Sometimes Claire Murray paints on paper. Why on paper and not on canvas or panel?

Paper is a medium often used by the greatest classical masters. It is often mounted on panel or canvas for even more durability. But the reason is that the paper brings another "sensual" relationship between the painter and his creation.

Claire puts it this way:

“I enjoy working on a variety of substrates, mainly because each surface reacts differently to the paint.   Also, a big part of my practice involves mark-making, and this works very well on paper, allowing me to achieve fine lines and a delicacy that is more difficult to create on canvas.

I am currently working on a series of rich abstracts on smooth, heavy paper, primed with gesso first.  The paper I use is wonderful, as the paints can be spread thinly, absorbed in an interesting way on the paper, and gradually built up in transparent layers to produce depth and intensity.

This works so well on this paper as it is strong and robust and able to withstand manipulation.  The smoothness allows me to draw into the painting, under, within, and on top of the layers of paint, trapping fine and delicate lines between areas of color and depth.   The paint's finish is deep and luxurious, and this method allows me to create more complex layers.”

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