I don't consider this a 'controversial' topic - I think too many people take it too personally - it's simply a matter of preference and style of painting. For the most part, I don't bother as I use sketchbooks to paint in and can't stretch those. But a full on watercolour painting, I will stretch first. I think being presented with the fully stretched version almost gives you encouragement to use more wet on wet techniques and can actually give you more freedom to explore more. So I do recomment having a few boards and some tape handy, it's fun to have a go.
Thank you Christina. I didn’t think I would have the response to my first video that I did. I use the word controversial lightly simply because of the negative comments that I received on my first video, some of which I have had to remove due to their intense negativity. It’s hard to believe that paper can cause so much upset in the community. I’m very much an advocate of do whatever suits you best. Thank you very much for your comments. Greatly appreciated. X
Thanks Helen, another great video 🤗 I use large washes in my work so I’m very familiar with stretching paper, the reason you couldn’t get it to buckle is because you need to get your paper wetter than it’s was when it was pre soaked before the stretch, to put it another way, paper is soaked then stretched so that when it drys it shrinks to a tension, this tension will hold until enough water is added that it exceeds the tension, during a painting it’s unlikely we use as much water as the original soak. The paper tape that remains on the board when your painting is removed I find comes up easily if quickly soaked and then pulled off and the glue residue then comes up easily with a damp rag.
Thank you Lesley. I was rather tongue in cheek about the doing my best to make it buckle LOL. I’m glad that it turned out flatter than anticipated, in spite of my attempts to try and make it bend and warp to prove myself right LOL
I learned the importance from Michelle Weber's youtube a while back. It's not always necessary especially if you're not doing washes. Most of the weekly tutorials here would not need it. Thank you Rae for showing both sides of the issue.
As a botanical artist it isn't necessary for me to stretch watercolour paper. A few weeks ago I launched a video explaining why. After a lot of feedback and comments, I decided to make a follow-up video (demonstrating a different method of paper stretching) based on the comments received. Was I right in my claim, or was I wrong? Let's see ...
No need to feel shame or apologise, Helen!! Life is all about learning, learning, and more learning! Thank-you for saving us all from doing our own experiments - you have helped so many people with this video! And my fav part was when you showed a few of your finished pieces 😍😍😍 I just LOVE seeing them all, side by side, it's a gorgeous visual FEAST!!!! THANK-YOU 😘❤🤗✨👍🐝
Thank you for be willing to listen, try something different, and above all, admitting that your original opinion was in error. My respect for you as an artist and a person is so much increased. This was a great video! ❤
Well done, Helen! This was an *excellent* demonstration and explanation of how to stretch watercolor paper and why or why not to do it based on one's preferences or style of painting. I appreciate your re-visiting the topic and clarifying for the benefit of your viewers! Thank you!
I love this video , and shows we are always learning . I damp down the tape that’s left on my board and it re activates the glue making the removal of the excess easy x
Thank you for going through the trouble of testing this out! I had started watercolor painting over 20 years ago, but didn't stick with it because of the perceived hassle of stretching watercolor plus abiding by all the "rules" of watercolor. After watching countless tutorials from RUclips, I have now realized that there are many ways and techniques to make a beautiful painting. As you have stated, if you are doing a small painting and not using a lot of water, stretching isn't necessary, so you WERE correct! As far as those who use more water and do bigger paintings, then stretching seems helpful and worthwhile. Some artists talk about preparing several boards at once so they will always have one ready to paint on. That is a useful tip. I wouldn't want to wait to start a painting because I didn't have my paper ready. That said, I saw a very helpful tip from Emily Olson, another RUclips artist. She demonstrates successfully ironing the back of a large painting to flatten it. So, if you didn't have any stretched paper ready, you could still do a painting. I found this video very helpful, Rae, and will keep it in mind on my painting journey. You're the best!
