[Denise Hall]

To Linda, Peggy, and Juan,

Thank you all for giving me so much great feedback on papers, technique, and inspiration!


Linda, I am sending off for that package as soon as I find it.


Peggy, even though I was a good note-taker this summer in your information-packed workshop, I failed to write down your paper choices. I'm sure it is the only note I didn't take! You spotted me though and answered. Hope Asheville is beautiful and cooler than it is here in Eastern NC right now! Let me know!


Juan,

I read all your posts here as well as another list and am always learning from your advice. I am also in awe of your drawings as well as your paintings. The drawings you have posted on your site are beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and here are a few notes I made after reading your post:

For example, the Stonehenge I am familiar has a relatively smooth texture and takes graphite well. And, as Peggy said, it is tough. I find it too smooth for charcoal, however, so for that, I use a paper with more tooth so that the charcoal has something to grab hold of.

I have a problem already of getting too dark too soon with charcoal, so a paper with more tooth is probably what I need. Even when I use a lighter charcoal pencil, I have trouble with this.

The best all-round one is Fabriano UNO. It is double-sized so it is tough. I use the one they call "soft press" which is not as heavily textured as the cold press.

Yes, I think the cold press is the best also and will try the Fabriano - never tried them before.

Both are very tough and can stand a lot of abuse, although perfect erasure is nearly impossible.

I have trouble knowing "when" to erase, usually starting out too soon. I also have trouble with applying white conte over darker conte or charcoal, never getting the effect I want. I think I am afraid of too many layers.

Finally, for purely charcoal use, the Fabriano Roma line is excellent. It is not quite as tough as the previously mentioned ones, but because of that (maybe it has less sizing) it seems to accept more charcoal and it does erase almost perfectly (be gentle, though; use a kneadable eraser).

I took all your advice on another site about erasers. I have a Staetdler (sp.) as well as other kneadables, which I always used in college. (I was a commercial artist.)

Thanks to all of you again and I am ordering the papers and will let you know (several months from now of course) how it is going.

We have talked our local art museum into having a figure drawing class at night with live models, as well as a teacher (quite a feat) which starts in October. I am so excited and will be using papers that you guys have recommended.

Sincerely,