Transparent Watercolor Quick Tip: Optimizing a full sheet of watercolor paper

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  • Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024

Комментарии • 110

  • @Eirenmist
    @Eirenmist 6 лет назад +18

    Wonderful tip, especially helpful for newbies, and an excellent visual demonstration of how to efficiently divide the sheet. What I do with that 2 inch strip is to cut it to size and
    make bookmarks for myself and my friends with a small watercolor vignette of scene or a flower, something abstract, or almost anything. I include a quote on the front or back. People really seem to appreciate them. That way I can test out colors or a technique, and absolutely nothing is wasted. And they are fun to conceive and paint. 😊

  • @marciabrown2
    @marciabrown2 6 лет назад +5

    Thanks Rick! I like that some of the sizes can be matted and framed in standard sized!

  • @CC-ho5lw
    @CC-ho5lw 6 лет назад +2

    This is exactly the kind of information that is so useful and you demonstrated it so well by showing the sizes laid out against a full sheet. I’ve always wondered how to maximize a full sheet and now I know. Thank you so much Rick. These tips vids are awesome!

  • @elenastokes6241
    @elenastokes6241 3 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for your clear and helpful instructions. I appreciate the logical nature of your commentary, the framing sizes, and how you maximize your resources. I definitely will be checking out more of your content. All the best from Canada

  • @edithstrom1168
    @edithstrom1168 Год назад +1

    Thank you for this tip!

  • @susanmerila4958
    @susanmerila4958 7 месяцев назад

    Thank you. I like your idea of cutting for the mini

  • @arreltidwell7118
    @arreltidwell7118 2 года назад +1

    Thanks so much for this information! Now, I will know exactly how to cut those large sheets, to utilize the paper more efficiently. 😁

  • @ollie54able
    @ollie54able 5 лет назад +4

    Three points of observation if I may: 1) this particular video is extremely helpful on many levels; from the layout to NOT wasting what can be very expensive paper, 2) your style, tone, demeanor are very calming and give the viewer a real since of being relaxed & confident & thus being successful at the task (applies to all of you videos I have vied), 3) I have read many of your replies to you viewers... you are a good man. You could very easily blown us off and comment like you really appreciate all the comments but are too busy to get to reply. You don't. As a middle school English teacher, I read every rough draft paper that my students write and make constructive criticisms on them and thereby their final drafts shine. Fantastic to watch their transformation and their confidence grow & thus their skill(s) as well. I'm sure most viewers feel the same after viewing your presentations. Thank you and look forward to future painting videos. God Bless.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  5 лет назад +1

      Hi Liam, I certainly appreciate your valuable feedback! Keeping up with social media can be a challenge. There are so many channels for messaging and commenting that occasionally something gets overlooked. It's great that people are willing to take the time to comment. I hope you continue to enjoy my videos!

  • @SandBox830
    @SandBox830 6 лет назад +5

    Great info. Can you show us the "mat and frame" part. There seems to be a lot of confusion over mat sizes depending on manufacturer and type of mat being used. It seems to me that if there is a simple method/rule of thumb video for newbies like myself, it would tie all this together...from selection of the right paper size to final matting and framing.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +3

      Thanks JM, I'll have to see what I can put together. I keep things as simple as possible. I standardize wherever I can...my paper sizes are standardized, I mat all my paintings in a single white acid free mat of specific sizes, and I use standard commercial frame sizes except on half and full sheet paintings. Those I have a standard size, but it's non-standard commercially so I have to order those. I'll have to figure out the best way to make that information available.

  • @jodihigginsjh
    @jodihigginsjh 6 лет назад +1

    This was SO timely for me. I was just trying to figure out how I would handle a 22x30 illustration board! This was perfect. Thank you so much. I'm so bad at trying to remember what size paper goes into what size standard mat, I keep a cheat sheet on my easel. This will be very helpful.

