The Magic of Yupo

It's new to me and I want to share the fun with you.  

When it comes to watercolor painting, the choice of paper is almost as important as the choice of paints. Traditional watercolor paper is often made of cotton or cellulose fibers, giving it a unique texture that allows watercolor pigments to interact in specific ways. However, there's a relatively new player in the game that has been gaining popularity among watercolorists: Yupo paper.

So, what exactly is Yupo?

Yupo is a synthetic, tree-free, and non-absorbent paper made from polypropylene, a type of plastic. Unlike traditional watercolor papers that absorb water and pigment, Yupo paper offers a smooth, slick surface that resists absorption. This gives artists a completely different experience when working with watercolors, as the paints behave in new and sometimes surprising ways.

One of the most compelling aspects of Yupo paper is the way watercolor paints behave on its surface. Since the paper doesn't absorb the pigment, the watercolors remain on top, often creating beautiful, vibrant, and fluid effects that are difficult to achieve on traditional paper. The colors blend in unpredictable ways, allowing artists to explore new textures and patterns.

Additionally, this non-absorbency means that you can manipulate the paint longer, moving it around the surface until you're satisfied with the results. If you don’t like how the colors are merging, simply blot it off with a paper towel or use a brush to remove the pigment—something that’s not possible on most traditional watercolor papers.

See, it's magical.