Aww thank you so much. I think the important thing here is to remember that everybody, and each of us, have our own way of doing things. It makes us human, and it’s important that we do what suits us best. I made this follow-up video because I felt that some of my viewers might have considered it a bit misleading in the first instance. I wanted to be really transparent and give people the opportunity to find out what works best for them. As you already know, my channel is all about learning to paint as you paint, we are not a fine art channel, it’s all about having fun exploring paints without the rules. Once again, thank you so much for your feedback, it’s really appreciated. X
Thank you for admitting your mistake! I get so frustrated when I see artists claiming that stretching is a waste of time. As you say, with the type of botanicals that you do (which I’m really enjoying by the way) it’s not essential. But when you do a lot of washes which I do and especially if you want to pre wet large areas of the paper before dropping in the colour and you want a lovely flat piece of paper at the end, it’s essential. Sometimes even after stretching I get some slight buckling, but it’s really minimal and dries beautifully flat.
Kudos to you for testing, trying the technique and admitting you made an error. You're human, and we all learn something new every day, right... The fact you addressed it in such a calm and considered way is a testament what a very cool human you are, pure class act. Art is a never ending process of learning even for the most experienced, no shame, no blame and thank you 🙏🏻💙
It wasn’t a mistake really. It as just a different approach. Whether you wet it first or take it down and wet it as you paint it will stretch and dry flat once you’re done. I do it the first way she had mentioned in her first video and I have no problem. But I don’t do large areas of background washes so its not necessary to take that extra step. Like her I don’t have the facilities or room to soak my paper in. And also we live on an acreage and the tap water has iron and sodium in it so we have to buy our water and for me to use all that water to soak paper is wasteful.
No problem and you’re very welcome. It often happens when traditional methods are questioned or alternatives are suggested. Some will always get bent out of shape lol.
Great demonstration! Thanks for an honest assessment, too. I love your tutorials, and I never stretched my paper. However, I do tutorials with another artist, too. She always stretches her paper, but she does a lot of wet on wet, and even when she does wet on dry, her paint and brush are very wet. Since I’m learning, I don’t use the tape. I trace my drawing first, soak the watercolor paper for 5 minutes. Then I hold it on one end and tip it towards a lower corner to let the water drain as much as possible. Next, I lay it on some gator board, making sure it’s straight and flat. Then I use a sheet of paper towel to gently mop up any excess water on the paper and board. And finally, I staple the edges of the paper to the board, and wait for it to dry. As you demonstrated, the paper stays amazingly flat! I kept avoiding this, but now I love it. However, as you also pointed out, it’s not always necessary. Thank you for all of your wonderful tutorials. ❤
I do think you were right I’m the first video. My paper has never bowed. It’s the same difference. Whether you soak it in water first and then tape it down or apply w/c with water. It does buckle a bit but the secret is to make sure you tape it down. By the time it dries after you paint the paper has stretched and there’s no more buckling. Period.
I am new to this medium, but am very impressed by your abilities as a botanical artist. I have been perusing a great number of opinions about paper stretching and it is a difficult decision to deal with. Being on the lower end of the economic spectrum doesn`t help resolve the issue very well. Gator board, which is recommended by many, is wickedly expensive and then there is the messy taping business. I am hoping, because I do want to have the freedom to do layered background washes upon occasion, that stapling will be sufficient, but will now be going for the tape as well. Your character is admirable; for you have the grace to admit that you made a mistake... but noble soul that you prove to be, many other people can be decidedly grouchy about what they find works for them, and proclaim without thinking it through, that their method may not work for all, especially those with high demands on their time... so I will try working your brilliant and quick way and take the slower route when time allows. I am so thankful to have found you on RUclips, though there are many watercolor teachers on RUclips, your gentle, kindly and cheerful disposition shines out brightly above them all.
