@@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!
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.
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!!🤗💖👊🏼🎨
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!
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 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 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.
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!
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
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
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 .
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 RU-vid 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.)
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.
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
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.
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
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. 😆
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!
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 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).
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 ❣
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. 👍🌺✨
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!
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.
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.
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! ❤❤❤
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 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! 😂💕
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... :)
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 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 🥰🤗
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!
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!
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
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 🙌
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!
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 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?
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! 🙂
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?
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.
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 :)
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.
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!
Oh, gosh yes, expensive paper makes me freeze, the best I have had in recent times has been very thin crinkly Chinese paper for calligraphy, you paint on both sides to get different effects, sort of softer or sharper or even to put a dark wash behind an pale opaque, it means you really handle the stuff, even paint on it in midair! and let it drip too!for a more formal watercolour I use Daler Rowney cheap stuff, it isn’t exPensive at all. But I keep on wanting to do ‘good’ work and my imagination and sense of fun just disappears and I wind up hating what I do. I have painted with oil on gessoed paper I like it better than canvas, but have never tried without the gesso. I have a fantastic collection of water based oil paints .I haven’t ever used, I collected them over a few years like most of my recent supplies, while quite severely ill, canvas is so unwieldy Again I love that sort of freedom you have with paper, I am going to give those oils a try on paper just as it comes I have some Cassatt smooth. If it does well I will go large and have fun! Thank you so much for this, again you have just fired me up with starting points. My work isn’t remotely like yours, but it’s your attitude to process that I love. Let the experiments commence! I am going to get some of that large Cannon XL, and maybe some Hahnemuele if I can find large too, I love it. And thank you so much for reminding me about painting from the shoulder, yes, yes, yes!
