Hello friends and welcome back, l am excited that you are joining me in another one of my blog reviews. I am thrilled that Chartpak Inc, sent me some great products to try out and lucky for me, l get to share my thoughts about them with you. It was hard to choose what to practice with first, but l have chosen to try out the “Grumbacher Acrylic” paper. Although l have been sent this product, I am not being sponsored and this review communicates my own viewpoints.

 Chartpak Inc generously sent me an 8”x 8” size “Grumbacher Acrylic” 15 sheet pad of paper, that   instantly caught my eye. I guess l should be a bit embarrassed that l have never tried painting on acrylic paper before, largely because l have worked with acrylics for 21 years, but l haven’t been interested in using it, until now. I was not expecting to be intrigued nor astonished by this heavy paper, as l have used many different brands of mixed media papers before and l thought this paper would be just like the others. This was not the case with this acrylic paper, as it was different then the mixed media papers l have used for charcoal drawing and watercolours. I was really impressed with this high quality acrylic paper. The turquoise coloured cover was total eye candy,  and it had an easy to understand rating system of all Chartpak papers in the interior cover. This acid-free, cold press paper rated excellent to a vast variety of mediums, such as graphite, colour pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen & ink, marker, watercolour, gouache and acrylic. I noticed it was embossed in texture, but at the same time the surface felt smooth to the touch, almost a satin like finish, which l haven’t felt on other papers before. I decided l was going to paint a sea turtle and l chose not to washi tape the paper down to see if it would change in shape. As l added the paint, l noticed right away that l was able to manipulate and move it around effortlessly. Immediately l knew this was going to be a fun piece to create, as this paper was going to allow me to use different painting techniques freely and easily.

The smooth but embossed surface was rewarding, as it gave me enough time to blend my colours, and soften the brush strokes with a mop brush. I tend to start light in colour and layer my paints to add depth. Using this method l mix my acrylics with water and use it as a wash. I was afraid that the paper would start to tear or change the texture as l kept adding the watery acrylics, but this was not the case at all. I was so pleasantly surprised at how durable it was. This 140 lb, 300 gsm white paper allowed me to continue to rework and keep adding paint and water. In some areas, my sea turtle has multiple layers of paint washes and l could have added more if l desired with no change to the surface of the paper. I was expecting this acrylic paper to be absorbent, making the acrylics faster drying but I didn’t notice any irregular changes to the Grumbacher acrylics that l use most often. The most likable quality about this paper was just how much time l had to maneuver the paint around, and this was the biggest benefit to my style of painting. I was able to blow dry the paint just like l do canvas, l held the blow drier at the same distance, high heat , as l normally would and l didn’t burn the paper, although l would be cautious just in case. I also found detailing on this paper a breeze; I was able to acquire fine line work easily. At one point l panicked as l accidentally made a paint stain and l was so surprised when l re-moistened the unwanted mistake that the paint lifted easily off the paper. Wow, that was such a bonus to be able to clean up mistakes easily. My only regret was not washi taping the paper to my drawing board so that it dried flat, as it did not retain its original shape, due to the amount of water l used, but not enough of a distorted change that it was an issue.

I did go looking for other sizes in this brand, as l would like to try and work on this kind of Grumbacher Acrylic paper again but in a larger area using other mediums. According to the Grumbacher website, they have larger size options. They are available in traditional fold-over construction, (what l was sent), as well as dual loop wire bound construction with “in & out” pages that allows you to remove the sheets from the pad and return the sheets into the pad. I will go over this “in & out” construction in a future blog.

Would l use this paper again for acrylics? Absolutely! If you live in Canada and want to try this paper, then you can find the “Grumbacher Acrylic” paper offered in all three sizes at an amazing price through “Delta Art & Drafting Supplies”. You can order online at www.deltart.ca. The pricing l found on their website in Canadian funds is listed below.

• 8” x 8” - $8.50/ea
• 9” x 12” - $10.89/ea
  
• 12” x 18” - $17.89/ea

I did look on Amazon, and l couldn’t believe the ridiculous prices, $42.00 for the 8”x 8” size. Sorry Amazon, but no thanks.

I am hoping at some point the "Michaels Arts & Craft" store in Kingston, Ontario, will carry them, but until then, the prices at "Delta Art" are extremely reasonable even if there is a bit of a shipping cost. It’s an exceptionally good price.

