There is something really satisfying about creating something new out of practically nothing. Maybe that is one of the reasons I like to make paper. You can literally gather random scraps and other materials from your home or nature and as long as you have a blender and a few other very common and simple items you can create something new and beautiful. (For more insight into how I create my paper read my earlier blog post on the subject.) It does sound cliche, but really the possibilities are pretty endless.
For my latest batch of homemade paper I wanted to try something new. I wanted to create some larger pieces of artwork, and I think, for the most part I succeeded. Now, I really feel like the papers alone are almost a work of art onto themselves, so I really wanted to integrate the raw paper into each artwork. I have been experimenting with each piece to do exactly that. Each paper piece has its own characteristics and I have been trying to take that into account as I paint a work of art onto the surface. So far, I have three handmade paper works in progress. These three are oil paintings and when they are finished they will be varnished with a matte finish which not only protects the paper and the painting, but gives it a unique almost leathery texture and feel. Check out my images below to see the in progress artworks.
Three handmade papers in various sizes and colors. Two have been primed with a white gesso.
Three handmade paper oil paint works in progress.
My largest handmade paper piece to date. This one has a clear gesso primer.