How to Stretch Watercolor Paper
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ค. 2024
- I demonstrate how I stretch my watercolour paper before I paint on it to keep it flat. #louisedemasi #watercolor
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🚒There was a nearby bush fire 🔥when I was filming this video and ash and charred leaves were falling all over the roof of the house. Some of it managed to find its way in through our chimney flue so you might see the occasional bit of ash floating through the air.
I always stretch my watercolour paper before I use it if I’m using 300gsm paper.
I also use 640gsm paper. I don’t stretch it unless I plan to work really wet because sometimes it might get a bit of a wave in it. Watercolour board is my preferred paper choice but Arches watercolour board is becoming hard to find now. If you know of an alternative that is as good please let me know. I know Daler Rowney make a watercolour board but I’ve never tried it. Let me know if you have used it and what you think of it.
Supplies mentioned in this video:
Gummed tape or water activated tape
Washi Tape
Masking tape
Alvin masking tape (low tack- use if it is going directly onto the watercolour paper)
Arches watercolour paper 300gsm, 640gsm
Arches Watercolour board 1045gsm
gatorboard
MDF board (medium density fibreboard)
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You have to love Australians. There is a bleedin' bush fire going on, but she calmly goes about doing her watercolour tutorial...and then peeks outside!
Hi Louise. I am from South Africa, and have been painting watercolour for a number of years. I started with bockingford 300gsm, but of late, I have used fabriano and Arches 300gsm. I paint large paintings, about 500 x 700 (more or less} and HAVE to stretch the paper well for this. I also soak the large sheet in water for about 5 minutes, and then I use four rubber strips of about 6 or 7 millimetres which i hammer into slots and which i cut in the sides of a large shutter-ply board which i sealed with a catalyzed finish. I use a rubber or wooden mallet for the hammering process. I buy the round rubber strips from oil seal companies, as this is used in the automotive industry. I will be happy to take some pics of my board and method, if you think it may help your subscribers. Regards. Andy Hatting
Hi Andy, can you show me please @katjiepiering_gallery
Pics please!
Ok. Will send pics tomorrow with the demo video
Very interested in this….
6o
I'm reminded of an old friend who never used to bother stretching paper - she always said it was too tricky to do and was never very successful with the techniques. Even so, her paintings were always wonderfully flat. I once asked her how she manged to keep them flat without stretching, and she replied - 'I iron my paintings. It's cotton paper - you can iron cotton.' ... She apparently just used to protect the front with a piece of tissue paper, turn the painting over, and iron it over the back, just enough to flatten it. SO I am absolutely NOT recommending this method, but it amused me so much when she told me... :)
Wonderful. I thought about ironing my buckled sheets too, but am too scared of burn marks!
Ironing works great! I do that too!
I iron my watercolors from the reverse side. I lay the painting right side down on my ironing board, spray the back side and iron with cotton settings sliding the iron all time. If I press on one place too long it can leave an indentation from the iron. Never had any burning on the paper.
Thank you for this, Louise. Your videos are always so well done. I love how you break everything done to its simplest elements. The method of stretching that you demonstrate is exactly what I was taught years ago in a watercolor class. It's a pain, but it works -- every time.
I have flattened buckled paintings after they are finished with this process:
1. Generously wet back of painting with a large brush.
2. Lay painting face down (wet side up) on a flat surface impervious to water.
3. Cover painting with a sheet of blank watercolor paper.
4. Weight the painting (whole surface) with heavy books, and let dry for a day or more.
This process works with various weights of paper, and the result is as flat as if the painting had been stretched. I like this method because it doesn't use heat. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. :)
I have been painting for quite a while, and every time I visit Louise's site I learn something new.
Thank you Don! That's good to know. 😊
Me too Don. Such fantastic skill and talent!
Same here😊
When you say your using A4 paper, what does that mean?