I am giving this product two thumbs up!  l would highly recommend this product to beginners and professionals. If you are looking for a durable high quality paper, then this unquestionably is a great choice. I would love to hear from you. Have you used the “Grumbacher Acrylic” paper? If so, what did you think of it?

Hello Friends, and welcome back to my blog, I am thrilled that we are connecting and thank you for all the great feedback on my recent blog about "Grumbacher Academy Acrylic Review", l appreciate that you can relate to this brand of acrylics, and so many other art products that l have been reviewing. Also a huge thank you to Jen at Grumbacher for sharing my blog on their Facebook Fan page. Woohoo!

If you personally know me, or have read any of my previous blogs then you will quickly realize just how passionate l am about art and art materials.  In my April 6th, 2017 blog, l talk about “Tips on How to be a Successful Artist”, the content is helpful to better understand what l am trying to convey in this blog. If you have a chance, check it out too, the link is below. Not only is it important to make connections with people of the same interests and goals, but finding important and influential resources to help you along the way will make a difference and help validate your hard work. I also think it is important to discover and experiment with new mediums, not only will you expand your skill and profession but add new interests to broaden your talents. Chartpak has been one of my essential resources for so many reasons, they have already made a difference in my art world and here’s how?

Since 1949 Chartpak Inc has been a  diversified manufacturer, who not only produces innovative products for graphics but they are also diversified in branding and offer fine art materials, writing materials, craft, hobby and office products.  Chartpak has become a globally recognized leader in creative products, with 14 brands that include 60 product lines and many are made in the USA or Europe. Chartpak's distribution division services customers in wholesale, independent retail, internet and catalog retail, and big box chains.  One of the biggest box chain stores that stock their products is Michaels Arts and Crafts  where l teach the Grumbacher fine art acrylic classes in Kingston, Ontario.
Many of the brands that Chartpak provides are respected by professionals and hobbyists.  Chartpak is not only a company who pride themselves on providing many well-known and great quality brands such as Grumbacher, Koh-l-Noor, Schminke, Higgins, AD Markers, Molotow, just to name a few, but they are also a company who supports and works with local and national art programs, events, institutions and artists to help foster community arts  and encourage individual artistic expression. What a great company right? So not only do they provide great products with artists in mind, but they continue to help artists strive, and aid creative expression, a special thank you to Sophie and Lana.  I personally love many of the products they offer, especially the fine art materials. Click on the link below to look through Chartpak's website and take a look at the brands and the exceptional fine art materials and grand writing products they offer. You may be surprised just how many products you already utilize that are listed on their brand portfolio. Chartpak has opened the doors to a huge audience of people including me, they have listened, and provide vital products at affordable prices.

Recently l was contacted by Chartpak's “Director of Marketing and Creative Services” and l was given an incredible opportunity to review and blog about some of their products.  You can just imagine how enthusiastic l was and still am about this amazing opportunity.  I always welcome the possibility to create with new mediums and art supplies, especially products that are known for their quality and performance.  I am familiar with many of Chartpak's products and brands, as l tend to check out their merchandise offered at Michaels at least twice a week, usually with a huge smile on my face, deciding on the next medium to experiment with. One of the brands and products that l immensely favor is the Grumbacher Academy Acrylics.  If you haven’t had the chance to read my viewpoint on them, then click the link below and check it out.

In the next few weeks l will be creating, reviewing and blogging about the art haul that Chartpak has sent me.  I can’t wait to discover what l can create with the following items, Grumbacher Goldenedge watercolour brushes, Grumbacher Finest Professional watercolours, AD spectra markers, Koh-I-Noor Tri -Tone pencils, Grumbacher’s watercolour, acrylic and mixed media paper, and so much more.  It’s an opportunity that l hope you will share and follow along with me. Although Chartpak has been so generous and supportive, l am not being sponsored and l will express honest reviews. My aspiration is to inspire you, not only to be creative but to try new mediums and products and step out of your comfort zone. What are your favorite Chartpak products and brands? 
Hope to connect with you soon. Here are the links below to my social media platforms, so make sure to follow me on my artful adventure. Thanks for all your support.

l wish you all a beautiful day,
Alice Melo