PLATE-FINISH Papers choice

[LindasPencils]

Kind of like a sports car….you don’t want power steering

or an auto! Manual (clutch) for me evey time. lol.

[Mike Sibley]

Kara, in regard to the Conqueror vs Olin papers video, asked:

1. I'm assuming you used generally the same pressure on both samples, but the marks you've made on Olin look darker to me. Perhaps this is just my monitor, but I'm curious if that's what you see/experience as well. Are the marks indeed darker on Olin (ie, due to the way Olin accepted the graphite)? Or do they just "appear to be" darker because the Olin paper is brighter? Or, is there no difference in the darkness of the marks?"

First, I tried to treat both papers identically. So, the pressure must have been at least very similar in weight. The Olin was a great surprise! It produced strong blacks almost effortlessly, despite it feeling really slippery.

I can't explain it. The paper feels as though its slippery surface would be too smooth to collect and/hold much graphite, but the reverse turned out to be true.

2. Do you find that the slight texture of Conqueror helps you lay down more layers compared to the Olin? Are you able to lay down fewer layers on the Olin due to the slippery surface?

I did find I could layer more on the Conqueror, but the difference was marginal. Again, the Olin surprised me with the way it performed. The only problem - in my opinion - is its markedly blue whiteness. It looks cold and doesn't appeal to me. On the pro side of course, it's cheaper than Conqueror. Although, after adding shipping, the difference is not so great.

[LindasPencils]

Hi Mike!
I picked up a few sheets of Conqueror when I was visiting you - they were meant for a student of mine to try, but as he never returned this term I pulled out a sheet last night to trial it with ink.

• It is WHITE. I mean, eye blinding blue white. And in a room with mult directional lighting the reflection was a bit much.

• It is sturdy! thick and strong, no need to tape down for wash effects

• it DOESNT pool. Unlike when I first tried it years ago I guess my technique has improved or I was able to work with any pooling effects quickly

• I doesn't warp (see above re sturdy!)

• It takes pen work very nicely, smooth black lines. The whiteness of the paper sets off the black ink well

So I guess overall, it is a pretty handy paper to have in your aresenal! I will pick up some more next time I vist! (you have been warned).

Conqueror DWM 1.jpg

Conqueror DWM 2.jpg

Shell study on Conqueror. Lana fountain pen in wet and dry. About 30 minutes or so

[Mike Sibley]

Hi Mike!
I picked up a few sheets of Conqueror when I was visiting you... I pulled out a sheet last night to trial it with ink.

• It is WHITE. I mean, eye blinding blue white. And in a room with multi-directional lighting, the reflection was a bit much.

It IS a very white white, which I love when drawing with pencil. It immediately presents you with the opportunity to create so much more contrast.

• It is sturdy! Thick and strong, no need to tape down for wash effects

• it DOESN'T pool. Unlike when I first tried it years ago, I guess my technique has improved, or I was able to work with any pooling effects quickly.

• I doesn't warp

My guess is that the Conqueror you had previously was 250gsm and manufactured by ArjoWiggins, who had been in business for over 250 years. But the new Conqueror is 320gsm and made by Antalis. I think just the extra weight should make it more stable when wet.

• It takes pen work very nicely, smooth black lines. The whiteness of the paper sets off the black ink well

Given that it's an offset-litho printing paper, I'm not at all surprised by your results.

And, of course, as you're the artist, I'm also not surprised by the super result. I can smell the ozone and hear the gulls squawking.

I will pick up some more next time I visit! (you have been warned).

Warned??? Delighted!!! We thoroughly enjoyed your visit, and you're welcome any time.