Marcus Chen
Rice paper has been used for painting and calligraphy for over 2,000 years, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. It is an ancient method that requires practice and patience. When painting on rice paper, it is important to prepare the ink to the correct consistency and work slowly in light layers, as the ink cannot be erased. The type of rice paper used can vary depending on the desired effect and the artist's skill level. For example, unsized rice paper is more absorbent and better for spontaneous, loose applications, while sized rice paper is less absorbent and more forgiving of imperfect technique. Additionally, the thickness of the rice paper can range from one-ply to two-ply, with two-ply being more forgiving for beginners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Painting on rice paper is an ancient method that originated in China, Japan, and Korea. |
| Paper Properties | Rice paper is delicate, absorbent, and thin (similar to tissue paper). It has a smooth side and a rough side. |
| Ink and Paint | Ink must be prepared to the correct consistency before applying to the paper. Chinese ink has a limited color palette. Acrylic paint can also be used. |
| Brushes | Bamboo brushes are commonly used for painting on rice paper and come in a variety of stiffness levels. |
| Preparation | The paper should be dampened and glued to a drawing board to dry flat. |
| Application | Work in light layers, allowing the paper to dry between each layer. |
| Collage | Rice paper can be adhered to surfaces using a gloss medium or glue, creating a translucent effect. |
| Preservation | Quality rice paper is essential for the preservation of artwork. |
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What You'll Learn
Ink preparation and application
The ink preparation and application process for rice paper is a delicate task that requires considerable practice and patience. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Ink Preparation:
Before you begin painting on rice paper, it is crucial to prepare your ink correctly. Start by placing a tiny amount of water into your ink slab. Then, take your ink stick—for black ink, ensure it is free from soot, as older sticks tend to work better—and hold it upright. Gently press the end of the stick into the water and stir slowly in a circular motion until you achieve the desired ratio of ink to water. This process ensures that the ink has the correct consistency for application on the delicate rice paper.
Selecting the Right Rice Paper:
The type of rice paper you choose will impact the ink absorption and the overall effect of your artwork. There are two main types of rice paper used for painting: sized and unsized rice paper. Unsized rice paper, also known as raw rice paper, is highly absorbent and has a soft yet slightly coarse texture. It requires experienced brush handling, fast brush movements, and precise moisture control to avoid ink bleeding. Sized rice paper, on the other hand, is less absorbent because it is coated with an alum solution, which reduces the vibrancy of colours. This type of paper is more suitable for detailed and delicate paintings, requiring less experience in brush handling and moisture control.
Ink Application Techniques:
When applying ink to rice paper, it is essential to work slowly and carefully as ink cannot be erased. Use light layers and allow the paper to dry between each layer to build up your value scales in black and white. You can create subtle gradations of colour by applying clear water along the edge of a wet wash. Additionally, you can paint over wet areas to achieve a range of tones similar to wet-into-wet watercolour techniques. For a unique assortment of looks, experiment with different stiffness levels of bamboo brushes, as they produce varied results.
Preventing Smudging and Sealing:
Rice paper is highly absorbent, so it is crucial to let the ink dry completely before handling it to avoid smudging. Once your artwork is complete and dried, you can seal the paper to prevent ink from smearing or running. You can use a spray varnish, such as Krylon UV Resistant Clear, or apply a diluted mixture of gloss medium and water to both sides of the paper. Hanging the paper to dry by using small strips of masking tape on the top corners is recommended.
Printing on Rice Paper:
If you intend to print on rice paper, ensure you have the correct printer settings and use the right type of ink. Inkjet printers are generally suitable for rice paper, but always check your printer's specifications. Use the "Glossy Photo Paper" setting or similar to minimise ink saturation. Additionally, select the "Best" or "High" print quality for optimal results. Remember to print a test page first to ensure your settings are correct and allow the ink to dry completely before handling the printed rice paper.
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Paper type and thickness
Rice paper is available in various types and thicknesses, each with distinct characteristics and applications. The choice of paper type and thickness depends on the desired effect, the artist's skill level, and the specific requirements of the artwork.
The two primary types of rice paper used for painting are sized and unsized rice paper. Unsized rice paper, also known as raw rice paper, is highly absorbent due to its soft and slightly coarse texture. This type of paper is well-suited for spontaneous painting with bold and fast brushstrokes in an abstract style. However, it demands firm brush handling, rapid movements, and precise moisture control to prevent ink from running.
On the other hand, sized rice paper is coated with an alum solution, making it less absorbent. This variety is ideal for more detailed and delicate paintings that require slow and multiple brushstrokes. Sized rice paper is more forgiving for beginners as it allows for better control over the ink and colours, preventing blurring or running.
Additionally, semi-sized rice paper combines the qualities of both types, offering absorbency while being less diffusive than sized rice paper. This option provides a balance between the absorbency of unsized paper and the control offered by sized paper.