Hi. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you found my video helpful. As I mentioned in the video, there are many ways of stretching paper, if indeed, you find it necessary, and as I mentioned in the video, for botanical Work, it really isn’t Truly necessary and I still don’t do it myself. I really hope you enjoy your watercoloured journey. It is such a fantastic medium to work with isn’t it
Wow! This is amazing, Helen! Thank you for your effort and for trying again and for sharing your findings with us. This is educational in many ways! Love this!
Just caught up with this one, Rae. I have done that before and you're right about the messof sticky tape it leaves on the board. So I started using a sheet of perspex and when I've finished and removed the painting, a good soaking of the board in the bath brings all the tape off. Still very messy though and I have seen one artist using the tape and also stapling the edges to the board.Talk about belt and braces... 😂 My advice - if you're going to do a very wet in wet sky or something where the paper will remain wet for some time, do this. For most painting, even some wet in wet, don't bother.
Enjoyed this video. Thank you for your time and putting this process of stretching watercolor paper to a test. Stretching using this method is not absolutely necessary. Like so many other things in life it is all about personal preference. 😉 I’m with you; this is not a requirement in my world either. Mazeltov to those that are diehard glue tape folks. Now that is out of the way, let’s play with paint!🥰😎🎉🥰
Hi Helen. Loving your videos so far! I wanted to mention that in the past few weeks I watched a youtube video of a botanical artist (Australian I think) with a very large painting. She did not stretch it. But after she taped it to a window and sprayed the back! I found that to be very interesting. She was exceptional. I believe it was a type of pine. I watched so many that week that it's difficult to recall her name now.
Hi thank you. And for the information. I will never stretch mine since for me and my type of painting there’s no need but everyone must do what works for them 🌸
Thanks Helen and for your honesty. I do a lot of landscapes and mostly wet in wet, so the full method of stretching really helps me, although I sometimes can’t be bothered and do your first method you demonstrated, and whilst it doesn’t ever dry quite as flat as if it is stretched, I agree that it flattens out sufficiently, especially if you use a hairdryer 😊
Another simple little thing helps and for paper that has a bit of wrinkles, one can use a damp sponge and a little spritz across the backside and just make sure that it does not soak through, wipe off a bit but lay it on the floor or table and pile some thick books on top. A sheet can protect the bottom before laying down the painting face down. In the morning it will be nice and flat.😊
I don't use the brown tape because it has to be cut off. I use a regular stapler (open) wet the paper front and back and staple to foam core, center out on each side. I then tape a margin over the staples after the paper us dry. I do 3 or 4 at a time and have different sizes ready whenever I want. The paper will always buckle with a large wash but the ridges disappear as it dries. And the staples pull straight out easily. I like working on a board. But I move my paper a lot. There is no reason for you to stretch. And if people are upset or don't want to stretch they should buy a watercolor block and not worry about anything. You certainly don't need to apologize! It's sweet that you did.
I love watercolor, but like any other community ours is full of plenty of know it all’s. The purest, the ones that say you shouldn’t use gouache or you shouldn’t use white paint and you shouldn’t use anything but 100%, cotton paper, etc. etc. etc. Love your take down of that small but holier-than-thou segment!
Thank you. And yes, the purists will say this and that. As we are not a fine art channel- anything goes. If it works for you and you enjoy it. It’s art after all x
I honestly don’t even stretch the larger half or whole sheets when I paint. I have done it in the past but I actually do find it to be a waste of time since I tape my sheet on Gatorboard with artist’s tape. I have never had any creases, wrinkles or bends and that is even if I add another medium such as professional colored pencils. Even if one did have a bit of wrinkles the backside can be very mildly dampened (not all the way through) and heavy books can be laid on top overnight and it becomes perfectly flat again. It is ok if one has their preferences but I also as an artist haven’t had any issues and I like having the extra time. I do find it rather sad with all of the more pressing issues at hand on our planet that there would have to be such a huge deal made about paper. Rather sad really. I enjoy your videos by the way. I would never have known if you stretched or didn’t stretch your paper. Most artists that I know do not stretch their paper , that would be around 30. Of that bunch just 2 stick to stretching but we can’t tell the difference.😊
Thank you Jennie. I agree with what you say. It’s not a big deal to me at all and I never do it but I guess it matters to a lot of people. Thank you for the feedback x
Hi Helen, that was a lovely video on stretching paper. I have used this method before and I have noticed that the paint seems to behave differently to unstretched paper? Unless it's just my imagination? Anyway, thanks again. Later I shall catch up on tutorial on texture in watercolour. Gary
Hi Gary. I didn’t really notice the paint behaving differently, but then again, I don’t normally do washes in that way. I have to say that I was very surprised to see how flat paper was throughout the entire process.