Don McNevin lol
lol
Lł
I cut slots in a board then wet the paper lay it on the board then I use the rubber linings that people use to replace window screens and embed the paper into the cut slots using a screen tool to push the paper into the slots works great and the paper is extremely flat and taught great to paint on and never any buckles.
U need to make a video tutorial!
This tutorial was amazing and your instructions were easy to understand and follow! This video is 4 yrs old but one of the best ones I’ve come across as a new watercolorist! If you see this thank you!❤
Hi Louise, I was taught the same method that you use about 40 years ago. But I had a problem when it came time to remove the finished painting. I used to cut the painting off as you do, then I had to soak off the build up of watercolour paper, until I hit on this idea. once the art work was finished and had dried overnight or longer, using a brush the same width as the glued tape, I carefully wet the tape without letting it run onto my art work. Depending on the weather it usually takes one or two soakings before the tape just lifts off. Of course there is a smear of glue on the edge, which doesn't affect the work at all. Then I make sure I wash the glue off the board as well, if not I found any new soaked art paper would stick to the board, and was very hard to remove. We all have our on way of doing things, but this way has worked for me. Thanks for your beautifully explained tutorials, I have learnt so much from them. 😊
My husband made me several boards from Marine ply. They are lightweight, very strong and water-proof/resistant. no need to size the board (he also made me a couple of baking boards for needing dough, also with marine ply) totally amazing.
that's so sweet. smart idea
Wow, I had no idea that there was so much preparation necessary! It never would have occurred to me that the sheet of paper is literally soaked in water before all the taping and tacking down - amazing!
In college we soaked the watercolor paper and then stretched it onto a wooden frame like canvas using a stapler to hold the folded edges and leaving about a 2 inch space all the way around. It worked very well. I did this in 1981. After college the art stores have said they've never heard of this.
I really enjoy your videos and have relearned a lot that I forgot or never learned. You are my mentor. Thank you. Dawn Morrison, AL USA
Hi Dawn. I was wondering what you mean by “leaving a 2” space all the way around”. Where do you leave the space?
So far this is the best tutorial about the 'secrets' of stretching paper I found on youtube! I just took a long look into your website and I think your teaching experience and your professional way of showing your workflow makes the difference to other videos. But the most important is your passion for watercolours and nature which shows in every single painting!!!
I wish you all possible success and fun in the everlasting watercolour journey - happy painting, Thomas (taunus spatz).
Thank you very much Thomas. This is lovely message.
@@LouiseDeMasi you are very welcome. I wish you a good start into a creative and inspiring week :-)
This is the best tutorial / explanation of how to & why to stretch. Many thanks!
Thanks very much Douglas.
Louise, I recently learned that the paper on the glued blocks isn't actually pre-stretched paper. It's just glued all around and it'll buckle. I think it will flaten after painting better than the unglued or unstretched paper.
Beautifully presented tutorial. Thanks for sharing !❤😊
I love all your tutorials. Thank you so much.
Your paintings are truly amazing!
Wonderful tutorial! Thank you for being so generous and thorough!
You're so very thorough; thank you!
Thanks for the nice, clear tutorial Louise! Beautiful watercolour work too!
your contents are gems!
You do such beautiful work ❤️🌷
That was so informative. Thank you. Love your tutorials, Louise.
I love your work. You are so inspiring.
Thanks Louise!
I’m looking forward to your upcoming tutorials! I’ve learned so much from you, and you have given me much inspiration. I’ve seen definitive progress with each subsequent painting.
Thank you, and i hope you’re healty ❤️🍀
Thank u louise for such a detailed information about stretching paper. I love your watercolour paintings .
I love how particular you are! I can always count on your instruction to be perfect
How refreshing to hear simple information delivered in an informative way! Thank you x
it's super helpful to see the entire process explained down to every detail, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for taking the time to explain all these important steps...your so wonderful and we all love you
Wow, love your paintings
I love your voice as well so soothing, I often feel sleepy and relaxed 😌
Your paintings are out of this world !!!
