What I will discuss in these notes, however, are notes on how the paper feels and behaves under the attack of this artist. I say "attack" because often times we artists tend to abuse materials in many ways. As an experimental printmaker and lover of papers, I am guilty of paper use and abuse.

About Paper Sources and Resources

Have a great resource for learning about paper? You have tried a beautiful paper not listed anywhere in the world and want to share? Don't just sit there! SEND your paper experiences to me and I will add your note here for all to see, with your name right on it.

All the following can be found online from the SUPPLIER LINKS page and/or you can get more information on the books in the LIBRARY:
(Why didn't I give you a link directly from this page? you ask. Becaaaause, I like to keep my links current and the best way I know is to have all links in one (1) page so I only have one (1) page to revise when people and places change their links. Now you know.)

• The Woodblock Encyclopedia of Printmaking is the resource for paper information in traditional Japanese Hanga printmaking. David Bull, the site owner, has done a beautiful job with illustrations and photographs, as well as with the organization of the site. I envy his digital camera!

If you cannot find the information you seek there, join the forum and ask the membership; I guarantee you will get all the answers you need.
• Sylvie Turner's The Book of Fine Paper is an incredible resource for papermaking, history of paper, types of paper, and it even comes with a mini-sampler of fine papers from around the world.
• Shereen LaPlantz's Cover to Cover is a great source for bookmaking and I liked the book because of its respectful treatment of paper.
• Faith Shannon's The Art and Craft of Paperis a beautifully illustrated book on papermaking that will leave you with a great appreciation for the craft.
• Graphic Chemical & Ink Company has a great catalog with a paper chart. They are also one of the least expensive sources for Western papers, especially if you like to buy bulk. In fact their catalog will teach you more about tools than any other I know. Reach them from the links page.
• Daniel Smith Art Supplies (reach them from the Links page), publish a catalog that is worth getting even if you never order anything. Periodically they also publish a paper chart that lists a good quantity of papers with all the specifications (sizing, uses, sizes). Their printed catalog has thoughtful explanations of all their papers, with pictures.
• McClain's Printmaking Supplies has a beautiful catalog that lists a wide variety of Japanese papers and their uses. If you request their paper sampler you also get a description of their papers in a neatly printed sheet.
• Hiromi Paper has an astounding web site dedicated to Japanese papers, their making, history, much more. Do request their printed catalog even if you print out (like I did) their Adobe Acrobat version.
• The Paper Web is paper lover's heaven! They have incredible amounts of information on everything you always wanted to know about paper. They will also make custom paper orders.
• Flax Art Supplies has the widest variety of exotic papers I have ever seen. Request their catalog but also visit their website, where you will find a sample picture of every paper they sell. Get your hands on some handmade Indian paper or purchase their mill overruns for incredible savings.
• Magnani Papers are currently distributing their products in the US through LEGION PAPER in NYC, please take a look at their web site, www.legionpaper.com. Magnani papers are, in my humble opinion, unequaled in quality and characteristics for the printmaker.
• Print Australia is an excellent comprehensive and growing web site where you will find the best collection of papermaking information and papermaking sites. You can get there from HERE.

So now you know where to go. What to do next? Here is what I do to get to know my papers:

• Buy paper samplers! For one thing they are so cute, little tiny squares of paper in a neat little book... 

• For another thing, no matter how much you look at a picture of a paper in a catalog or in the web, you cannot get to know a paper until you...
• See the paper. Hold it up to the light, all kinds of light, natural, fluorescent, incandescent; heck take your papers out to the campfire on a still desert night and look at them there. Turn them over and do it again. Notice the fibers, the weave, the patterns of the molds, the hills and valleys, the watermarks, the little chunks of inserted material.


CLICK HERE TO BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEAN

CLICK HERE FOR ANOTHER SAMPLE OF WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY




• Feel the paper. Touch it on both sides, learn what size feels like, feel the difference between papers and the likeness. When papers "behave" the same under your baren or press or charcoal stick, chances are they will feel similarly when touched. Close your eyes when you feel them.
• Taste the paper WOA HOLD IT! Do you think I'm some kind of flaky artist? Don't be eating paper, now, geez, put it down!
• If you can afford it, of course, buy full sheets of paper and actually TRY the paper in your daily business of drawing or printmaking. Learn from the book sources above, all about sizing and uses for papers. Purchase the large (full-sheet) paper samplers, or buy one sheet every week and by the end of the year you will have tried 52 different kinds of paper. Start out by purchasing the papers made for whatever medium you happen to be "arting" in, then move on to...
• Experiment! (my favorite word). Learn all the rules first, then break them. Print on pastel paper, draw on watercolor paper, paint on printmaking paper, wet the paper, use it dry, paste it to cloth, prime it with gesso... This is how you get to really know paper, because you will learn how paper "behaves" under different whimsical treatments.