  • @lisas292
    @lisas292 6 лет назад +3

    Thank you for the tip. I use a quarter and 1/2 sheets the most. I always wondered why my 1/2 sheets didn’t feel right. I’ll try cutting off the 2 inches next time. I’m a self taught, so it’s great to get these tips.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +1

      A 15" x 22" half sheet feels off to me also. When you do the math, the proportions of the full and quarter sheets are identical while the half sheet is different. Taking two inches makes it the same as the others.

  • @Beginnerarttutorials
    @Beginnerarttutorials 3 года назад +1

    Thanks, very helpful

  • @isabelwittich9148
    @isabelwittich9148 3 года назад +1

    Thank you so much

  • @barbrajoan2554
    @barbrajoan2554 6 лет назад +1

    Rick , you read my mind as I had seen a video some years ago about this subject, but didnt remember how to do it. I just got an order of 10 sheet of Fabriano and will do some of these cuts, thank you so much.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад

      I'm glad it's helpful Barbra. I like having standardize sizes to work with.

  • @lindaking9222
    @lindaking9222 6 лет назад +1

    Very helpful,especially knowing which mat & frame size works with the various painting sizes.

  • @debramoss2267
    @debramoss2267 6 лет назад

    This has really helped me, on a very limited budget, shows how to keep going when the paper is running out!

  • @nancyrolfe3033
    @nancyrolfe3033 6 лет назад

    Again, thank you! I usually cut "as needed" or buy blocks. Much more efficient. Practicing on smaller pieces or 2"strip instead of block "Arches" will save $$...I like having paper ready to go..

  • @essietangle9931
    @essietangle9931 6 лет назад

    Newbie or oldbie I love to see what others do, learn and share, thanks always. Essie

  • @bradfordyorks5055
    @bradfordyorks5055 3 года назад +1

    Excellent advice, but it prompts a question: is the 1/4 inch overlap available between the paper size and a standard mat enough to secure the paper to the board (eg Gatorboard) used as a support whilst painting?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  3 года назад

      I purchase a standard 16" x 20" mat with an opening that is 10.5 " x 13.5 ". I have just enough overlap.

  • @maxinebutcher379
    @maxinebutcher379 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you. So clear and helpful!

  • @ChapmanGriffith
    @ChapmanGriffith 2 года назад

    Great tip thanks.

  • @Terry-xf8uh
    @Terry-xf8uh 6 лет назад

    Thank you so much! I looked all over for this information and there it was, right on one of my favorite RUclips channels.

  • @rosm6621
    @rosm6621 4 года назад +1

    This was so very helpful. Thank you.

  • @Mr.S65
    @Mr.S65 4 года назад

    Great! I cut the large sheet of paper in halves, fourths and eighths to practice as I am a beginner but I don’t like cellulose paper. I find that by doing this I’m sort of making a small sketchbook/ journal with excellent quality paper.

  • @sandylosacco2194
    @sandylosacco2194 6 лет назад

    Great info Rick, I often don't pay attention when I paint & end up with an odd size,!! I'm going to write down these sizes for sure! Thanks so much.

  • @Apophanie1
    @Apophanie1 6 лет назад

    Thanks Rick. I just got started using the full sheets and this helps a lot.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад

      Glad this is helpful. For me it helps eliminate waste and standardizes what I'm working with.

  • @mebs001
    @mebs001 6 лет назад

    Very helpful and saved me a lot of time to figure it all out. Thanks!

  • @ottie1954
    @ottie1954 6 лет назад +7

    ....as a beginner, I use a small piece of paper, or...I have the feeling I get lost in it; moreover, I also use the back, because there is no doubt I am not producing masterpieces yet...

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +1

      That's a good way to start. If you paint to learn the masterpieces will come.

  • @joycesnodgrass7068
    @joycesnodgrass7068 6 лет назад +4

    Perfect info! I needed this.

