#103 MASTER CLASS — WORKING ON YUPO PAPER with RANDALL DAVID TIPTON
Dive into the exciting world of watercolor on yupo paper with artist Randall Tipton! Watch as he creates vibrant abstract Northwest landscapes, using the unique, non-absorbent surface to let colors flow and interact in unexpected ways. Each brushstroke brings the paper to life, offering endless possibilities for texture and movement. Randall then takes it a step further, transforming his yupo paintings into stunning collages—cutting, layering, and reworking the pieces to add depth and new dimensions. It’s a fascinating process of experimentation and creativity—don’t miss it!
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Thanks so much I loved this interview . I love watercolor and always wondered about yupo paper . Cant wait to give it a try . Marji I heard Randall say he ruins brushes maybe if you know him you could pass along the murphy oil soap trick so he can save his brushes . I would love to see more of Randall’s work .
Wonderful video about watercolor on yupo! Randall makes it look like so much fun to do and keep working on as well, so amazing. Marjorie is a great host and has perfect questions to keep us all engaged in the video.
What an inspirational presentation and incredibly beautiful work! I’m eager to start playing – and get over my perfectionism!!
Great video. Yupo is very challenging.
I’ve been using Yupo paper purchased years ago to create masks that I use with my gel plate. I found that the masks themselves got so beautiful, I’m now making them intentionally for use in paintings and collage. I can’t wait to watch this video to learn what else I can do with this oh so interesting paper. Thank you Academy for this great resource!
So so generous, thank you so much to Randall for sharing! I think Yupo paper may solve an issue I am having at the moment, so I am very excited!
This was so interesting and inspiring. I’ve never painted on Yupo paper. However, I happen to have a lot of matte Duralar and curious to know how they compare.
Hi Sandra – they are different but both are a synthetic material. The Yupo is a brilliant opaque white which really allows light to bounce and reflect off its surface back up through the paint. The Duralar is a semi transparent background and not a brilliant white. You can give it a try and see what you think. The effects will be different
Sorry Sandra realized that it didn’t show my reply as being from Marji
Thank you for exposing us to such a unique approach to painting.
Can you please clarify the process of varnishing and stabilizing the watercolor. Was he saying he used a spray varnish prior to a brushed in varnish? It seemed he was saying he had to be really careful when placing the collage. So I assumed he used a glue that could activate the surface at that point. But, after the collage, what was the process that resulted in a finished pie that did not need a frame?
Hi Sandra, I have reached out to Randall for clarification regarding the varnish. Want to give you a solid answer. Back soon with his reply.
*Marji
Hi– – I also have a question regarding the varnish. I know he said he used a golden matte medium , UV resistant. Is that just regular matte medium? also, how does he apply the varnish to a watercolor, without reactivating the watercolor?
Hi Carol, I reached out to Randall for clarification. See his reply here under Sandra’s question. Hope this helps *Marji
Hi Sandra, here is the answer from Randall. Looks like spray varnish is what you need and some ideas for mounting
*Marji
From Randall:
I use Golden UV protection Matte spray acrylic varnish when a painting is complete if I want to mount the piece and frame without glass. In a traditional framing situation, varnishing really isn’t necessary. The gum Arabic in the watercolor paint is binding enough. However, being water soluble on a plastic surface, the painting will be vulnerable to moisture. Now I don’t understand the mounting method written below but it is verbatim from the framer who first mounted one of my watercolors on Yupo;
‘Acid free E2 in vacuum press at 165 for 20 seconds at about 27 psi’
They look great too. BUT, they are very very lightweight. They can be difficult to sell even framed , unless a heavier backing board is included. They need to be made more substantial. I’ve used Masonite behind a mounted painting.
As to the collage point I was trying to make is this; applying wet glue to attach smaller collage elements can emulsify the painting you’re applying the pieces to. Always wise to spray varnish the painting before adding any collage pieces to it.
FYI, I never use a brushable varnish, always spray for watermedia.
Hope I answered her questions! Randall
So great!!! I’ve used Yupo, mostly experimental, now I want to do some intentional painting with it!
Thanks for all of your questions, Marji!! I listened and watched carefully, and will most likely do that again!!
Wonderful work, so exciting. Makes me want to try this paper
That was so inspiring……thank you Marjorie for choosing to interview Randall, and thanks Randall for sharing. I’m going out to buy some
Yupo paper, I love painting from memory too.