"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Arches Oil Paper and the White Pony

The White Pony / oil on paper / 12 x 9
Always in the mood for experimenting, I recently bought a tablet of Arches cold pressed paper for oil paint. The marketing information states that it is a professional grade paper formulated to be used for oil painting without any preparation. It is ready to be used as is and contains a unique oil barrier that prevents bleed through. I would have preferred to try it out in a larger size, but the 9 x 12 pad was all that my local art supply store carried. I enjoyed it very much as I really like the way the surface grabs the paint and keeps it there. It was fun to use but I struggled with this small size as I prefer to paint larger. It took every ounce of skill I could muster to fit this on the paper!
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18 comments:

  1. Maike JosupeitAugust 12, 2013 at 12:04 AM

    Lovely little sketch, love the light and shadow in the horse. You are such an inspiration for me, try so much to paint loose! Your drawings are amazing, too.

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:21 PM

      And you are such an inspiration to me - I admire your plein air skill so much!

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  2. Sandra BusbyAugust 12, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    I absolutely love it! There is so much life and movement in this and it radiates from my screen - as does the summer haze... Beautiful!!! :)

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:23 PM

      :) Thank you, Sandra. I find myself wondering about how one might frame these pieces on paper? It provides a dilemma that working on panels does not!

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  3. Studio at the FarmAugust 12, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Susan, your skill shines through in every stroke! It's a beauty - love the subject, and the colors are brilliant!!!
    I must agree with you on the small formats. It feels like I'm painting with hands tied when I try something small. :)

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:25 PM

      I think my favorite size is 18 x 24 - that size allows me a dynamic composition without overwhelming me. I remember when I used to think 16 x 20 was huge! Now 14 x 18 is about the smallest I am comfortable with. I don't for a moment think this will always be the case as, in this craft, everything changes, but it is the case for now!

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  4. irinapicturesAugust 12, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    I am with Maike: you are my inspiration. And thank you for the opinion on oil paper.

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:25 PM

      You are welcome - and thank you for following my blog. It is greatly appreciated!

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  5. art by Michael PerchardAugust 12, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Okay Susan! I am out here checking out your wonderful art faithfully! So much great art so little time to comment! Your work is outstanding and a joy to behold. So if you don't hear from me you can more than assume I am at your sight enjoying your work! Take care my art buddy! Keep on keeping on!
    Michael

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:26 PM

      You are so nice to stop by and comment, Michael! I hope all is well with you - I am anxiously awaiting the grand finale of you as Vincent! Its such a brilliant idea and a great start!

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  6. Linda RothAugust 13, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    Small format or not, it's your usual great work, but I am so glad to hear someone else complain about small formats. I do not understand how one doesn't drive themselves crazy working in anything smaller(hopefully)than 11 x 14. Having used up my last 8 x 10, (Thank God), I ordered a batch of 11 by 14 for "small practice" work. I hope I'm not disappointed. Small makes me think of "little tiny strokes for little tiny folks." I think that comes from that controversial song about short people by Randy Newman? Utrecht makes a line of lovely canvas pads that come in small and well as large sizes. Beautiful surface.

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    1. SusanAugust 13, 2013 at 4:33 PM

      I gnash my teeth over these smaller formats and am always astounded at other artists who can paint actual beautiful pictures in tiny spaces. For me, the subject seems to dictate the size. I can't tell you how many times I have tried over and over again to fit a subject onto a canvas only to give up and have success with a larger surface. I find that even in my life portrait graphite work, I tend to work large. I hope you like the 11 x 14 for your practice pictures!

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  7. hmuxoAugust 14, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    I'm amazed with your talent every time I visit you, Susan!!
    This painting is beautiful...I love the horse with the light hitting him ..the splashes of color!!! and that girl is adorable!
    All this on a 9x12!!! LOVE IT!!!

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  8. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comAugust 15, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    This is a lovely painting. Apart from how you enjoy using the surface I want to know if it has to go under glass when framed?

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    1. SusanAugust 16, 2013 at 5:52 PM

      I wish I knew, Julie. It seems that framing it is going to be a dilemma. I think it needs to be fixed to a more rigid support but I am not sure. :O

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  9. Susan RouxAugust 17, 2013 at 3:58 AM

    I love this Susan! It doesn't show a struggle, just confident awareness. Such a darling piece.

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    1. SusanAugust 19, 2013 at 9:51 AM

      Once I got going and knew it would fit on the paper, it was a joy to paint! Thank you, Susan and good luck in your workshop - it sounds fabulous!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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