Ella & Anna In Charcoal & White Pastel

Lara Cannon · 12-14-2004, 03:38 PM

Thanks for all of the kinds words. I was a little nervous about posting among seasoned professionals. I am a little short on "seasoning".

I put a lot of hours into these and the client was a difficult personality to deal with (to put it kindly)--so it was nice to get some positive feedback from other artists.

Thank you,
Lara Cannon

Sharon Knettell · 01-29-2005, 04:39 PM

Lara,

These are indeed lovely and beautifully designed. Can you tell me what paper you used?

Lara Cannon · 01-30-2005, 11:40 AM

Thanks Sharon,

I used a 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper with a Hot Press finish.

I toned the paper with a single watercolor wash. No matter how I apply the wash I always seem to get an unattractive ripple in the paper. So once it dries I mount it on a hard surface and iron it smooth. (I protect the paper from the iron with a white cotton dish towel)

Arches has a new Bright White that I really like. I can

Michele Rushworth · 01-30-2005, 03:38 PM

Hi Lara!

How are you enjoying your new place in Maine? (Did I get that right?)

Terri Ficenec · 01-31-2005, 12:35 AM

Hi Lara - don't know how I missed these! They're both beautiful.

Jean Kelly · 01-31-2005, 12:54 AM

Hi Lara, I agree with everyone. The second is definately my favorite. I'm interested in your choice of paper, how big are these?

Jean

Lara Cannon · 01-31-2005, 09:45 PM

Hello and thanks again!

I forgot to measure them before they were sent so my guess might be slightly off. I believe they were both around 14" x 28".

I have been experimenting with papers looking for the perfect drawing surface. I am still searching, but I have developed an appreciation for drawing on watercolor paper. I like the texture and the heavy sizing. The paper can handle a lot of working and re-working before it gets too tired. I once did a portrait on a rabbit skin glue sized piece of Arches 140 lb. Watercolor paper and that was terrific. If it wasn't working I could lift mistakes with a damp cloth and it showed no trace of re-working. I was a little nervous about the longevity of the portrait because I knew the charcoal was not binding with the surface but it seemed to be being held in place by the texture and ridges of the glue--so I hope it will last.

I have tried a lot of drawing papers and I just don't like their weight. I like a more substantial piece of paper. I have found the beautiful surface of print making papers are too fragile for my style of drawing. If you need to make changes or even press too hard the texture breaks down and looks ugly. I have started doing a color wash to soften the harshness of the white which adds a little fun & dimension to a black & white portrait.

I hope that is what you were asking about? I have posted several good paper sources on this site before. The Arches Watercolor papers are almost everywhere.

Thanks again,
Lara