Hi Helen, yes it does stay flat very well, it's just another way of working and experimenting and having some fun with it. As you say, if you're working on a smaller piece of paper its probably not worth the bother of stretching it. Im still looking forward to seeing your next ink tense tutorial video when you are ready. All the best 😊 Gary
All you need to do to remove the tape remnants from your board is to rewet the gummed tape and it literally slips off the board. Then you wipe the gum off and brand new board. Don’t do that to your painting obviously but the remnant of the tape once the painting is removed.
Was the paper dry/fully stretched before you begin painting? How long did you have to wait before painting? You could create a white gouache rose over the red wash :)
Oh good to know! I have been researching stretching my paper for washes and have heard you need to wait 24 hours, so this made me want to give up washes... but helpful to know it only took about an hour!
I’ve dug out a stretching system that uses a foam core board and plastic grip bars that slip over the foam core board. I used tape for years thinking, I don’t want to waste that much paper. I pulled it out the other day and it is FANTASTIC!!! I ever want to use tape again. The only problem, after 25-30 years the plastic grips are getting a bit brittle. I have tried to find a current retailer but can’t find the same system. I see the 1/2 inch foam core boards sold for that purpose but the photos all show the paper being taped to them, just why? Anyone know of this system? Name, where to get another new one?
To remove the sticky tape from your board, you can simply give it a soak in the bathtub. To avoid sticky tape altogether, you can staple the paper to your board instead, but you have to use a lot (every cm or so). Thank you for admitting to a mistake it is refreshing and it takes courage. 🫂
I don't consider this a 'controversial' topic - I think too many people take it too personally - it's simply a matter of preference and style of painting. For the most part, I don't bother as I use sketchbooks to paint in and can't stretch those. But a full on watercolour painting, I will stretch first. I think being presented with the fully stretched version almost gives you encouragement to use more wet on wet techniques and can actually give you more freedom to explore more. So I do recomment having a few boards and some tape handy, it's fun to have a go.
Thank you Christina. I didn’t think I would have the response to my first video that I did. I use the word controversial lightly simply because of the negative comments that I received on my first video, some of which I have had to remove due to their intense negativity. It’s hard to believe that paper can cause so much upset in the community. I’m very much an advocate of do whatever suits you best. Thank you very much for your comments. Greatly appreciated. X
Thanks Helen, another great video 🤗 I use large washes in my work so I’m very familiar with stretching paper, the reason you couldn’t get it to buckle is because you need to get your paper wetter than it’s was when it was pre soaked before the stretch, to put it another way, paper is soaked then stretched so that when it drys it shrinks to a tension, this tension will hold until enough water is added that it exceeds the tension, during a painting it’s unlikely we use as much water as the original soak. The paper tape that remains on the board when your painting is removed I find comes up easily if quickly soaked and then pulled off and the glue residue then comes up easily with a damp rag.
Thank you Lesley. I was rather tongue in cheek about the doing my best to make it buckle LOL. I’m glad that it turned out flatter than anticipated, in spite of my attempts to try and make it bend and warp to prove myself right LOL
I learned the importance from Michelle Weber's youtube a while back. It's not always necessary especially if you're not doing washes. Most of the weekly tutorials here would not need it. Thank you Rae for showing both sides of the issue.
