[Chris Saper]

Jim,

I only use the museum grade Wallis paper, so I don't have any personal experience with the regular grade. I guess that for the few dollars a sheet difference, it doesn't make any sense to pinch pennies, and makes no difference in a pricing structure.

However, I did see some regular grade paper this morning, and it seems to be very tough as well.

The reason I use the pastel, as opposed to another medium for a wash, is that the pastel stick I use for the underpainting is also available to use in conjunction with the white and black sticks. This lets you smooth out irregular areas in the middle values, if you wish (particularly if you might be painting a child or woman with smooth skin quality), correct errors, and restore the surface if you end up "lifting the underpaintng, for example by "erasing " with acetone.

I like the acetone in general because it dries immediately and leaves no residue; as I alluded to, it can serve as an erasing agent, just like a kneaded eraser or stump. When I use it, I go outdoors (very strong vapors) and use surgical gloves to protect my skin from contact with the acetone.

However, you could certainly use a wash made out of another medium, so long as you were happy with the surface quality for your middle values.


Jean,

All I do is make haphazard broad pastel strokes across the paper, happily crumbling some particles, and scrub it into the Wallis paper with an old bristle brush (Home Depot, $.59)I may smear it quickly with a gloved hand, or blot it with paper towel.


Michael,

They're small. The first piece is 14" x 12", and the second about 12" X 10". And thank you.