@@crystalhills1definitely! So would I! I would absolutely pre-order a book by Sandi because I have learned so much from you Sandi! Binge watching every single one of your videos Sandi! Love every one 💓 ❤
I believe that the un-named paper that you have is the SAX or Pacon Sulphite paper. I received a similar pack of paper with a similar label just this week & I had ordered Pacon paper from Amazon. I am NOW a BIG fan! I was interested in the larger sizes of cheap paper & found your video today. I have no idea how I have missed you for so long, but I am making up for lost time! Thanks, Teresa
I just started watching and have paused to tell you: I can get just as excited about paper! Any kind of paper, and any kind of book, maybe more so books for art and crafts and journalling.... but I have more books than I could possibly fill in 20 years! Don't care, still LOVE paper!
thank you! thank you! thank you! - Wow this blick drawing paper has really freed me up to just paint, without worrying, arguing with myself about every little mark, blasting myself for wasting paper cuz "i don't really know what I'm doing" --- etc, etc, etc. This is really a game changer for me!
I have totally become a huge fan! Your honesty, techniques, and inspiring tips are worth every minute of viewing, but what keeps me watching is your charm and sense of humor! I literally laugh out loud at your comments and editing, so thank you for giving me a bright spot in my day!!🤗💖👊🏼🎨
I have never been a paper snob! I love all kinds of paper and all the goops (AKA mediums) that we can put on them!! Thank you for reassuring me that cheap paper is so much fun!!!
I could NEVER wait to open a package that came in the mail.😵💫Well, to be honest I still haven’t opened the package with the new lawnmower blades. But art supplies? No way.
First: found you earlier this year and since then you have gained over 5,000 subbies!!! Your channel is fabulous. Second: I use the cheap Blick paper all the time (LOVE) for everything but especially for Gelli printing. If you spritz the back with water, it will flatten. HTH.
I share your excitement of supplies that turn out with unexpected results using various mediums. So shocked that Higgins ink didn't bleed through and the different papers actually didn't get too wonkedy-wonk. Your paintings are beautiful as always. Another great learning video.
You kill me! I laughed out loud how excited you got over the paper! I do know that awesome excited feeling when art supplies arrive! boxes boxes … I made note of those papers! WOW👏👏👏thanks again Sandi for sharing
Sandi I have been focusing on watercolor for the past 6 years. I have tried all the arches and just want to say I love love love the canson xl. I even use their sketchbooks. I was struggling struggling with the arches...tightening up, feeling constrained. Then switched to the canson xl and yes, it was so freeing! I think others will totally love this video. There is some type of psychological link between creativity and cheap paper...maybe no fear that it has to be precious? Thanks again and love that you resurrected an old 🖼 painting!
The green watercolour crayon colour - beautiful! I'm going to have to investigate and get me some of those. I love painting and exploring with my fingers and hands like a child again.
Fun secret haul! You are a jewel . Started my order. Have always been precious with my WC paper. Small pieces. Will take your advice and do some free movement, get out the guasche . Like a stabled horse escaping the stall for the meadow!
Sandi....i use a hair dryer. ..put it right down onto the paper ...carefully ...it smooths the buckling out. I have been using old book pages to practice on and create ephemera for my junk journals and it works on that too.
@@sandihester ....Almost forgot. .....very important ....paper must still be wet to use hairdryer.....a warm iron works on dry....but test on the mediums used to be sure won't melt . I use acrylic inks , sprays and watercolors ..these are no problem . Acrylic and wax pastels I have not tested with an iron .
