artastic thank you for hosting!

14x17cm, sennelier ops on arches oil paper, near finished at 2h

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notes on arches oil paper under ops
started on the sunset landscape but the paper opposed every move. the first layer turned to cement disabling blending. adding more pastel and blending immediately with a stomp did not work either. the first layer was successful only when using generous amounts of pastels and blending with the stick while coloring.
this behaviour could be helpful if the goal was to have an underpainting you scratch back to and make it visible in the end.
the paper has a grain like watercolor paper, torchon, slightly smaller in scale. this could be a desirable quality at times.
i wasted 2,5h, five layers worth of ops 😈. craving revenge decided to start over with a water view in order to use the grain. second time over, now knowing how heavily to paint, the experience was radically different. it felt easier to progress. i had plenty of time to think. it was relaxing, and at the same time the paper displayed character, offered surprises and became interesting. i must test this with ops + turps but can’t recommend the paper for anyone, unless you’re seeking adventure.