New paper trial

Yes I find that with washes on HP. Perhaps better suited to dryer paint or botanical painting. What weight is it Stephen? Nevertheless you have achieved a lovely painting.

Many thanks Carole, The paper is 140lbs, so on a small scale does not need stretching . Quite cheap too, I got ten Quarter sheets for £3.60 from SAA. (Probably should not mention SAA on here should I)!

Don't see why you shouldn't mention the SAA..... we all make frequent mention of our various sources of supply, after all. HP is going to be well suited to detailed drawing, or at least to precise drawing - I used to use it for my home-made Christmas cards, of a cartoon nature; haven't used it for a while, but I seem to recollect that it repays quite strong colour: you can get quite a depth of colour, and theoretically at least it should flow easily. Maybe less water? Or more layers? Any paper is going to take some getting used to, though - maybe that's all you need to do.

I must say I do envy the way you portray your figures Stephen. It must be the paper, it doesn't seem to have your usual strength of tones. I've never used HP Stephen so I can't give you any feedback of my experience with it, must be great to use the pen on though!!

Manu thanks Robert and Fiona for your helpful comments, I think I prefer a not surface really.

Never used HP - but do use Bockingford Extra Rough although extra rough it ain't! And always 200lb and nothing less. I believe HP is more favoured by artists wanting detail rather than looseness.

I think you are right Michael, I do like the way the pen works on this paper though.

A delicate watercolour Stephen and the pen works well with it.

I struggle with pen and wash on HP paper and much prefer to do them on NOT. However, you have achieved a lovely smooth feeling to this painting which gives it a calm feel. Great work.

Many thanks Glennis and Thea, for your encouraging words.

It's beautifully done. Stephen. I don't see any problem with the washes. They're luminously transparent.