Thanks again for a good review. I am impressed with the cheaper Blick paper because even the ink didn’t bleed through. It’s good to have a paper you’re not scared to use, can feel free to play with. Your videos are fun, happy, always cheer me up. 👍🌺✨
Thanks Sandi!! This video was so helpful. I’m going to be sure to test out the cheap paper with my gouache.😁 I don’t mind that it’s not slickety. And I won’t worry about the whompity whomps on the back any longer. 😆
Hi Sandi. Thank you for your videos. I am wondering if u could talk a wee bit About framing work on paper. Mat no mal. Small frame. Large frame. Wood metal. Colors? Thank you
Thank you sooooooo much for all of your art wisdom. I have been rebinging your videos. And I learn so much from you. Ps, I ordered the paper. Very excited to try it out 🥰🤗
Love your madey uppy vocabulary - it’s the best! One of the cheapest ways I got to try out the Derwent Drawing set was buying from a marketplace type site. Lots of peeps selling their never used art hobby materials and often all the extra bits too for less than you would pay for the pencil case they are in. It’s a random way to end up trying out materials that you may otherwise hum and haw over - no brainer when they are a bargain! Great video as always you are a tonic! X
I’ve had the Blick white sulphide drawing paper on my list for ages because it came in 3 different weights and lots of paper size options as well as sheet quantity packages so you don’t need to buy a big case or even a ream (unless you want to order big). I’ve been using the Bee paper heavyweight vellum drawing paper which is great for my watery color fun! I also like the Bee paper watercolour 100% cotton which is a great weight and not too textured. Plus Bee comes in rolls on Amazon so I recommend you the drawing paper in 11 X 14 and a roll to cut some nice big pieces. When you see em or any Bee paper in stock, order ‘em because out of stock happens too soon! Love trying papers for all different mediums and styles and …. The yet unknown reason to need! Hahaha! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, and it’s good to be conscious of the different weights of the Blick paper. I learned about this paper from another artist on RUclips and bought it for my kids, and it ended up liking it for myself (but I love see Sandi really test it out well and it’s giving me a lot of ideas.) The second time I ordered it I accidentally selected the lighter weight and it is just fine for crayon drawings, but really not good for water media. (I posted a longer comment earlier mentioning this but I think it disappeared… maybe incorrectly flagged due to some particular sequence of words.)
Thank you for the reviews of the paper. I ordered the largest size Blick paper and can’t wait for it to come. The oil painting you did on paper has always been one of my favorites. Along with the boats. And under the table. And the flowers. I love your work and videos which make me happy in times that are still difficult. Thank you.
Thank you Sandi. I look forward to each video as I find you to be so inspiring and full of art energy! Also, I love that you share your knowledge and encouragement with us. Especially, the importance of having fun in our work as artists and to keep going... :)
After watching this great video, I bought the Blick drawing paper and I LOVE IT!!!!! I am going to make it into sketchbooks for drawing and sketching outdoors with my colored pencils. It's dreamy...durable, smooth, and such a pleasure to draw on. Thank you Sandi ❣
Sandi that’s such a useful review,thanks so much I really enjoyed it.I tend to use Windsor & Newton Watercolour paper,it can take a heck of a beating and needs to as I do a lot of mixed media stuff,it’s 140lbs and measures 16” x 20”,I stretch it by soaking it in the bath for a minute or two then tape it to my boards,works a treat. The pencils look fab will give them a try.Thanks again for the great advice x
Oh my gosh!! Thank you!!! I have been looking for large sheets of paper around 80 lb for my blotter as I create, and the first paper you previewed was it!!!! I think the Blick 12 x 18 will be perfect for me...and it's cheap! I cannot believe it! ❤❤❤
Well send that Derwent white drawing pencil to me…. 🤣Just kidding. But really color pencil & other artists love the Derwent Drawing white. I recently tried to order just one from Blick and couldn’t get it…they were sold out and my local art store didn’t have them either. It’s very sought after b/c the white will stand up on its own and will give you reliable highlights or just that spot of white when others often blend in. 👍
I think I don’t use it because I don’t really do “highlights” in my work since I do more of a loose style. I feel kind of bad now that I know it’s sought after - maybe I should try it!
I’ve started a Blick wish list with your recommendations! Definitely want to try the drawing paper. I agree that using something like that is so freeing and takes the preciousness away. Have you ever used Strathmore 400 mixed media paper? It’s my fave for acrylic paintings. Super smooth surface and it can take anything.
Okay ... secret paint, secret paper, what's the next Sandi's Secret Art Supply ... brushes? more paints? markers? ;) You know I'm teasing. Love that you do this much researching and testing before sharing. It's so appreciated! Thank you! Great video as always.
I found the Pacon brand of paper that is generally used as a childrens drawing or painting paper takes watercolor and acrylic better then i anticipated. I make journals and use watercolor, coffee and tea dyes, or leftover fluid printer ink to hand dye papers to look aged and worn. I like the way cheaper paper warps, wrinkles and buckles because it looks like old, vintage, aged papers in my journals.