Thank you Lori 😘
As a botanical artist it isn't necessary for me to stretch watercolour paper. A few weeks ago I launched a video explaining why. After a lot of feedback and comments, I decided to make a follow-up video (demonstrating a different method of paper stretching) based on the comments received. Was I right in my claim, or was I wrong? Let's see ...
Thank you for your honesty. I can now see how the type of painting one does can influence the decision to stretch or not to 💜🌹
Absolutely. And thank you x
No need to feel shame or apologise, Helen!! Life is all about learning, learning, and more learning! Thank-you for saving us all from doing our own experiments - you have helped so many people with this video! And my fav part was when you showed a few of your finished pieces 😍😍😍 I just LOVE seeing them all, side by side, it's a gorgeous visual FEAST!!!! THANK-YOU 😘❤🤗✨👍🐝
Thank you so much Dr Bee 🐝. Humble pie for sure here lol. Once again, thank you for your support 💜🌸🐝
Thank you for be willing to listen, try something different, and above all, admitting that your original opinion was in error. My respect for you as an artist and a person is so much increased. This was a great video! ❤
Thank you very much
Well done, Helen! This was an *excellent* demonstration and explanation of how to stretch watercolor paper and why or why not to do it based on one's preferences or style of painting. I appreciate your re-visiting the topic and clarifying for the benefit of your viewers! Thank you!
My absolute pleasure. Thank you for your kind comments x
I love this video , and shows we are always learning . I damp down the tape that’s left on my board and it re activates the glue making the removal of the excess easy x
Ah right. Thank you for the tip. I’d have been scratching it for ages lol
Thank you for going through the trouble of testing this out! I had started watercolor painting over 20 years ago, but didn't stick with it because of the perceived hassle of stretching watercolor plus abiding by all the "rules" of watercolor. After watching countless tutorials from RUclips, I have now realized that there are many ways and techniques to make a beautiful painting. As you have stated, if you are doing a small painting and not using a lot of water, stretching isn't necessary, so you WERE correct! As far as those who use more water and do bigger paintings, then stretching seems helpful and worthwhile. Some artists talk about preparing several boards at once so they will always have one ready to paint on. That is a useful tip. I wouldn't want to wait to start a painting because I didn't have my paper ready. That said, I saw a very helpful tip from Emily Olson, another RUclips artist. She demonstrates successfully ironing the back of a large painting to flatten it. So, if you didn't have any stretched paper ready, you could still do a painting. I found this video very helpful, Rae, and will keep it in mind on my painting journey. You're the best!
Aww thank you so much. I think the important thing here is to remember that everybody, and each of us, have our own way of doing things. It makes us human, and it’s important that we do what suits us best. I made this follow-up video because I felt that some of my viewers might have considered it a bit misleading in the first instance.
I wanted to be really transparent and give people the opportunity to find out what works best for them. As you already know, my channel is all about learning to paint as you paint, we are not a fine art channel, it’s all about having fun exploring paints without the rules.
Once again, thank you so much for your feedback, it’s really appreciated. X
Thank you for admitting your mistake! I get so frustrated when I see artists claiming that stretching is a waste of time. As you say, with the type of botanicals that you do (which I’m really enjoying by the way) it’s not essential. But when you do a lot of washes which I do and especially if you want to pre wet large areas of the paper before dropping in the colour and you want a lovely flat piece of paper at the end, it’s essential. Sometimes even after stretching I get some slight buckling, but it’s really minimal and dries beautifully flat.
