Tips for oil painting on paper (and the best paper to use)
It could be said that paper is the bread and butter of traditional art making. It’s the surface most artists turn to when laying down their ideas, sketching out preliminary drafts, and documenting inspiration. For some artists—such as those working in pencil, watercolour, and acrylics, paper is also the go-to medium for completing their final pieces. But did you know, with the right paper and preparation, that it can also be used with oil paint? Whilst canvas is a more common surface for oils, there are many advantages to trying your hand with oil on paper. Here, we’ll outline some of those benefits, which paper to use, and our top tips for oil painting on this versatile and accessible medium.
Light Over The Port, oil on paper | Photo by Richard Whadcock
Main advantages of working on paper
Flexibility: Because paper can be easily rolled up and transported, it is easier, and more cost-effective to store and ship. It also allows for working en plein air, giving artists the freedom of cutting to size on location.
Cost effective: As paper is much cheaper than traditional mediums such as canvas and board, it offers a certain freedom.
Time saving: Though most paper options still require priming, it’s a much quicker process than stretching your own canvas from scratch.
Style and technique: Oil paint blends differently on different surfaces. Whilst canvas allows for very smooth gradients when the paint is wet, its pitted surface can prevent fine details, especially in small-scale work. Paper can be much better in this regard, allowing for finer strokes upon your first layer of paint.
Under a Texan Sky, oil on paper | Photo by David Raison
Best paper for oil painting
Traditionally, oil painters have avoided pape r Paper painting because solvents cause the paper to degrade easily, and it can become prone to cracking when subjected to changes in humidity. However, there are multiple ways around this. We’ve written previously on how to prime any paper and cardboard for oil painting, but there are certain types of paper that are more suited to oil paint than others. Let’s look at a few of these options:
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