Once again, Sandie, you have shared so much useful info! I haven't seen anyone do actual testing of products the way you do --- and it's so helpful!!! I loved all this paper testing, and it doesn't appear too "buckley" when you hold it to show the edges --- to me it looks very "user friendly"...and CHEAP, as well!!! Thanks for sharing all this info with us!
Just started to sketch all my landscape photos I had accumulated in a sketchbook, in acrylics (Jo Sonja). I do one quickly everyday and don’t bog down in the detail. As a result I’m getting much looser, less precious in my painting style, my confidence is building too. Thanks for the ideas, Sandi!
Loved this review of papers and ordered some. None of the links worked. Would you consider having an Amazon page where you could list all your favorite things in the world and we could buy them from that? How much do you think a clone of Grady or Cooper would run? x
Hi Sandi. I have the 24 set of Derwent drawing pencils and use it a lot for landscapes and animal drawind. The white in it is the best white pencil I have tried, very opaque. I've been able to use it for highlights over my watercolours. The drawing pencils are also great on toned paper, I love the white pencil on that.
Thank you, Sandi! I agree, and forgot a little bit, that cheap paper can be freeing... another piece of the getting loose puzzle has been put down:) I love saturdays, and Sandi-video-mornings! (Here in Norway, they usually come a bit too late for friday viewing).
I LOVE the Derwent Drawing pencils. They’re my favorite colored pencils because they’re perfect for landscapes. I have the larger set. I bet you’ll wind up getting the larger set! 😂💕
I love Blick's sulphite paper and I go through a ton of it. For what it's worth, when you first begin to wet the paper as you work, it often helps to lightly mist the back of it. These cheaper papers have fibers going every which way, so the shrinkage becomes wonky. Moistening the back really helps to relax them. It's all good, though, just like you say. If it bothers you just iron that sucker. :) Have you played with the Strathmore line? Their 500 series Mixed Media paper is 100% cotton and feels just like cotton rag -- has a really nice heft to it. Be sure to get it from places like Blick and not Michaels -- totally different animal from there. The 90lbs regular weight is really good -- haven't tried it but they also have a heavy weight version. I don't consider this cheap paper, but it's affordable. Their 400 series Mixed Media line is darned good as well.
Thank you for this review ! Canson is my brand to go when I buy paper, because it’s relative cheap here. I love your review, and your excitement over getting new art supplies ! I hate when I see a review of an art supply, where they only used it for one painting … that’s not a review! Have a nice weekend
Thanks Sandi, scads of useful info this week. Would love a longer glimpse of the Matisse-like work in your sketchbook please! Love the hat you were wearing, do you remember where you purchased it?
Very informative. I've been trying out different paper myself. I did gesso one side...never thought of doing both sides. Wow. And BYW, that painting you did on the wall ... I thought it was wonderful. To each their own. I only got a glimpse of it, but I liked the color and composition. I may just be a bit off the mark, but I liked it. Like this video very much too.
Thank you for this great review of paper!! I bought a pack of the Dick Blick paper and I’m really impressed! It handles my watercolors and gouache paints great! Plus it’s not near as expensive as my Arches watercolor paper so I don’t feel it’s too precious to practice or experiment on!
I’ve bought the canson large pad-it’s not super pricey so if I create crap, I’m ok with it lol. I also bought a large watercolor moleskin . Looking forward to playing in that. I work hard not to get “precious” with supplies. Great review. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this great paper review, it was really helpful and now I want to order some paper! I've been admiring your painting in the corner for a while now, it reminds me of Van Gogh. Is it in a frame or just mounted on black paper? Did you say you gessoed the paper first?
I really like the colors in the Derwent pencil set. I'll have to order them! The 24 pencil set has the crag green in it. I understand using a limited color palette but the colors are so beautiful...almost muted!
Thank you so much for this! I wanted cheaper paper to play with. Question- which paper do you feel like would be the better one if you wanted to paint in acrylics to give as a gift? I have been buying acrylic paper but it does not come in many sizes? I enjoy your videos so much! I look forward to more instructional videos!