Thank you. I don’t mind admitting I was wrong x
Kudos to you for testing, trying the technique and admitting you made an error. You're human, and we all learn something new every day, right... The fact you addressed it in such a calm and considered way is a testament what a very cool human you are, pure class act. Art is a never ending process of learning even for the most experienced, no shame, no blame and thank you 🙏🏻💙
Thank you very much x
It wasn’t a mistake really. It as just a different approach. Whether you wet it first or take it down and wet it as you paint it will stretch and dry flat once you’re done. I do it the first way she had mentioned in her first video and I have no problem. But I don’t do large areas of background washes so its not necessary to take that extra step. Like her I don’t have the facilities or room to soak my paper in. And also we live on an acreage and the tap water has iron and sodium in it so we have to buy our water and for me to use all that water to soak paper is wasteful.
Thank you for the feedback Elizabeth. Much appreciated
No problem and you’re very welcome. It often happens when traditional methods are questioned or alternatives are suggested. Some will always get bent out of shape lol.
Lol yup 😂❤️
Great demonstration! Thanks for an honest assessment, too. I love your tutorials, and I never stretched my paper. However, I do tutorials with another artist, too. She always stretches her paper, but she does a lot of wet on wet, and even when she does wet on dry, her paint and brush are very wet. Since I’m learning, I don’t use the tape. I trace my drawing first, soak the watercolor paper for 5 minutes. Then I hold it on one end and tip it towards a lower corner to let the water drain as much as possible. Next, I lay it on some gator board, making sure it’s straight and flat. Then I use a sheet of paper towel to gently mop up any excess water on the paper and board. And finally, I staple the edges of the paper to the board, and wait for it to dry.
As you demonstrated, the paper stays amazingly flat! I kept avoiding this, but now I love it. However, as you also pointed out, it’s not always necessary.
Thank you for all of your wonderful tutorials. ❤
Thank you very much Anne. I love hearing how other people work etc. thank you for your kind words too x
I do think you were right I’m the first video. My paper has never bowed. It’s the same difference. Whether you soak it in water first and then tape it down or apply w/c with water. It does buckle a bit but the secret is to make sure you tape it down. By the time it dries after you paint the paper has stretched and there’s no more buckling. Period.
Exactly this! X
I am new to this medium, but am very impressed by your abilities as a botanical artist. I have been perusing a great number of opinions about paper stretching and it is a difficult decision to deal with. Being on the lower end of the economic spectrum doesn`t help resolve the issue very well. Gator board, which is recommended by many, is wickedly expensive and then there is the messy taping business. I am hoping, because I do want to have the freedom to do layered background washes upon occasion, that stapling will be sufficient, but will now be going for the tape as well. Your character is admirable; for you have the grace to admit that you made a mistake... but noble soul that you prove to be, many other people can be decidedly grouchy about what they find works for them, and proclaim without thinking it through, that their method may not work for all, especially those with high demands on their time... so I will try working your brilliant and quick way and take the slower route when time allows. I am so thankful to have found you on RUclips, though there are many watercolor teachers on RUclips, your gentle, kindly and cheerful disposition shines out brightly above them all.
Hi. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you found my video helpful. As I mentioned in the video, there are many ways of stretching paper, if indeed, you find it necessary, and as I mentioned in the video, for botanical Work, it really isn’t Truly necessary and I still don’t do it myself. I really hope you enjoy your watercoloured journey. It is such a fantastic medium to work with isn’t it
Wow! This is amazing, Helen! Thank you for your effort and for trying again and for sharing your findings with us. This is educational in many ways! Love this!
Thank you very much Sophia x
Just caught up with this one, Rae. I have done that before and you're right about the messof sticky tape it leaves on the board. So I started using a sheet of perspex and when I've finished and removed the painting, a good soaking of the board in the bath brings all the tape off. Still very messy though and I have seen one artist using the tape and also stapling the edges to the board.Talk about belt and braces... 😂
My advice - if you're going to do a very wet in wet sky or something where the paper will remain wet for some time, do this. For most painting, even some wet in wet, don't bother.
