I recently purchased a pad of acrylic paper to use in lieu of canvas (because I was running out of space to store the completed pictures!) but struggle to get a good paint consistency during painting. Does anyone else paint on paper who might be able to share some tips? Thank you!
I paint on paper quite a lot, especially during last years lockdown. I tend to paint with quite thick paint, with only just enough water to make it flow. Sometimes I use a fairly dry brush too, but that could just be my painting style. I also find it helps to take the page you're using out the pad if you can.
Thanks! I'll give it another try. I first tried painting the Modigliani theme and got so frustrated I gave up and started again using canvas 😔
I've not tried that one.
For your next try why not do another version of another painting you enjoyed? Maybe mix up the colours? That way you might find it easier to focus on the experience of painting on paper and how it varies from canvas.
Oh and if you do something involving layers a hairdryer is super useful on paper. It can also help with page curling it gets too wet.
And another thing to remember is that you might not be able to brush as hard as you might with canvas. I also find paper easier to work on if it is on a table or clipboard rather than an easel because it is less sturdy and I tend rotate whatever I'm painting on in different directions.
The thing I found difficult to get used to was working at a smaller scale because I got A4-ish size paper. If you have a similar situation and your are working too large just focus on what does fit. You just end up with a slightly different painting focus or with a changed perspective.
Sorry for rambling. I hope some of my tips help.