I just have to say I'm loving the braids and hat hehehe! also I don't mind cheap paper as I'm not professional, but I do love testing supplies and the results :)
Wow, that cheap paper is amazing. Is it best to frame paper prints under glass while using acrylics with some mix media? Also would you need to put any type of protectant over the print before it is framed? I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
My artwork actually looks better on cheaper paper I use Cass Art paper mainly smooth ie hotpress watercolour paper love smooth surfaces have a rough consitina sketchbook afraid to use because I could only get it in rough texture but I'm going to use it very soon used rough before ages ago... Your outfit and hair decoration ie dotted bow looked very artistic like a painting Sandi you should do a self portrait of yourself in this outfit 😘.. Thanks for sharing 🙌
This was great. Thank you. But my question, always, is if it’s acid free and archival. I’ll look up the sulphite paper. For some reason I think sulphite isn’t acid free. Nonetheless, this was helpful. Thanks, again.
I can't wait for a book by Sandi Hester, from the beginnings to present day!
😂😂😂 it won’t be coming out any time soon. But thank you!
@@sandihester 😵😲😭🤪🤬🥴!
I was thinking the same thing, you need to do a book. I would pre-order! Beautiful work 💪👷👏
Oh I would loooooove that!
@@crystalhills1definitely! So would I! I would absolutely pre-order a book by Sandi because I have learned so much from you Sandi! Binge watching every single one of your videos Sandi! Love every one 💓 ❤
I believe that the un-named paper that you have is the SAX or Pacon Sulphite paper. I received a similar pack of paper with a similar label just this week & I had ordered Pacon paper from Amazon.
I am NOW a BIG fan! I was interested in the larger sizes of cheap paper & found your video today. I have no idea how I have missed you for so long, but I am making up for lost time!
Thanks, Teresa
Thank you for your review of Blicks drawing paper. I share your excitement! Lol!!
🤗
I just started watching and have paused to tell you: I can get just as excited about paper! Any kind of paper, and any kind of book, maybe more so books for art and crafts and journalling.... but I have more books than I could possibly fill in 20 years! Don't care, still LOVE paper!
Those Derwent drawing pencils are MY JAM - I love those colors!
Sandy…I want to see the painting behind you…I kept waiting for you to scoot over! I look forward to Fridays…love your videos!
You’ll have to wait 🤗. It’s a work in progress and it’s not done but I’ll share in an future video but I’m glad it caught your attention 🙌
I guess I can wait a little while😍
Making my Friday better every week..!! thanks Sandi..!!
🥰
thank you! thank you! thank you! - Wow this blick drawing paper has really freed me up to just paint, without worrying, arguing with myself about every little mark, blasting myself for wasting paper cuz "i don't really know what I'm doing" --- etc, etc, etc. This is really a game changer for me!
I’m SOOOOOO glad to hear that Debrah!!!! 🤗🤗🤗
Great info - thank You
Watching you open paper makes me want to paint (on new paper!!!)
🤗
I have totally become a huge fan! Your honesty, techniques, and inspiring tips are worth every minute of viewing, but what keeps me watching is your charm and sense of humor! I literally laugh out loud at your comments and editing, so thank you for giving me a bright spot in my day!!🤗💖👊🏼🎨
❤️❤️❤️ thank you for this kind comment - I really appreciate it and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel! 🤗
I want to know more about your Matisse style painting! And, yes, your paper video was very helpful.
I’m so glad!!
Thanks Sandi 🙌. Have a great weekend!
You too Hollie!
Thank you Sandi. Loved all your work. I sure wish we had blicks in the uk
Thank you
Yay!!! I’m totally getting the Blick paper. I need unprecious surfaces. I’ve been sooooooo tight lately! Can. Not. Wait. Thank you!!!!
Let me know what you think of it!
Sometimes the cheaperpaper is great for stopping the preciousness!! Great video :)
I have never been a paper snob! I love all kinds of paper and all the goops (AKA mediums) that we can put on them!! Thank you for reassuring me that cheap paper is so much fun!!!
You’re very welcome for the reassurance 😂🤗
Wow, I was just thinking of you and here you are!! I love your spirit and you're my inspiration 💛✨. Take care.
Thank you!
I love your art supply unboxings ❤️ especially when the video starts out with multiple boxes and that you always try stuff out immediately
I’m so glad you like them!! 🤗
Great, thank you. I’m adding some of this paper to my stash. 😊❤️
🤗
I could NEVER wait to open a package that came in the mail.😵💫Well, to be honest I still haven’t opened the package with the new lawnmower blades. But art supplies? No way.