I agree. It’s definitely not needed for my type of work x
Enjoyed this video. Thank you for your time and putting this process of stretching watercolor paper to a test. Stretching using this method is not absolutely necessary. Like so many other things in life it is all about personal preference. 😉 I’m with you; this is not a requirement in my world either. Mazeltov to those that are diehard glue tape folks. Now that is out of the way, let’s play with paint!🥰😎🎉🥰
Hear hear! Thank you for your comment x🌸😘
Hi Helen. Loving your videos so far! I wanted to mention that in the past few weeks I watched a youtube video of a botanical artist (Australian I think) with a very large painting. She did not stretch it. But after she taped it to a window and sprayed the back! I found that to be very interesting. She was exceptional. I believe it was a type of pine. I watched so many that week that it's difficult to recall her name now.
Hi thank you. And for the information. I will never stretch mine since for me and my type of painting there’s no need but everyone must do what works for them 🌸
It was helpful to see how to properly use that type of tape.
Thanks Sue
This was great. I admire you for taking the time to do this. I don’t stretch my paper either, it’s a faff, but I loved watching you do it.
Thank you. Definitely with you on the too much of a faff front x
@@helencampbell ..😂 life’s too short for faff
@@MoonSpinners absolutely 😂
Love your hair Rae. Just noticed it’s straight. Suits you to a tee.
And like you I don’t do large background washes. Thank you for your video.
Awww thank you very much 💜
Thanks Helen and for your honesty. I do a lot of landscapes and mostly wet in wet, so the full method of stretching really helps me, although I sometimes can’t be bothered and do your first method you demonstrated, and whilst it doesn’t ever dry quite as flat as if it is stretched, I agree that it flattens out sufficiently, especially if you use a hairdryer 😊
Thank you for your comment Sarah. I knew it was important to show both types of stretching, and then folks can make their own mind up. X
Another simple little thing helps and for paper that has a bit of wrinkles, one can use a damp sponge and a little spritz across the backside and just make sure that it does not soak through, wipe off a bit but lay it on the floor or table and pile some thick books on top. A sheet can protect the bottom before laying down the painting face down. In the morning it will be nice and flat.😊
@@ninner196 great tip. Thank you
@@ninner196 thanks for that tip, I will give it a try also
For larger sheets you have to soak that paper for minimum 4 minutes for it to expand so it gets taut when it is stretched and dried.
Thank you
I love this video! What an interesting process. As a very sometimes hobby painter it isn't a technique I'd use, but it is fun to learn about!
Thank you. It’s too much of a faff for me lol
Do a complete painting just with lifting and leave a white design maybe leaves and a bloom
Awesome video, Rae! And very interesting results. I still ain't got time for that but it's great for those who do.
Thank you very much Cass x
Thanks!
Thank you very much for the super thanks x
I don't use the brown tape because it has to be cut off. I use a regular stapler (open) wet the paper front and back and staple to foam core, center out on each side. I then tape a margin over the staples after the paper us dry. I do 3 or 4 at a time and have different sizes ready whenever I want. The paper will always buckle with a large wash but the ridges disappear as it dries. And the staples pull straight out easily. I like working on a board. But I move my paper a lot. There is no reason for you to stretch. And if people are upset or don't want to stretch they should buy a watercolor block and not worry about anything. You certainly don't need to apologize! It's sweet that you did.
Thank you Bobbie x
I love watercolor, but like any other community ours is full of plenty of know it all’s. The purest, the ones that say you shouldn’t use gouache or you shouldn’t use white paint and you shouldn’t use anything but 100%, cotton paper, etc. etc. etc. Love your take down of that small but holier-than-thou segment!
Thank you. And yes, the purists will say this and that. As we are not a fine art channel- anything goes. If it works for you and you enjoy it. It’s art after all x
Good for you. :)
Thank you 😊
As always - THANK YOU.
My pleasure entirely
Thank you, Rae!
