I Love Arches Oil Paper... and You Will Too!

[@MelicaGrimes-lt2yu]

Thank you for sharing this information. I will check this out and buy a few sheets to try.

[@chrisclampart]

@@MelicaGrimes-lt2yu thank you so much for your comment! It’s a lovely product, and I think you’ll enjoy it too. Happy painting!

[@KarlEBrand]

OH MY!! Thanks for this tutorial!

[@chrisclampart]

@@KarlEBrand thank you so much! I hope this helps! Please tell your friends, and stay tuned for more!

[@jamescowgill4039]

I've been experimenting with the Arches oil paper for about a month (along with trying out some Cobra water soluble oils.) I'm really enjoying the combo enough that I'm thinking that I want to do finished pieces on the paper once I determine the best mounting process. It really does suck in the paint during the underpainting, but quickly become easy to work with after the the paper is saturated and it holds the paint in place with a nice textured while also allow easy blending (as opposed to panels.) It could just be the way that I work, but the combo is a nice change from canvas or panels.

[@chrisclampart]

@@jamescowgill4039 Thanks for your comment, James! Yes, Arches Oil Paper is a wonderful product. It does suck in the oil paint quickly, but once you get used to that, you can build up some nice effects and some beautifully soft transitions. I have been mounting my oil paper on sealed wood panels with BEVA 371 adhesive film before working on them. It takes some preparation but very worth it.. I have a video on my channel about that product, so check that out when you have a moment. Happy painting!

[@kiritsi100]

Great video Chris! Just curious why the oil on paper would need to be behind glass in the first place, even if it isn't mounted on a panel. If you used a matt like you would on watercolor, it should hold the piece flat enough and you could also use double sided archival tape to hinge the piece and also to hold it down in the corners. And just use museum board for the backing. And pop that into a standard frame. I do this all the time. No glass needed. Am I missing something here? I know watercolors usually need glass to protect from reactivating the pigments with moisture. But with oil or acrylic, there shouldn't be that issue. I actually don't even put my watercolors behind glass in my home since I don't seem to have any moisture issues but I would use glass for a buyer. Thanks for the demo!

[@chrisclampart]

Hey there! Thank you so much for the comment. I am delighted that you liked the video. The suggestions that you make are absolutely correct. There is no real need for the Arches Oil Paper to be behind glass. I just have found that if the paper isn't "prepared" in advance for framing, it might be treated like a typical work on paper by many people. Like you, I prefer to frame my works on Arches Oil Paper without glass, so what I do to "prepare" my work on paper is I mount them in advance on a wooden panel with BEVA 371 Adhesive Film. It isn't entirely necessary, but I like the firm surface, and the option to just frame them in a standard ready-made frame, or a floater frame. I have a video on BEVA 371 Adhesive Film, so check that out if you are curious. Again, thank you so much for the comment!

[@kiritsi100]

@@chrisclampart Thanks for the reply Chris. Great vid on the BEVA 371. I can see your logic there with the work on paper. Makes perfect sense.

[@chrisclampart]

@@kiritsi100 Thank you so much!

[@dianneparks3625]

I really enjoyed your video - my first time discovering you and have subscribed! I have been painting for over 40 years, primarily in oil, and have never tried oil on paper. I am now, for sure, and I will mount it as you suggest. One question: Should the painting be varnished in any way … can it be varnished if I wish? Thanks!

[@chrisclampart]

Thank you so much, Dianne! I am delighted that you enjoyed the video and decided to subscribe, and leave a wonderful comment. You also ask a good question. I do not know the long term effects of varnish on Arches Oil Paper, but I have tested it and it seems to be fine. I used Gamvar Gloss on the surface, and removal of the varnish seemed fine with Gamsol. The finished oil painting on AOP is actually very matte in appearance, so the colors are very sunken. Adding a varnish definitely brings the colors back, but it isn't as rich as an oil painting on a traditional prepared surface. While that may sound disappointing, one must keep in mind that this is a very different material and it should have its own unique look and properties. That is something I love about AOP. It reminds me of the appearance of watercolor on cold-pressed watercolor paper.

[@dianneparks3625]

@@chrisclampart Thanks for your in depth answer, Chris! I use Gamvar Gloss. as well as Gamsol, with my oil painting and am really anxious to try out the Arches Oil Paper - can't wait!

[@chrisclampart]

@ it’s a wonderful product, and I’m delighted my video has helped to provide you with some information. Happy painting!

[@seanfaherty]

How much is it per sheet ? I sometimes use watercolour paper with a layer of watered down PVC glue. Works good

[@chrisclampart]

Hey Sean! Thanks for the question. Your solution is going to be cheaper. Currently, at Blick, Arches Oil Paper is $9.08 per 22x30 inch sheet, and that price goes down when you order 10 or more. You can order a 9x12" pack that has 12 sheets for $19.98. So, perhaps a slightly better value if you consider tearing the larger sheet down. Regardless, the paper is very absorbent and you get some wonderful effects with oil paint. If you are able to get it at a good price, you may like it. However, your solution sounds good too. Do you ever see any oil staining on the back side of the paper? Thanks!

[@seanfaherty]

@@chrisclampart no the glue seals .

[@chrisclampart]

@@seanfaherty good to know! I will try out your method soon. Thanks!

[@seanfaherty]

@@chrisclampart not my method

[@Handotr]

First. Love the x files t shirt. I do want to believe. I have been using Carson oil paint paper and like it for sketches and studies. Have you tried Carson and is arches better ?

[@chrisclampart]

Awesome! The X-Files definitely is the best show ever! Thank you for your comment! So, I have used the Carson Oil Paper, and I do enjoy it as well. I prefer the Arches Oil Paper due to the absorbency and the texture on the surface. It just seems to work better with my style and technique. If you have a chance to check it out, give it a test, You might really like it too.

[@martinwhite4216]

to much waffle,lets see the product.

[@chrisclampart]

@@martinwhite4216 hey Martin! Thanks for the comment. It’s in the video. Just give it a watch and you’ll see. Best to you!