😂😂😂
Hilarious
Someone needs to trick you, by writing Art Supplies on the Lawnmover blade package 😏
@@paulwoodford1984 Or maybe just open so you have new substrate made from the packing materials. :)
Thank you Sandi!
everything is just coming up my way today and then I get a notification that you uploaded and honestly it just made my day that much better.
🤗🤗🤗 so glad to hear that!
First: found you earlier this year and since then you have gained over 5,000 subbies!!! Your channel is fabulous. Second: I use the cheap Blick paper all the time (LOVE) for everything but especially for Gelli printing. If you spritz the back with water, it will flatten. HTH.
Great tip Jodi!!! Thank you so much!!!!
I wish the Blick paper was available in Australia.
I’m a paper girl so this is definitely my jam!!!
So glad to hear that!
I share your excitement of supplies that turn out with unexpected results using various mediums. So shocked that Higgins ink didn't bleed through and the different papers actually didn't get too wonkedy-wonk. Your paintings are beautiful as always. Another great learning video.
I was shocked over the Higgins ink!!
You kill me! I laughed out loud how excited you got over the paper! I do know that awesome excited feeling when art supplies arrive! boxes boxes … I made note of those papers! WOW👏👏👏thanks again Sandi for sharing
Thank you 🤗🤗🤗
Sandi I have been focusing on watercolor for the past 6 years. I have tried all the arches and just want to say I love love love the canson xl. I even use their sketchbooks. I was struggling struggling with the arches...tightening up, feeling constrained. Then switched to the canson xl and yes, it was so freeing! I think others will totally love this video. There is some type of psychological link between creativity and cheap paper...maybe no fear that it has to be precious? Thanks again and love that you resurrected an old 🖼 painting!
Yes, the Canson XL is great!!!
The green watercolour crayon colour - beautiful! I'm going to have to investigate and get me some of those. I love painting and exploring with my fingers and hands like a child again.
That was a neocolor 2 - they’re water soluble
Fun secret haul!
You are a jewel .
Started my order. Have always been precious with my WC paper. Small pieces. Will take your advice and do some free movement, get out the guasche . Like a stabled horse escaping the stall for the meadow!
😂😂😂 loved this comment!
Cheap paper is where it's at! I try all the cheap paper and now I'm going to try out a couple of these. Thanks. Those pencils look really great too!
I hope you like the papers!
Sandi....i use a hair dryer. ..put it right down onto the paper ...carefully ...it smooths the buckling out. I have been using old book pages to practice on and create ephemera for my junk journals and it works on that too.
Ohhhhh, great tip Michelle!!
@@sandihester ....Almost forgot. .....very important ....paper must still be wet to use hairdryer.....a warm iron works on dry....but test on the mediums used to be sure won't melt . I use acrylic inks , sprays and watercolors ..these are no problem . Acrylic and wax pastels I have not tested with an iron .
@@saltandlight44777 all good tips! Thank you
So glad I found you Ty for sharing these papers
You're the best Sandi!! ❤️❤️❤️
Awe - thanks
Thanks again for a good review. I am impressed with the cheaper Blick paper because even the ink didn’t bleed through. It’s good to have a paper you’re not scared to use, can feel free to play with. Your videos are fun, happy, always cheer me up. 👍🌺✨
Totally agree about having a paper you don’t feel fearful of!
Thanks Sandi!!
This video was so helpful.
I’m going to be sure to test out the cheap paper with my gouache.😁
I don’t mind that it’s not slickety.
And I won’t worry about the whompity whomps on the back any longer. 😆
So glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing your review with us all! Wonderful video :)
You’re very welcome!
Hi Sandi. Thank you for your videos. I am wondering if u could talk a wee bit
About framing work on paper. Mat no mal. Small frame. Large frame. Wood metal. Colors? Thank you
😍😍 Always solid advice given here!
Glad to hear that - I try hard to give good info - the kind I would want
Thank you sooooooo much for all of your art wisdom. I have been rebinging your videos. And I learn so much from you. Ps, I ordered the paper. Very excited to try it out 🥰🤗
Love your madey uppy vocabulary - it’s the best! One of the cheapest ways I got to try out the Derwent Drawing set was buying from a marketplace type site. Lots of peeps selling their never used art hobby materials and often all the extra bits too for less than you would pay for the pencil case they are in. It’s a random way to end up trying out materials that you may otherwise hum and haw over - no brainer when they are a bargain!