  • @wendyshoults7355
    @wendyshoults7355 3 года назад +1

    Thank you! This has been very informative in deciding whether to get the sheet or a block. My question as a new watercolorist is what do you do with the imprint section of the companies name?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  3 года назад

      Hi Wendy. I try to get the watermark on the smallest piece I'm cutting if possible. I use these pieces first for experimenting or demonstrating, but it doesn't bother me to have the watermark on a painting. Some manufacturers have a larger watermark than others.

  • @bobburke8727
    @bobburke8727 2 года назад +1

    Great information, Rick. I stopped buying pads and buy full sheets now after I saw this video. Do you cut on a cutting pad? if so, what type?
    Thanks!

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  2 года назад +1

      I cut on a carpet covered table I use for framing. This link will take you to a video tour of my studio. You can see the table in the video. ruclips.net/video/_E7KP4JOxWw/видео.html

  • @acatinthecradle
    @acatinthecradle 3 года назад

    Rick I know this is a very old video but I am very new to watercolor and just happened to stumble across your channel and SO GLAD I did! I'm really enjoying your videos! I have a question that's probably going to sound very dumb but I just purchased a 10 sheet set of fabriano artistico cold press and I'm wanting to break down my sheets. I notice some people marking which is the back side and which is the front when tearing? Does it matter which side of the paper you paint on? I do hope you will find my question here since you seem very knowledgeable about breaking down the sheets and I really love what you've done in stacking the sheets so you know how much you have. 😊

  • @bettysadoway24
    @bettysadoway24 6 лет назад

    Thanks Rick - this was really helpful!

  • @kristahall136
    @kristahall136 Год назад

    Can I ask about your drawers that you store your paper in? Where did you get them? Do you know manufacturer? Are they specifically for art storage?

  • @karenlongworth8428
    @karenlongworth8428 6 лет назад

    What great idea. Thank you

  • @annajordan9058
    @annajordan9058 6 лет назад

    Great tip! Thank you!

  • @bruceosborne1892
    @bruceosborne1892 6 лет назад

    Great tip Rick.

  • @flaviacentofanti1885
    @flaviacentofanti1885 6 лет назад

    Perfetto! Grazie

  • @violethorsewoman
    @violethorsewoman 6 лет назад +2

    Thank you for this helpful tip. I’ve never used full sheets. I think this is a very frugal approach that would allow me to use quality paper more often than not. What considerations go into deciding what color paper (white as opposed to natural) that you choose from?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +1

      I prefer whiter paper. It allows for greater value contrast. That's one of the things I like about Lanaquarelle which is what I work on. To me it's a bit whiter than some of the others.

    • @violethorsewoman
      @violethorsewoman 6 лет назад

      Rick Surowicz Watercolor I was thinking that you could get a better effect with your whites that way. If you had very limited space can you come up with a suggestion for vertical storage or should paper remain flat?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад

      I keep my paper flat but I have a place to do that. Vertical can be challenging because it's going to want to bow. I would think if you had a way to keep it compressed, it wouldn't be a problem. If you had something rigid, maybe even two pieces of strong cardboard taped on one end as a hinge. Put the paper in between the hinged cardboard and close it like a big folder.

    • @violethorsewoman
      @violethorsewoman 6 лет назад

      Rick Surowicz Watercolor or those large paper clips on the edges with paper between two pieces of corrugated paper, maybe suspended so it’s hanging?

  • @debicole3147
    @debicole3147 6 лет назад

    Great tip!

