BOOK OF REVELATION CHAPTER 8 ILLUSTRATED BY ARTIST PETER OLSEN
What is cold press illustration board.?
Cathy Johnson says she uses cold press illustration board for her Pen and Ink Drawings in her book. I have the problem of the ink bleeding on to the paper when I stop the pen. I am using ordinary copy paper. Would illustration board help? Can you purchase it in a pad?
Your biggest problem is that you are using your art material on ordinary and non-art rated copy paper.
Cold pressed means that there is some texture to the paper (as opposed to hot pressed, which is very slick and smooth) . . . and can refer to illustration board or watercolor paper. You have several options for your pen and ink work, however:
1. Any of a huge number of cold pressed watercolor papers, and many do come in spiral bound books or pads. (140 lb or greater recommended if you are using watercolor as well . . . less likely to buckle!) I would shy away from the cheaper papers, as they have a “harder” surface, often because of the uneven or excessive ‘sizing’ used to limit absorbency. [Your copy paper is likely too light weight and not sized at all . . . hence the bleeding that occurs!]
2. Many printmaking papers, like Stonehenge or Arches cover, are fine for pen and ink work, even watercolor washes. Get 4 ply and you will get no buckling or warping! Example on Stonehenge Rising: http://www.pencil2pen.com/crimsonwoman1.jpg
3. Sennelier Carte d’ Art is a delightful 340gm (approx 140 lb) paper that is excellent for multiple media use — it is a nice heavy, firm board at a reasonable price. It comes in pads of various sizes as well. This is my choice for pen and ink and watercolor washes. It is whiter than in this photo: http://www.heatoncooper.co.uk/eshop1/shopimages/products/normal/drawpadsenncarte.jpg
Make sure the paper you use is acid-free and archival . . . you don’t want to find your work has yellowed or colors have disappeared over time due to impurities or acids in your paper! Most good art papers today are fine.
Hope this helps! I have just recently picked up my pen and have begun pen and ink with watercolor . . . to illustrate a book I am writing for my first grandchild who is due any day now!