Great video as always you are a tonic! X
Great tip! Thank you
I’ve had the Blick white sulphide drawing paper on my list for ages because it came in 3 different weights and lots of paper size options as well as sheet quantity packages so you don’t need to buy a big case or even a ream (unless you want to order big). I’ve been using the Bee paper heavyweight vellum drawing paper which is great for my watery color fun! I also like the Bee paper watercolour 100% cotton which is a great weight and not too textured. Plus Bee comes in rolls on Amazon so I recommend you the drawing paper in 11 X 14 and a roll to cut some nice big pieces. When you see em or any Bee paper in stock, order ‘em because out of stock happens too soon! Love trying papers for all different mediums and styles and …. The yet unknown reason to need! Hahaha! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, and it’s good to be conscious of the different weights of the Blick paper. I learned about this paper from another artist on RUclips and bought it for my kids, and it ended up liking it for myself (but I love see Sandi really test it out well and it’s giving me a lot of ideas.) The second time I ordered it I accidentally selected the lighter weight and it is just fine for crayon drawings, but really not good for water media. (I posted a longer comment earlier mentioning this but I think it disappeared… maybe incorrectly flagged due to some particular sequence of words.)
Good tips! Thank you!
Thank you for the reviews of the paper. I ordered the largest size Blick paper and can’t wait for it to come. The oil painting you did on paper has always been one of my favorites. Along with the boats. And under the table. And the flowers. I love your work and videos which make me happy in times that are still difficult. Thank you.
Thank you and I hope you like the paper as much as I do!
Love the idea of cheap large fine art paper too! Just like confortable clothes...Loved the video and your work! Good wishes from Lisbon 😀
Thank you!!
Fabulous! I'm going to try some of your paper suggestions. Thank you for making my Friday so special.
Awe - thanks Marci!
Thank you Sandi. I look forward to each video as I find you to be so inspiring and full of art energy! Also, I love that you share your knowledge and encouragement with us. Especially, the importance of having fun in our work as artists and to keep going... :)
Thank you!!! I really appreciate that!
Oh my I’ve met my art sister! Love your approach to paper use and relate to the tangents...thanks for being relatable
🤗 thank you!
That hat is everything ❤️❤️❤️
After watching this great video, I bought the Blick drawing paper and I LOVE IT!!!!! I am going to make it into sketchbooks for drawing and sketching outdoors with my colored pencils. It's dreamy...durable, smooth, and such a pleasure to draw on. Thank you Sandi ❣
You’re so welcome Katt!
Sandi that’s such a useful review,thanks so much I really enjoyed it.I tend to use Windsor & Newton Watercolour paper,it can take a heck of a beating and needs to as I do a lot of mixed media stuff,it’s 140lbs and measures 16” x 20”,I stretch it by soaking it in the bath for a minute or two then tape it to my boards,works a treat.
The pencils look fab will give them a try.Thanks again for the great advice x
So glad it was useful!
Thank you so much for this review!!
You’re so welcome!
Great video! Thanks so much for the great info, Sandi!
You’re so welcome Dori!
Oh my gosh!! Thank you!!! I have been looking for large sheets of paper around 80 lb for my blotter as I create, and the first paper you previewed was it!!!! I think the Blick 12 x 18 will be perfect for me...and it's cheap! I cannot believe it! ❤❤❤
Well send that Derwent white drawing pencil to me….
🤣Just kidding. But really color pencil & other artists love the Derwent Drawing white. I recently tried to order just one from Blick and couldn’t get it…they were sold out and my local art store didn’t have them either. It’s very sought after b/c the white will stand up on its own and will give you reliable highlights or just that spot of white when others often blend in. 👍
I think I don’t use it because I don’t really do “highlights” in my work since I do more of a loose style. I feel kind of bad now that I know it’s sought after - maybe I should try it!
So helpful! There is definitely more freedom with cheap paper, less preciousness. The derwent pencils you got are beautiful, I have the 24 set. 😊💖🌸🤗
So glad it was helpful!