Rice paper also comes in different thicknesses, with one-ply and two-ply being the most common options. One-ply rice paper is thin and delicate, posing a challenge for beginners. In contrast, two-ply rice paper offers more substance and is generally less demanding to work with, making it a suitable choice for those new to the medium.
The thickness and absorbency of rice paper significantly influence the painting process and the final outcome. It is essential to consider these factors when selecting the appropriate rice paper for a specific artwork or project.
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Brushes and brush strokes
Painting on rice paper is an ancient method that requires practice and patience. The delicate nature of rice paper means that the ink must be prepared to the correct consistency before applying it.
When it comes to brushes and brush strokes, the type of brush and the way you apply the ink can create a variety of effects. Bamboo brushes, for example, come in a range of stiffness levels, and both softer and harder brushes can be used to achieve unique looks.
The absorbency of rice paper means that the amount of liquid in the brush and the speed of your brush strokes will determine the final result. Some compositions may require loose, wet applications, while others may call for drier, thicker applications.
You can also try different techniques, such as dry brush and ink splatter, which can create interesting effects on rice paper. Working with dry brush techniques can offer a unique challenge due to the thinness of the paper, but the finished piece can be very rewarding.
Another important consideration is the side of the rice paper you use. Both sides can be used, but the smoother side tends to bring out greater tonality in Sumi ink and heightens values when using colour.
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Print and collage techniques
Rice paper is a unique material to work with due to its thinness and absorbency. It is a delicate medium that requires careful preparation of ink and paint consistency before application. Here are some print and collage techniques to help guide you through the process of creating art with rice paper:
Print Techniques
Printing on rice paper can be done using a printer, but it is important to note that the maximum print size for rice paper is 12"x18" (minus print margins). Before printing, ensure your rice paper is thin, durable, and translucent. Printing or drawing directly onto the rice paper is possible, and its translucency allows for easy tracing of images.
Ink Techniques
When using ink on rice paper, it is important to work slowly as ink cannot be erased. You can use a bamboo brush with Chinese or Indian ink, and create layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. You can also create subtle gradations of colour by applying clear water along the edge of a wet wash.
Paint Techniques
Rice paper is highly absorbent, so the amount of liquid in your brush and the speed of your brushstrokes will determine the end result. Some areas may require loose (wet) applications, while others may need drier, thicker applications. You can use acrylic paint and create layers, ensuring the surface is smooth and free of texture to allow the rice paper to lay flat.
Collage Techniques
For collage, you can use a gloss medium like Liquitex Gloss Medium, which will make the rice paper almost entirely transparent when adhered to your chosen surface. You can also encase objects like leaves, petals, or feathers in rice paper using a gel medium, preserving them and creating a unique collage.
These techniques provide a starting point for working with rice paper. Remember that rice paper is delicate, and its absorbency makes it unique but also challenging to work with. Take your time and experiment with different materials and techniques to create your desired effects.
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Sealants and preservation
When working with rice paper, it is important to consider the type of paper and the desired effect. Rice paper comes in different thicknesses, ranging from one-ply to two-ply, and can be sized or unsized. Unsized rice paper is absorbent and suitable for spontaneous painting with bold and fast brush strokes, while sized rice paper is less absorbent and better for detailed, delicate painting.
To seal and preserve rice paper artwork, there are several methods you can use:
Sealants
- Spray Varnish: Krylon UV Resistant Clear is a spray varnish that can be applied outside to seal rice paper and prevent smudging.
- Liquitex Gloss Medium: This can be applied with a brush to both sides of the rice paper until it is saturated. This method requires more finesse and care not to overwork the ink.
- Resin Gloss Sealer Spray: This spray sealant can be used to seal original artwork before including it in resin.
- Gloss Paint: A spray gloss paint can seal both inkjet ink and paper. Two coats are recommended, but be careful not to saturate the paper to avoid ink running.
- Clear-Drying Glue: Using a paintbrush, apply at least two coats of clear-drying glue to the paper, including the edges. Allow the glue to dry completely before including the paper in resin, as paper that is not fully dry will absorb the resin.
Preservation Techniques
In addition to using sealants, there are several precautions you can take to preserve your rice paper artwork:
- Avoid direct sunlight and strong light sources as they can cause fading over time.
- Store flat or framed with acid-free archival materials.
- If using inkjet ink, be cautious of smudging when applying it to your surface. Try not to work over one area too much, as the ink can get messy.
- When using absorbent rice paper, control the amount of liquid in your brush and the speed of your brush strokes to achieve the desired effect.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use acrylic paint, ink, or watercolour on rice paper.
Bamboo brushes are a popular choice for painting on rice paper. They come in a variety of stiffness levels, so you can create different effects.
Rice paper typically has a smooth side and a rough side. The smooth side is traditionally used for calligraphy, but you can use either side for painting.
Before you start painting, test your ink on a sheet of rice paper. Then, work in light layers, allowing the paper to dry between each layer.
