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Tips for oil painting on paper (and the best paper to use)

It could be said that paper is the bread and butter of traditional art making. It’s the surface most

artists turn to when laying down their ideas, sketching out preliminary drafts, and documenting

inspiration. For some artists—such as those working in pencil, watercolour, and acrylics, paper is

also the go-to medium for completing their final pieces. But did you know, with the right paper and

preparation, that it can also be used with oil paint? Whilst canvas is a more common surface for oils,

there are many advantages to trying your hand with oil on paper. Here, we’ll outline some of those

benefits, which paper to use, and our top tips for oil painting on this versatile and accessible

medium.

Light Over The Port, oil on paper | Photo by Richard Whadcock

Main advantages of working on paper

Flexibility: Because paper can be easily rolled up and transported, it is easier, and more cost- effective to store and ship. It also allows for working en plein air, giving artists the freedom of cutting to size on location.

Cost effective: As paper is much cheaper than traditional mediums such as canvas and board, it

offers a certain freedom.

Time saving: Though most paper options still require priming, it’s a much quicker process than

stretching your own canvas from scratch.

Style and technique: Oil paint blends differently on different surfaces. Whilst canvas allows for very smooth gradients when the paint is wet, its pitted surface can prevent fine details, especially in small-scale Canvas painting work. Paper can be much better in this regard, allowing for finer strokes upon your first layer of paint.

Under a Texan Sky, oil on paper | Photo by David Raison

Best paper for oil painting

Traditionally, oil painters have avoided paper because solvents cause the paper to degrade easily,

and it can become prone to cracking when subjected to changes in humidity. However, there are

multiple ways around this. We’ve written previously on how to prime any paper and cardboard for

oil painting, but there are certain types of paper that are more suited to oil paint than others. Let’s

look at a few of these options:

Oil painting paper

On properly prepared paper, oil paint should be completely stable. That’s exactly what you get with

pre-prepared oil painting paper—a durable and time-saving solution for those who want to get

straight to work without the hassle of sizing and priming. Specifically produced for use with oil, this

type of paper is an excellent option due to its rigidity and absorption properties.

Oil painting paper comes most frequently in pads, and at a fairly reasonable price. Rolls of this paper

can also be sourced in most well-stocked craft shops, a great option for larger-scale work, though it

does come with a hefty price tag. Nevertheless, this paper is reliable, creating an effective barrier to

absorb solvents, water and binders whilst allowing the pigment to remain on the surface. As

opposed to watercolour paper, works done on oil paper are also able to be framed without glass, as

the surface can be varnished.

Try: Arches Oil Paper

This paper, made from 100% cotton, is a popular choice with artists looking to try their hand at oil on

paper. With a slight texture, this it boasts a brightness of surface, and great absorbency. The paper is

300 gsm (140 lbs) and comes in pads of 9×12 inches and 12×16 inches.

Calcutta Taxi #3, oil on paper | Photo by Anarkali Check

Watercolour paper

Another fantastic option for oils on paper is a good-quality watercolour paper due to its thickness,

rough surface, and high-absorption. However, it still requires priming before use to help stabilise the

surface for oil. To this end, cold-pressed watercolour paper may be slightly better than a hot-pressed

version, but either can be used provided they are adequately prepared. Slightly cheaper than

specially made oil painting paper, watercolour paper is a popular and economic choice for artists on

a budget.

Try: Hahnemuhle Leonardo Watercolour Paper

I really like this paper for its smooth surface which ensures brightness and excellent colour flow. It is

a natural, white, acid-free paper, again made from 100% cotton with surface sizing. Available in pads

or blocks of varying sizes.

Printmaking paper

Similarly to watercolour paper, printmaking paper is another suitable option due to its acid-free

properties and thickness.

Try: BFK Rives Printmaking Paper

Available in sheets up to 280 gsm, or rolls of 300 gsm, it comes with a matte white surface and is

known for its archival integrity.

Note: There are so many types of paper available, the above-mentioned ones are simply

suggestions, so don’t worry if your local art shop doesn’t stock the exact product. Ultimately, any

paper will do if primed correctly, especially for experiments and studies. Lower-quality paper may

not last for centuries, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from painting!

Although the festival of Holi is best known today for its party atmosphere, it also has ancient Origin & a religious significance. Holi is referenced in the Vedas, Puranas, and even in stone inscription from 300 BC found at Ramgarh. There are also representations of the celebration is sculptures and murals on old temple walls in different part of India. For example, a temple at Hampi has a 16th century panel depicting a prince and princess about to be drenched in colored water. This is just one of several examples of royalty taking part in Holi celebrations during the medieval period. Various traditional painting of India have clear depiction of Holi festival in their art work since its inception.

Religious History

There is a legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of triumph of good over evil in the honor of Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahalad. King Hiranyakashipu father of Prahalad, according to a legend found in chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana, was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five special powers. As per that he could not be killed by human or animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither Tribal Art by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air. With this Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him. Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahalad, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahalad to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika, Prahalad’s evil aunt, tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahalad, who survived while Holika burned. Seeing this Hiranyakashipu himself charged towards Prahalad to kill him.

22. Portrait

Portrait painting is a great way to improve your skills.

Portrait painting is a great way to improve your skills.

Portraits may seem intimidating, but Skillshare Canvas painting instructor Kristy Gordon has you covered. She’ll teach you how to paint a full oil portrait from a reference photo.

23. Elephant

Animals and acrylic paint go hand in hand!

Animals and acrylic paint go hand in hand!

In this course, James Corwin will show you how to paint this majestic elephant in acrylic paint on canvas.

24. Seascape

Beach scenes make for painting fun!

Beach scenes make for painting fun!

If you can’t be at the beach, why not paint it? James Corwin will teach you how to paint a seascape, start to finish!

25. Urban Scene

Bring your city to life on your canvas.

Bring your city to life on your canvas.

Skillshare instructor Christopher Clark will teach you how to paint an Italian city scene, whether you’re a beginner or advanced painter.

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