I’ve started a Blick wish list with your recommendations! Definitely want to try the drawing paper. I agree that using something like that is so freeing and takes the preciousness away. Have you ever used Strathmore 400 mixed media paper? It’s my fave for acrylic paintings. Super smooth surface and it can take anything.
I just bought some!
Thanks for the review Sandy! I love not precious paper. I always do my favorite art then. I’m def going to try the drawing paper!
So glad you’re going to try it!
Great review!, thanks, have a great weekend…
Thank you!
Love this one!!
“Hot diggety!” You just answered my question about gesso-Ing your paper! Touche’!
🤗🙌
Okay ... secret paint, secret paper, what's the next Sandi's Secret Art Supply ... brushes? more paints? markers? ;) You know I'm teasing. Love that you do this much researching and testing before sharing. It's so appreciated! Thank you! Great video as always.
😂 I probably shouldn’t mention things until I’m ready to spill it all 😂
@@sandihester No. No. I love it!
Wonderful. I wish they made adult coloring pages that big size. I can't draw so I'm coloring in coloring books and loving it.
I found the Pacon brand of paper that is generally used as a childrens drawing or painting paper takes watercolor and acrylic better then i anticipated. I make journals and use watercolor, coffee and tea dyes, or leftover fluid printer ink to hand dye papers to look aged and worn. I like the way cheaper paper warps, wrinkles and buckles because it looks like old, vintage, aged papers in my journals.
Get ready for your channel to grow!
Once again, Sandie, you have shared so much useful info! I haven't seen anyone do actual testing of products the way you do --- and it's so helpful!!! I loved all this paper testing, and it doesn't appear too "buckley" when you hold it to show the edges --- to me it looks very "user friendly"...and CHEAP, as well!!! Thanks for sharing all this info with us!
Awe - thanks so much Emmie!!! I really appreciate that!!! So glad it was helpful!!!
Thanks for your awesome review!!
Now I just want to buy more stuff…😻✌🏼💕
You’re welcome Sheila!
Just started to sketch all my landscape photos I had accumulated in a sketchbook, in acrylics (Jo Sonja). I do one quickly everyday and don’t bog down in the detail. As a result I’m getting much looser, less precious in my painting style, my confidence is building too. Thanks for the ideas, Sandi!
You’re so welcome!
Loved this review of papers and ordered some. None of the links worked. Would you consider having an Amazon page where you could list
all your favorite things in the world and we could buy them from that? How much do you think a clone of Grady or Cooper would run? x
😂😂😂 that cracked me up. Try copy and pasting the link. Some others have mentioned the links not working either but they’re working for me
The waviness just makes it even more delicious! It is on my wish list. Thanks for the tried and true reviews.
Totally agree about the waviness!
Metoo, on the explore aspect, testing and trying; gotta touch!
not me wanting that big paper now.... LOL
Hi Sandi. I have the 24 set of Derwent drawing pencils and use it a lot for landscapes and animal drawind. The white in it is the best white pencil I have tried, very opaque. I've been able to use it for highlights over my watercolours. The drawing pencils are also great on toned paper, I love the white pencil on that.
Good point - I need to try these on colored paper
Thank you, Sandi! I agree, and forgot a little bit, that cheap paper can be freeing... another piece of the getting loose puzzle has been put down:) I love saturdays, and Sandi-video-mornings! (Here in Norway, they usually come a bit too late for friday viewing).
So glad you enjoyed the video Elizabeth!!!
I LOVE the Derwent Drawing pencils. They’re my favorite colored pencils because they’re perfect for landscapes. I have the larger set. I bet you’ll wind up getting the larger set! 😂💕
I might! The larger set would be awesome!
I love Blick's sulphite paper and I go through a ton of it. For what it's worth, when you first begin to wet the paper as you work, it often helps to lightly mist the back of it. These cheaper papers have fibers going every which way, so the shrinkage becomes wonky. Moistening the back really helps to relax them. It's all good, though, just like you say. If it bothers you just iron that sucker. :)
Have you played with the Strathmore line? Their 500 series Mixed Media paper is 100% cotton and feels just like cotton rag -- has a really nice heft to it. Be sure to get it from places like Blick and not Michaels -- totally different animal from there. The 90lbs regular weight is really good -- haven't tried it but they also have a heavy weight version. I don't consider this cheap paper, but it's affordable. Their 400 series Mixed Media line is darned good as well.