My pleasure
I honestly don’t even stretch the larger half or whole sheets when I paint. I have done it in the past but I actually do find it to be a waste of time since I tape my sheet on Gatorboard with artist’s tape. I have never had any creases, wrinkles or bends and that is even if I add another medium such as professional colored pencils. Even if one did have a bit of wrinkles the backside can be very mildly dampened (not all the way through) and heavy books can be laid on top overnight and it becomes perfectly flat again. It is ok if one has their preferences but I also as an artist haven’t had any issues and I like having the extra time. I do find it rather sad with all of the more pressing issues at hand on our planet that there would have to be such a huge deal made about paper. Rather sad really. I enjoy your videos by the way. I would never have known if you stretched or didn’t stretch your paper. Most artists that I know do not stretch their paper , that would be around 30. Of that bunch just 2 stick to stretching but we can’t tell the difference.😊
Thank you Jennie. I agree with what you say. It’s not a big deal to me at all and I never do it but I guess it matters to a lot of people. Thank you for the feedback x
Hi Helen, that was a lovely video on stretching paper. I have used this method before and I have noticed that the paint seems to behave differently to unstretched paper? Unless it's just my imagination? Anyway, thanks again. Later I shall catch up on tutorial on texture in watercolour. Gary
Hi Gary. I didn’t really notice the paint behaving differently, but then again, I don’t normally do washes in that way. I have to say that I was very surprised to see how flat paper was throughout the entire process.
Hi Helen, yes it does stay flat very well, it's just another way of working and experimenting and having some fun with it. As you say, if you're working on a smaller piece of paper its probably not worth the bother of stretching it. Im still looking forward to seeing your next ink tense tutorial video when you are ready. All the best 😊 Gary
@@garytaber6697 ah yes. I did promise one didn’t I. Leave it with me x
OK Helen, thanks for that, I'll look forward to seeing it when your ready x
Thank you
All you need to do to remove the tape remnants from your board is to rewet the gummed tape and it literally slips off the board. Then you wipe the gum off and brand new board. Don’t do that to your painting obviously but the remnant of the tape once the painting is removed.
Thank you. Tried it and it works
Was the paper dry/fully stretched before you begin painting? How long did you have to wait before painting?
You could create a white gouache rose over the red wash :)
Hi. Yes it was. Took about an hour. Thank you for the suggestion x
Oh good to know! I have been researching stretching my paper for washes and have heard you need to wait 24 hours, so this made me want to give up washes... but helpful to know it only took about an hour!
Obviously, it depends a little bit on your climate and where you’re working et cetera but it shouldn’t take that much longer
How do I remove the tape after I’ve finished painting without wrecking the edge?
Use a wet sponge over the tape it should release easily
Thanks a lot for information,, did you used 300 gms or thicker paper for this video? 🙏💕
Hi. I used 300 gsm
@@helencampbell thank you🙏💕
@@artin74 my pleasure x
If I had to stretch my paper, I would never paint
Me too
If you rewet the tape on the board it comes right off
Thank you
APPLAUSE!!!
😀
I’ve dug out a stretching system that uses a foam core board and plastic grip bars that slip over the foam core board. I used tape for years thinking, I don’t want to waste that much paper. I pulled it out the other day and it is FANTASTIC!!! I ever want to use tape again. The only problem, after 25-30 years the plastic grips are getting a bit brittle. I have tried to find a current retailer but can’t find the same system. I see the 1/2 inch foam core boards sold for that purpose but the photos all show the paper being taped to them, just why? Anyone know of this system? Name, where to get another new one?
I’ve never heard of that David thank you for sharing
I use 300 gsm paper and never stretch it.
Great. I don’t think you need to
First!
Yay
🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Thank you 🌸😊💜
To remove the sticky tape from your board, you can simply give it a soak in the bathtub. To avoid sticky tape altogether, you can staple the paper to your board instead, but you have to use a lot (every cm or so). Thank you for admitting to a mistake it is refreshing and it takes courage. 🫂
Thank you 😊