Yupo Paper, Here We Come!

Suzette and Susan laughingly accept the "show the Yupo paper" request.

Art Play Days are the BEST!

One of the greatest advantages to having creative and talented friends is to have them be willing to share knowledge and expertise.  

Last summer I invited you to join us as Susan shared "How to Make Paper I & II."

This month, Annie agreed to teach us about Yupo paper and the infinite possibilities this synthetic paper provides.

Annie, our intrepid art instructor for the day!

What is Yupo Paper?

I certainly had no idea.  But, Annie quickly introduced us to a paper that is 100% recyclable, waterproof, tree-free and synthetic.  

This is bright white paper that is super smooth, holds ink with incredible precision, is durable, wipes clean (REALLY!), waterproof and will not tear.

Okay, here's the really cool part:

If you don't like what you've painted, and you haven't yet "fixed" it with spray, YOU CAN WASH THE PAPER IN WATER AND START AGAIN!!  (How is that for taking the fear out of "making a mistake?")

Annie has been playing with this paper for years and with the ease and comfort level of a pro, she began to explain that we can use:

                           *Watercolors
                           *Acrylic paints
                           *Water-soluble pastels
                   *Water-soluble crayons
                            *Water-soluble pencils
                            *Alcohol inks 
                            (There are likely more I'm overlooking.)

Annie holds the tablet of Yupo paper to show the various
sizes it comes in.

Alcohol paints are especially fun to apply.

So, as we tried to wrap our minds around the wide variety of pigments available to us, she launched into the infinite variety of ways we can apply the pigment of our choice.

*Brushes
*Foam rollers
*Stamps
*Anything with texture
*Sponges
*Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (seriously)
*Felt pad on a wooden block
*Cardboard laced with rubber bands
(Basically, ANYTHING that you can think of to apply paint to paper.) 

Oh, and then, in case we weren't already overwhelmed with CHOICES, Annie pointed out that AFTER paint is applied to the paper it can be manipulated, i.e. with sprayed water, sprayed rubbing alcohol, even salt!

Examples of Annie's work with Yupo paper.  Stunning.

Annie uses a foam roller to soften the watercolor pigment she applied with
a foam brush.

And, it was time for us to begin!  

First, you can start with the paper dry or wet--up to us.

Next, the Yupo paper is a coated paper in different weights, so we can choose how heavy a paper to use.

And, it can be CLEANED--either with water or with Mr. Clean Erasers.

A sponge is used to add texture.

A card wrapped with rubber bands is used as a stamp.

Here is Annie's most important advice to us as we timidly dipped foam brushes into our paint:

"Play with this.  Clear your head.  Let it create itself.
Don't come in with a preconceived idea, just let it happen by focusing on the texture, color and shapes."

In addition to the rubber bands, Annie uses the sides of the card to add lines
and definition.

Annie pointed out that one can't "MAKE A MISTAKE" because the paper can simply be washed clean if one doesn't like it.

"So, let go of trying to CONTROL.  You can't draw it, you can only lay down colors and play!"

  I was eager to begin and decided to use watercolor paint as it has such a nice intensity on the Yupo paper.

I liked that no matter what I did, I couldn't do it wrong, as long as I didn't spray it with a fixative.

So, I took a foam brush and began, rolling it out with a foam roller to change the line and then the fun began as I used more paint and different "texture-makers."  I also applied alcohol ink to the felt pad and pressed it to my painting after the initial strokes had dried.  On one piece I used a spray bottle of water to create an effect; on the piece with alcohol ink I used a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to create something totally different.

Alcohol ink applied in drops to felt attached to a wood block.

Paint can be removed with a damp paper towel.

Annie applies paint to a stamp to press onto her paper.

Oh, yes, did I forget to mention that crumpled plastic-wrap also makes a
wonderful and free-form texture?

What joy to make art on a warm November day!

And, did I include bubble wrap as a good texture-maker?

When one is either "done" or wanting to fix what one likes, it's time to spray the fixative.  

Once sprayed, then more can be added or the piece is completed.  Again, one's choice.

It was a fabulous afternoon and we all left with far more than we came with.  

As for me, I bought my own Yupo paper and a few additional supplies and can't wait for another afternoon to cover the dining room table with a plastic sheet, spread out all my "toys" and PLAY!

One of my pieces reminds me of aspen trees on a hill.

And, one of my pieces is, well...an interesting combination of colors and textures.  Yes?