Monday, 18 February 2013

Saunders Waterford


I have dug out from my supplies a Saunders Waterford drawing pad - bought early 2012 and quite honestly it did not impress me at that time.  I found painting on it very difficult, mind you the label on the back tells me it is 300gms, 1/8 Imp Rough.    Slightly off white as well, which can be difficult to work with if you really want a crisp white.

Anyway, I have this country lane scene with a cottage and thought I could give that a go on this paper




Decided to move the cottage over to the right and with lots of paint prepared I ended up with this...




I still found the paper very difficult to work on.  Talk about absorbent, it absolutely Soaked Up the paint.  Very good for the dry brush effect though, worked really well on that.   For the white roof top I added neat Chinese White.   I know everyone goes on about Leaving the white of the paper, but I find 'adding white'  sometimes works just as well.  What say you?

As for this Saunders Waterford drawing pad.....I think I'll consign it to the supply shelf again!


Hope you are all having
a good start to the week

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28 comments:

  1. I agree, I do like to use the white of the paper for my white areas but I also find I need that touch of bright Chinese white for the finish in spots, I think this is a beauty, I rarely have the money for 3oo lb , its a treat when I splurge and I must be surely certain about what I will paint, no flub ups with the pricey paper, lol,

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    1. I was lucky Laurie, this paper was a gift, but I'm still careful not to waste it. I do have a previous page that I really don't like, so will probably cover it was some gesso ground. Makes for a great surface.

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  2. I guess expensive isn't always the best in products. Nice to know ahead of time. You made a pretty good painting with it tho.

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    1. Hi Cris.... exactly, but I think it does come down to personal preferences. This doesn't work for me, at the moment, anyway. I'll try again at some point, perhaps I will feel differently about it then. I would say that I have used other Rough (handmade) paper...can't remember where from....and I found that really good...pity I can't remember where it came from :(

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  3. I used to use Arches Rough until the latest batch of price increases took it out of my comfort zone, so I swapped to 140lb Saunders Waterford Rough. ( I think that's 300gsm)
    I adore it, but then I've always painted on rough since I got out of the beginner's class. Its great for getting washes to fizz and blend. Love the effects you've achieved - very expressive! I'm cool with the use of white too - if it works, it works! This certainly does.

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    1. I think I need to work on it a bit more Pat, to really feel comfortable. Good to know you are okay with it, gives me hope, lol.

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  4. I love this painting. I don't know about such things as 'leaving the white on'.. lol. I'm not a painter. (But i've always sort of secretly wanted to be.) Anyway, i think this is beautiful!

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    1. Thanks very much Mary. There, you have learnt something about painting ie you leave the paper for the white 2. if you need more white, just add it!

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  5. I always try to keep the white of the paper, but with snow or waves I use chinese white too . If they made it there must be a reason :-) I think you did a good job with this watercolor !

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    1. Hi Jane, glad to know someone else uses chinese white too :)

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  6. Well whatever you do always looks good to me!

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  7. I would love to try this paper. Such a free and dynamic painting.

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  8. Who says you can't use Chinese white? Rules were made to be broken! Be a rebel! The painting is lovely BTW! :)

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    1. ...being a rebel, yes I'm good at that! lol.

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  9. amazing how loose and clear this is! I tend to be so stiff when using watercolor. May need a tutorial :)

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    1. Hi Edgar, Personally I find the brushes used make a huge difference for me. I'm going to blog post about it tomorrow!

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  10. The paper might have given you a hard time, but the end result is quite attractive - good work!

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  11. Very pretty painting. I agree with you about some papers being "difficult." Looks like you did a good job with this one, in spite of not liking it :)

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    1. Glad I'm not the only one to find some papers hard work! :)

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  12. What say I? I say it's perfect adding the white. Looks even better than the photo!

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  13. Hi Anns, i love your interpretation of this landscape, Hugs!!

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  14. Wunderschön! Das Ergebnis gefällt mir ausgezeichnet.

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