I always learn something new from your videos, thank you.
You are such a sweet lady...your voice is so sweet...love you work💝
Thank you Ayesha. ❤️
You're so quick to judge people. And based on a TH-cam video for God's sake! That's so horrible, I feel sorry for those around you you've judged poorly, I hope they know how little it means.
@@tomsmith8641 it says more about you that you started ranting at someone for a sincere compliment lol
@@jm-ux2yn There was no ranting, just a observation. Thanks for the feedback though, it means a lot.
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your thorough instruction on paper-stretching. Hope the bush fire is not putting you in danger.
Thanks Mary. We're ok where we are. ❤️
Thank you Louise. This video will be very useful for me. Your videos are just perfect. Thanks again to share with us.
So glad I found your videos. Very informative.
Im still new to watercolor and have so much to learn. It looks like I'm in the right place. This is the 2nd video I've seen and I appreciate your clear instruction so much that I'm now a new subscriber!
Louise....can't say how much I enjoy your helpul instruction. Love your work....I have learned so much.
Love the giraffes behind you. Love your videos.
I had no idea you could stretch watercolour paper - thanks for the tutorial!! Excellent!
Thank you Louise !! For share yours aideas,art,your around a beautiful place to👏👏😘😍
Very clear and informative video on stretching watercolour paper
Your giraffe painting has inspired me! I’m going to try the wet in wet method as you have explained it. I have so many watercolor tubes and I think I’m going to really take to blending them on the paper vs. a messy pallet. Thank you for your detailed instructions! It looks quite easy for me.
Another useful hint thanks Louise🥰💜
Thank you for a great tutorial.
This is one of the BEST Art channels on TH-cam... Fantastic.. Thank You!
This was an amazing video! I am a rather young artist, and all of my watercolor paintings are bowed and crinkled horribly. However, thanks to you, I now I have method for stretching future paintings without having to look at them completed and despair at their warping. Thank you so much! This is such a blessing!
Thanks for sharing all your expertise!
You did very well not to panic about the fire outside! I found this video to be very informative and helpful - thank you 🙏
Fantastic painting for your very first one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful work !
You or so calm wirh your artwork an your art is BEAUTIFUL ❤
Louise, your information is invaluable. I appreciate the information regarding paper and weight of different papers for watercolor! All new information for me!
This is my first time on your channel and I am amazed of how sweet you are I am a young artist and new into the art community you helped me out alot may the god bless you
Hey, thanks. Your videos have really helped me understand how to start painting using watercolours. They are very easy to follow and given me confidence to paint. :)
Thank you for your informative tutorials. I am a beginner in water colour so have found your preparation and wash information very useful.
Just tried this method!! Game changer!!! Thanks
Love your vidéos. So thankful for your good! I’ve Learned so much so far. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for this video. Just like you, I struggle with getting my paper flat at times, as the tape fail me. Also, love your art and style. Such an inspiration. Hope you have a great day! :)
best demo on correctly stretching water. She's very thorough....works perfectly
Very helpful. Thank you!
Your work are so good .
Thank you Ishwar!
Great tips & very comprehensive. Watched it with boys over breakfast. Thx Louise 💙
Thanks Carolyn. Lol....I hope you had a yummy breakfast.
Thank you so much for the detail you go into for learners. It is incredibly helpful. I too love the way you paint and am now am going through all your videos (I've seen many) and join Patreon in the summer. You are professionally trained but it would be fun to see your early work because it encourages people like myself - it lets them know that they can get where they want to be. I suspect you don 't have any 'bad' paintings! Thank you again!!!!
Thankyou Louise thats helpful. 💖
I just discovered your channel. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during the challenges of the bush fires. In addition, I will visualize unexpected rains quenching the fires. May you be blessed and protected from all danger. Best wishes, Dianna (Maryland, US)
Great tips, thank you. Your Art is amazing btw.
