would be "How is the paper tape easier to remove than the white glued borders?" I have an awful time with paper tape (the plastic coated one), trying to remove it from anything.
moonhare
no subject
Date: 2010-02-05 09:03 pm (UTC)This tape is called "drafting tape" and looks like painter's masking tape but is a bit thicker. It may have some plastic coating but not much. It's very easy to remove, peels right off just like masking tape and leaves little or no residue. When I tested on dry paper it didn't damage the paper either, but I haven't peeled it from the watercolor paper yet so I don't know what happens if it is applied to wet surface paper. I'll find out when I get home tonight.
The old gummed paper tape that had to be moistened will also peel right off, though you usually need to dampen it with a sponge and let that soak in so the glue softens up again. And it does leave some gum residue on your board, which can be wiped away with a wet sponge.
This picture was done with traditional watercolor paint and brushes, rather than the soluble pencils. I wanted to avoid mixing the two and see how well I could do with my rusty old skills. It's not bad, though not up to what I could once do I think. I'll be experimenting more and may post this one anyway. It's just a still life of two little plushies, a horse and a very shaggy dog.