  • @joykruczay
    @joykruczay 5 лет назад +1

    Another outstanding video. You really know what is important to watercolorists! I understand the sizes for pre-fab frames, that e.g., an 11 x 14 frame will have a 8 x 10 mat. But when the painting is 8 x 10, there is a margin where there is staples or tape where it was attached to the board for painting, thereby slightly reducing the size. Then it would still need a custom mat, as the entire 8 x 10 (or any size) paper is not desired to be visible in the framed work. So things I have painted in 8 x 10 do not fit an 8 x 10 mat. Is this correct? For mini, that would work as one have the extra quarter inch all around. Also, are pre-fab frames and mats "safe" for artwork? I have read that most mats now are acid free and getting archival ones that will last 100 vs. 50 years is overkill. We all want to keep framing costs to a minimum, so I realize it is a balancing act. Even if one has to "waste" some paper cutting sizes that will fit is pre-fab frames, the cost of the paper is far less than custom framing.
    Thanks ever so much for your time and sharing your talents.
    Joy

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  5 лет назад +3

      I purchase pre-cut, acid free, white 11" x 14" mats online. You can purchase 25 sets (Mat, backing, bag) at Amazon for about $35. While the pre-cut 11" x 14" mats are designed for 8" x10" photos or artwork, the opening is actually 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" giving you a 1/4" overlap on all sides. When I tape my paper down, I make sure I don't go over the 1/4 " and don't have any issues.

    • @joykruczay
      @joykruczay 5 лет назад

      Thanks so much, Rick for the speedy reply. (Seriously, when do you sleep?) I should have researched that answer before reaching out to you. Painting on a full or half sheet is a little daunting for me, so I have been using quarter sheets (7.5 x 11.5). I realize now that 8 x 10 would give me more economical framing options. My quarter sheets have about 7 x 10.5 of painting that I want visible. Would you suggest custom framing those and the half sheets?

    • @joykruczay
      @joykruczay 5 лет назад +1

      Oops, I meant to say the 7.5 x 11 are eighth sheets.

    • @RobertHopkinsArt
      @RobertHopkinsArt 5 лет назад

      Excellent advice and knowledge Rick! Get in, paint, get out. You have mastered all the painting supplies and hardware tricks.

  • @tericarter2886
    @tericarter2886 3 года назад +1

    Does anyone sell a ready made mat for a 1/2 sheet or a frame to fit that ?

  • @SharonNolfi
    @SharonNolfi 6 лет назад +1

    Very helpful video. What do you use to cut the paper, or do you tear? Also, do you keep track of front side of paper?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +4

      I know some people like to tear the paper. I measure it and cut it with a utility knife and steel ruler. It depends on the edge you want. I mat and frame all my work, so I'm not trying to maintain a deckled look to the edge. Yes, I put a small pencil mark in the corner to indicate the front of the paper.

  • @karenallen8888
    @karenallen8888 6 лет назад

    I ‘m not sure if I missed the something,but my measurement of the full sheet seems to be off....this is what I’m getting,ok take 2 inches off the long end and you have a sheet that’s 30” x 20”, lay 6- 8x10’s lengthwise across the longest part of paper, that’s 30” long by 16” tall , that only leaves 4” out of the 20” sheet. The only thing I can figure is that you don’t cut the 2” off that sheet. I tried to see if I misunderstood, but couldn’t find out from the video, am I missing something? BTW, I find all your video’s very informative, thank you, Karen!

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад

      Correct, don't cut two inches off. The only time I cut two inches off is when I want to change the poportion of a half sheet from 15x22 to 15x20.

  • @donnacarraway9182
    @donnacarraway9182 4 года назад

    Great tip as I was having trouble with what size frames and mats. Do you ever use a roll of paper? Thank you!

  • @jenthulhu
    @jenthulhu 5 лет назад

    Wonderful information! But I was hoping you would include how you cut it--do you score it? Scissors? Knife? I'd like to see a demo of that if you ever get a chance! Cutting up a large sheet is verging on terrifying. I tried tearing a small piece of paper once--was instructed to fold, then fold against the crease. Use a bone folder etc. But the paper still didn't want to tear on that line. Now I'm reluctant to try again.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  5 лет назад

      HI Jennifer, I simply measure and cut to size with a knife and steel ruler. I don't tear. I stock standard sizes on a shelf and often cut multiple sheets at a time. I find cutting with a knife to be the most efficient method for me. I can cut twenty quarter sheets fairly quickly, while tearing would take much much longer. I've never understood the obsession with tearing paper.