Absolutely love your giraffe behind you. Just found your channel, I want to try water colors on small scales. Your voice is so soothing, and relaxing.
Wow, do I appreciate this video. You answered every question l would have about stretching paper. Thank you so much! 💖
That's great Susan. I'm glad. Thank you! 💕
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️
wow I love that you showed your beautiful paintings.
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for explaining this so thoroughly. Learnt a lot here.
By the way i love all your art but i saw two just amazing rose paintings in this video. I really hope one day you will consider making a video/ tutorial with those or very similiar.
Amazing painting
Great video and the information is awesome! Thanks for sharing. I use Otto stretcher.
Hi Louise. I just came across you video. I’m fairly new to watercolor painting and I’m self taught. I had no idea that there was a procedure to stretch the paper. I’m in awe of your work. It’s outstanding 😉 I do hope that the fires did not pose any problems for you. I am subscribed to your channel and have been watching your videos and learning so much from you. Stay safe Louise
Thanks for the advice Louise! I too think my paper was still damp, even though it didn’t feel like it was. I’ll try again for sure!
I’ve watched different videos and I like your ideas. I will try your technique and see how it goes. I’m a newbie! Thanks!
So thanks for this informative video, great ✨🙌🏻♥️
I use a wide brush to wet the back side of my paper, then lay it down on my board, and wet the front side. I do make sure to brush gently so I don't disturb the sizing. Then I staple it in place. When the paper is dry I tape the sides going over the staples. For me, soaking the paper sometimes removes too much sizing. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Also different paper is sized differently. This method works for me. Great video. Thank you!
I stretch wc paper this way also!
I do the same when using large scale papers. Small ones I soak BEIEFLY in water. I use staples too, the gummed tape got on my nerves.... 😂
This is helpful for me. I want to try stretching my paper, and I’m not selling mine so this seems a lot easier (and I’m lazy!). Thanks!
Thank you for showing us your process!! Great video.
I hope you're all safe from the brush fire.
Thanks Zarah. It's still smoky but we're safe. ❤️
Very informative video. Thank you
Thank you for your advice I am happy that I chose watercolour medium to paint with and I have such good tutor to teach me
And it's you
You are my favorite TH-cam artist. I have recently become interested in watercolor. The medium that I am used to using is acrylic paints. I love your paintings and your techniques. Thank you for sharing your art and techniques.
Thank for sharing nice knowledge...🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your very detailed demo on how to stretch paper. I have been attaching my watercolour paintings to cradle wood panels which saves a lot of time and glass breakage from frames.
Thank you very informative
Ur work is amazing
thank you for this video!!! it was super helpful :)
Thank you for this info😊 I’m a beginner so this is awesome
My pleasure. Thank you!
You deserved subscription from me, congrats for nice and informative videos
Thank you so much I learned a lot from your video ,being a newbie to watercolor 🙏🙏🙏🥰
So a year after watching this I am reporting that I have tried this method many times and am totally hooked on beautiful super flat paper!!! It is worth the effort.
BTW: Dick Blick in the U. S. has watercolor board. I don’t know if they ship it to Australia but we could certainly get it to you if you have problems.
For my current level of expertise, newsprint is just fine…
Wonderful tutorial, please stay safe. I am in NSW and watching the news am horrified by the scope off these fires.
God Bless you and keep you safe through the fires. I have seen a few videos on how to stretch paper after it's been painted, and I think it might be worth a try on something that was done long ago to test. Love your work!!! Thank you for the video.
Yes for sure Sherri. I'll try some of the different methods that people share here on TH-cam. Thank you!
This video was very helpful to me last year when I first began stretching my paper, and I thank you! I LOVE the paper stretching process and the result! I stretch 4 or 5 at a time so I’m stocked up. I found the white gummed tape to lift at times (like you said) but the brown gummed tape never does. Interesting.