Introduction: When it comes to exploring artistic techniques, painting with coffee using the watercolor method offers a unique and captivating approach. In this method, coffee is employed as a medium to create stunning works of art. Although the term "watercolor method" and "diluted pigment" is used in this article, it's important to note that these methods also apply to painting with coffee. By diluting coffee to various shades, utilizing different concentrations, artists can achieve a diverse range of tones and hues to add depth and dimension to their compositions. The rich, warm color palette that coffee provides infuses the artwork with a distinct charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Whether capturing landscapes, still life, or portraits, painting with coffee allows artists to express their creativity while embracing the unique qualities of this unconventional medium.
Over saturated paper has been a consistent issue when painting with a cup of coffee, especially for beginners. When we paint with watercolor we are starting with a concentrated pigment. Water is gradually added in small increments for desired pigment dilution. When we paint with a cup of coffee, we start with fully diluted pigment, essentially working backwards. In doing so, we can expect to have very saturated paper making it difficult to achieve desired shades without tearing the paper. Much longer drying time between pigment layers . Adds more disenchantment and can deter even skilled artist from bringing their vision to paper with beautiful monochromatic shades of coffee.
The Original Coffee Paint addresses the above issues. It was created with ease-of-use in mind for all skill levels. TOCP is concentrated to allow you to start in the right direction resulting
in less paper saturation and drying time. Furthermore, its all natural, and there is no waste. To summarize, coffee is an intriguing medium with an impressive list of benefits. You can read the product attributes page here, learn more about TOCP here and enjoy a limited time DISCOUNT when you sign up for our emails here.
One often overlooked factor in achieving great results is the type of paper used. Like brushes, paper plays a crucial role in how the paint flows, and the overall look and feel of the artwork. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of watercolor paper, exploring its various types, brands, textures, and weights.
Understanding Watercolor Paper: When painting with coffee - watercolor paper is specifically designed to absorb and hold water and pigments effectively, making it perfect for painting with coffee. It is typically made from cotton or cellulose fibers, both of which provide different characteristics to the paper. Cotton is considered the gold standard for watercolor paper due to its exceptional durability, strength, and ability to withstand wet washes without warping. On the other hand, cellulose-based papers are more affordable and can still offer satisfactory results, particularly for practice or studies.
Types of Watercolor Paper:
Watercolor Paper Pads vs. Sheets: Watercolor paper is available in both pad and sheet forms. Pads are convenient for beginners and artists who prefer working on smaller-sized paintings or sketches. They are pre-bound, eliminating the need for stretching or taping down the paper. Sheets, on the other hand, offer more versatility and larger size options, allowing artists to create expansive works or cut the sheets to desired dimensions. Block and rolls of paper are also available. They are generally used by skilled artists and crafters.
Hot Pressed vs. Cold Pressed Paper Texture: Watercolor paper comes in different textures, with hot-pressed (HP) and cold-pressed (CP) being the most common. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface that allows water and color to flow more freely. Cold-pressed paper has a slightly rougher texture that adds dimension and texture to the artwork. It is favored by artists who enjoy the interplay of textures and the ability to create diverse effects.
Brands of Watercolor Paper: There are many quality brands available. For the sake of time, we've listed a few below in case you need a starting point. By all means experiment to find paper that's right for you and fits your current project. Keep in mind painting with coffee works well on Mixed Media paper also, and certainly worth a try. Please note we are not compensated to promote the brands listed below. We reference them as a service to our readers. as they are just a few quality brands we've used that have stood the test of time.
Arches-Paper: Arches watercolor paper is widely regarded as one of the finest quality pape
rs available. Made in France, it is crafted from 100% cotton fibers and is known for its exceptional durability, absorbency, and resistance to warping. Arches offers a range of sizes, textures, and weights, allowing artists to choose the perfect paper for their specific needs.
Winsor & Newton: Winsor & Newton is another renowned brand that offers a wide selection of watercolor papers suitable for various painting techniques. Their papers are available
in different textures, weights, and sizes, catering to the preferences of different artists.