    • @jenthulhu
      @jenthulhu 5 лет назад

      @@RickSurowiczWatercolor No nonsense! Thank you! With that explanation I feel more confident. Now I think I'm ready to tackle those full sheets I've been saving!
      I just finished your River Rocks tutorial and learned so much! I'm so pleased that I discovered your channel while researching negative painting. There is so much here for a beginner to learn. Your instruction is so clear and thorough--thank you again!

    • @Zapydos2
      @Zapydos2 Год назад

      @@RickSurowiczWatercolor The paper I buy has deckled edges. Tearing keeps that deckled feel on the other edges. Really just a personal preference. Plus I can safely break it down in the store for better transport.

  • @maryalgar8779
    @maryalgar8779 6 лет назад

    Thanks so much for this. The price of watercolour paper being what it is (more in Canada), it's great to maximize its use. Question: Is there a right and wrong side to watercolour paper and, if so, how do you determine that?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +2

      There's different opinions on that. I use the side from which I can read the watermark correctly, not backwards. When I cut my paper into smaller pieces, I make a small pencil mark in the corner of my paper so I know which is the side I like.

  • @theamateurpoint8755
    @theamateurpoint8755 6 лет назад +1

    Very very useful. I went to see the prices of the paper you are using and i think the price was 42euros for a sheet. I think that because i couln't find how many sheets, although the product weigh was 2kg. I was a bit confused there. ahahah :P by the way i am trying your "mist" techniques and the result is absolutely terrifying :) jesus you make it look so simple. You've made me come back to watercolors but i am disapointed w my lack of hability to do it. oh well. at least it's fun (minus the frustration, that is. ahah)

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +1

      I pay between 6 and 7 dollars US per sheet. Keep practicing with the spray bottle and you'll get the hang of it.

    • @theamateurpoint8755
      @theamateurpoint8755 6 лет назад

      Rick Surowicz Watercolor oh, 6 or 7 sound better than 42. 😊 thank you! Maybe I'll send you an email w/ a photo of what came out. I would love you to see you paint that photo.

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад

      Sure, go ahead and send an email.

  • @acatssoftnose3940
    @acatssoftnose3940 4 года назад

    If I want to cut 140lb watercolor paper, what brand of scissors do you recommend?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  4 года назад +1

      I'm probably not the best person to ask . I don't think I've ever cut my watercolor paper with scissors. I use a utility knife and a straight edge to cut mine. Some people like to tear theirs.

  • @rosm6621
    @rosm6621 4 года назад

    Based on these sizes, what is your actual painted area after you have applied your tape?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  4 года назад

      My tape only overlaps the paper by about 1/4 of an inch, so I only lose about a half inch off the overall length or width.

  • @mrspock2al
    @mrspock2al 6 лет назад

    Do you bother marking the 'front" vs the "back" of the paper, or haven't you found any difference between the sides. I remember someone commenting that the watermark indicates the front of the paper. I've made it a habit to observe the watermark first, and then placing a small pencil mark on the front of each smaller sheet that I cut. Do you consider this a waste of time?

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  6 лет назад +1

      Excellent Alan !There are different opinions on whether there is a right or wrong side, however, I do exactly what you do. I paint on the side that the watermark reads correctly. I also make a small pencil mark in the corner of each smaller sheet that I cut so I know which side I want to paint on. I should have mentioned that in my video.

    • @barbrajoan2554
      @barbrajoan2554 6 лет назад

      Alan , this is exactly what I do. Watermark is the front side.

  • @sharontrent1617
    @sharontrent1617 4 года назад

    How can you halve 20" into 11" ??

    • @RickSurowiczWatercolor
      @RickSurowiczWatercolor  4 года назад +1

      Your not dividing anything that is 20" in half. You're dividing the 22" dimension in half.

  • @hotwheelhunter1163
    @hotwheelhunter1163 6 лет назад

    Ow much price. This. Sheet