My wallet and I thank you for this review!
Thank you for this review ! Canson is my brand to go when I buy paper, because it’s relative cheap here. I love your review, and your excitement over getting new art supplies ! I hate when I see a review of an art supply, where they only used it for one painting … that’s not a review! Have a nice weekend
Totally agree with you about using a product one time and then reviewing!
This was so helpful!!
So glad!!
Thanks Sandi, scads of useful info this week. Would love a longer glimpse of the Matisse-like work in your sketchbook please! Love the hat you were wearing, do you remember where you purchased it?
There’s a pic of the Matisse like painting on my Instagram feed. The hat I purchased back in high school 😂
I just love your home ❤
Thank you!
Very informative. I've been trying out different paper myself. I did gesso one side...never thought of doing both sides. Wow. And BYW, that painting you did on the wall ... I thought it was wonderful. To each their own. I only got a glimpse of it, but I liked the color and composition. I may just be a bit off the mark, but I liked it. Like this video very much too.
Thank you!
Thank you for this great review of paper!! I bought a pack of the Dick Blick paper and I’m really impressed! It handles my watercolors and gouache paints great! Plus it’s not near as expensive as my Arches watercolor paper so I don’t feel it’s too precious to practice or experiment on!
I’m so glad it was helpful and that you liked the paper! I’m thrilled with it!!
Just started your video and I’m already excited to see your stash (wish I could touch !!
🤗
I’ve bought the canson large pad-it’s not super pricey so if I create crap, I’m ok with it lol. I also bought a large watercolor moleskin . Looking forward to playing in that. I work hard not to get “precious” with supplies. Great review. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this great paper review, it was really helpful and now I want to order some paper! I've been admiring your painting in the corner for a while now, it reminds me of Van Gogh. Is it in a frame or just mounted on black paper? Did you say you gessoed the paper first?
Thank you. It’s framed
I really like the colors in the Derwent pencil set. I'll have to order them! The 24 pencil set has the crag green in it. I understand using a limited color palette but the colors are so beautiful...almost muted!
It’s a great set!
I know this was all about the paper, but I REALLY enjoyed those coloured pencils and want a set haha Thanks for sharing as always!
I love this set Fiona!
I use the Blick Sulphite drawing paper for drawing, marker, and watercolor pencils and it works really well.
I know - I’m so surprised at how well it works!
Paper is my passion. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this! I wanted cheaper paper to play with. Question- which paper do you feel like would be the better one if you wanted to paint in acrylics to give as a gift? I have been buying acrylic paper but it does not come in many sizes? I enjoy your videos so much! I look forward to more instructional videos!
If I was giving as a gift I’d go with the thickest paper of the 3
I just have to say I'm loving the braids and hat hehehe! also I don't mind cheap paper as I'm not professional, but I do love testing supplies and the results :)
Thank you!
It's very interesting the price difference between the cheap paper in the US and here in Portugal. You have it a lot cheaper! 😅 Great video btw 🤩👍
Ohhhh, that is interesting
I used that cheap Blick paper to bind my own sketchbook for guache paints.
I love this video
Thanks so much Michael!!
Wow, that cheap paper is amazing. Is it best to frame paper prints under glass while using acrylics with some mix media? Also would you need to put any type of protectant over the print before it is framed? I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Putting a mat around it would work best to keep the glass from touching it
I only have experience with Canson (besides the pricy cotton stuff) . I might need to check out the others.
yay! for cheap paper recommendation 😀 (have to get threw the 200+ pages of A1 cartridge paper first tho before i get any new paper lol)
😂. Well, when you’re done you’ll know what to get next
My artwork actually looks better on cheaper paper I use Cass Art paper mainly smooth ie hotpress watercolour paper love smooth surfaces have a rough consitina sketchbook afraid to use because I could only get it in rough texture but I'm going to use it very soon used rough before ages ago... Your outfit and hair decoration ie dotted bow looked very artistic like a painting Sandi you should do a self portrait of yourself in this outfit 😘.. Thanks for sharing 🙌
Good idea - I may do that - the orange stripes would be so fun to paint!
Luv your hat
This was great. Thank you. But my question, always, is if it’s acid free and archival. I’ll look up the sulphite paper. For some reason I think sulphite isn’t acid free. Nonetheless, this was helpful. Thanks, again.