Fabriano: Fabriano is a historic Italian brand known for producing high-quality watercolor papers. With a rich tradition dating back centuries, Fabriano offers a range of papers, including both cotton and cellulose-based options. Their papers exhibit excellent absorbency and durability, making them popular among artists worldwide.
The Appeal of Deckle Edge Watercolor Paper: Watercolor paper often comes with deckle edges, which are the rough, uneven edges left by the paper-making process. These exposed deckled edges add a touch of elegance and charm to the artwork, making it aesthetically pleasing for framing purposes. The deckle edge provides a unique, handcrafted feel to the artwork and enhances its visual appeal. This is achieved by laying your deckled edge painting on top of a contrasting paper of your choosing, exposing the rough edges. It is then set in the frame you choose.
Hot Pressed (Flat) Paper: Many beginners working with pigment water painting often prefer hot-pressed (think of it as paper that's been ironed flat) for several reasons. Firstly, hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface that allows the pigment water to flow more freely. This smoothness makes it easier for beginners to control the paint, as it doesn't catch or pool in the texture of the paper, and it provides a consistent and even surface. Secondly, the smooth surface allows the pigments to sit on the surface rather than sinking into the paper fibers, resulting more intensity. This quality makes hot-pressed paper ideal for any artwork that requires intricate details and precise shade transitions, or having fun experimenting.
Additionally, hot-pressed paper dries faster than cold-pressed paper. This characteristic is advantageous for beginners who may not have as much patience or experience with the drying times of water pigments. The quicker drying time allows for faster layering and building up of pigment.
Cold pressed (Textured) paper: Cold pressed watercolor paper offers several advantages for artists. Its textured surface provides excellent absorbency, allowing the paint to adhere well and retain vibrant colors. The slight roughness of the paper enhances the overall visual appeal by adding depth and creating interesting textures. Cold pressed paper is also more forgiving, as it allows for easier lifting
and correction of mistakes without damaging the surface. However, this textured surface can pose challenges for highly detailed and precise work, making it less suitable for intricate techniques. Additionally, the paper's grain may result in less predictable brush strokes and may require some adjustment in handling and technique. Overall, cold pressed watercolor paper is favored for its expressive qualities but may require adaptation for specific artistic needs.
Understanding Different Weights of Watercolor Paper:
Watercolor paper is available in various weights, typically measured in pounds (lb) or grams
per square meter (gsm). The weight of the paper affects its thickness, durability, and ability to handle wet washes without buckling or warping. The most common weights for watercolor paper are 90 lb (190 gsm), 140 lb (300 gsm), and 300 lb (640 gsm). Lightweight papers, such as 90 lb, are suitable for practice and more prone to tearing when applying water & pigment. It may require stretching or taping down to prevent warping. 140 lb paper is the most popular choice among watercolor artists. It offers a good balance between weight and affordability, providing enough thickness to handle wet washes and multiple layers of paint without significant warping.
300 lb paper is heavyweight, extremely sturdy and more expensive. It can generally withstand heavy washes and even scrubbing techniques without buckling.
The choice of paper weight depends on personal preference, painting style, and the desired outcome of the artwork. It's recommended to experiment with different weights to discover the one that best suits your needs and artistic approach.
Conclusion: Watercolor paper is an essential element in achieving successful water pigment paintings. Understanding the various types, brands, textures, and weights available can significantly impact the outcome of your artwork. Arches-Paper, Winsor & Newton, and Fabriano are just a few of the notable brands that offer high-quality watercolor papers to cater to different artistic preferences. For those who are environmentally friendly, organic paper is also available. Hot-pressed paper is often favored by beginners due to its smooth surface, allowing water and color to flow freely, while cold-pressed paper offers added texture and depth to artworks. Deckle edge watercolor paper adds an elegant touch and is sought after for special art painting projects and framing purposes.
Furthermore, the weight of the paper determines its durability and ability to handle wet washes without warping. Lightweight papers are suitable for practice, while heavier weights provide sturdiness for more demanding techniques.
Ultimately, the choice of watercolor paper depends on your artistic style, preference, and the desired outcome of your artwork. So, experiment, explore, and find the paper that inspires you to create beautiful and captivating coffee paintings. We hope this article is beneficial in assisting you on your creative journey.
Happy Painting!
