Rachel Owen tests out this multimedia paper from Hahnemühle which is 90% bamboo and therefore great for the environment. But is it also good for artists? Find out here!
About Bamboo Mixed Media Paper
Hahnemühle has produced this multimedia paper made of 90% bamboo and 10% cotton rag, which is more environmentally sustainable than most multimedia paper. The paper feels sturdy and has a lightly rough surface on one side and a smoother surface on the other side.
Top features:
- Environmentally sustainable
- Sturdy paper that withstands layering and lifting out
- Double-sided with a rough and smooth surface
- Responds well to a wide range of mediums
- Available in pads and blocks as well as packs of individual sheets and a 1.5x10m roll for cutting.
Example price: £21.30 for a 24x32cm block of 25 sheets
Where to buy: Art Supplies with Painters Online
Putting Bamboo Mixed Media Paper to the test
Poinsettia, mixed media on Hahnemühle Bamboo Mixed Media Paper
As I was painting during the Christmas season, I decided to use a poinsettia as my subject and assessed the paper using the following media:
Working with watercolour
This shows the initial washes
Getting used to the feel of the brush on a new type of paper can be a challenge so I began by using my trusty artist-quality watercolours and found the paper to be really thirsty for colour.
Painting the poinsettia bracts required four or five layers, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between each layer, to really build up the colours.
The findings
I used the wet in wet technique and the water didn’t flow too extensively. The paper responded well to being lifted out using brushes or paper towel.
Working with watercolour pencils
I am not very well aquainted with using watercolour pencils but decided to give them a try on the Bamboo paper anyway.
The findings
The pencils produced a nice texture and the tooth of the paper held them well. I found it difficult to achieve a good flow but imagine an artist with more experience of the medium would find the paper far more receptive.
Working with acrylics
For this part of the test I used W&N Galeria and Daler-Rowney System 3 acrylics.
The findings
The Hahnemühle Bamboo paper worked very much like a primed canvas board because it held thicker acrylic paint tightly.
The paint dried quite quickly into the paper and the colours remained very true.
Using the paint in a more dilute form I found that it didn’t travel too far.
The paper is sturdy enough to lift out areas of paint if required.
Working with Inktense
Further development of the painting
I found Derwent Inktense paints the smoothest and easiest to use on this paper.
The findings
The paints created good colour and flow without having to use too many layers.
The paper was strong enough to layer or lift out.
Working with coloured pencils - the findings
I used Derwent crayons which I found settled well into the paper however I did need to use a certain amount of pressure to blend and mix the colours.
Bamboo paper with oil pastels - the findings
The oil pastels sat well on the paper and I was able to create texture with them by using the tooth of the paper.
The finished painting showing where each medium was used
Conclusions
Throughout this exercise the paper didn’t bend or move too much and it dried almost flat.
It did take a while to dry completely; it is quite thirsty!
The Bamboo paper didn’t rough up or tear when being rubbed or lifted.
This paper is definitely very versatile for a wide range of media and is produced in a sustainable way.
About Rachel Owen
Rachel is an amateur artist who has been painting in watercolour and acrylic for over 20 years. She also has some experience in oils and pastels.
Her choice of subject is only limited to things that appeal but she particularly enjoys the beauty of creation and external and internal scenes of buildings. She also finds rocks and drystone walls particularly fascinating. As Rachel says she will 'give most things a go!'
SEE MORE FROM RACHEL IN THE GALLERY