Thursday, August 21, 2014

MORE STILLMAN & BIRN SAMPLE SHEETS

Here are two more of the Stillman & Birn sample sheets I was sent from the company.
They are postcard sized = 4 x 6 inches.


The Beta Series, 180# cold press is the series I have in two journals and I love it!  Bright white paper that acts as if it's between a cold press and hot press = smooth with a little tooth.  It takes the watercolor well, whether you paint wet-in-dry or wet-in-wet.  

This is watercolor with a little pen + ink linework and some gelly pen (white) work added and even some lifting of color.

(Definitely not a good painting - I did no pre-drawing, just began by using my brush as the drawing tool and put the ink in later for emphasis.  But you get the idea!) 




The Delta Series, 180# cold press is in Ivory, so I thought the little yellow finch would like to try this one out with me.  Watercolor put down wet-in-dry with touches of gouache for the highlights and wing bars.  Then I went back and wet the feeder color, dropping in more colors.  Beautiful paper, much like the Beta Series.  It's a warm ivory color, so if you like toned paper, you'll like this. 






The Zeta Series, 180# smooth paper is also a good paper for water media folks.  Nice granulation and blending ability on the paper.

I would say any of the papers are excellent, but for my tastes, the 180# papers are the way to go.  Now I guess I'll have to order another journal - or two!


Thanks to the folks at Stillman & Birn for sending me samples to play with and try out!

4 comments:

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Rhonda - thanks for giving a review on these papers. I ordered a while back a sketchbook from them...when I get one of my others filled will pull it out. Your sketches are all great. Love the one with the finch. They are such beautiful birds. Have a great day.

RH Carpenter said...

Glad you got something out of it, Debbie. I am going for the the Zeta 180# series next since I already have two of the Beta 180# series journals. Stillman & Birn are really good!!

Autumn Leaves said...

Goodness! I had to scroll back and find your review on the Zeta 180 series since that is your favorite and I confess I couldn't find it!! I love all your paintings on these papers, truly. The finch and wood post feeder are truly awesome!

RH Carpenter said...

Well, my favorite, Sherry, is the Beta series - I have 2 sketchbooks/journals in that series. I like all of the 180# - the review of the Zeta is right on this post at the end.