YUPO®’s unbelievable quality can transform any work of art into a masterpiece. The ultra-smooth, non-porous, and non-absorbent canvas gives artists the flexibility to work in several different mediums to achieve unique and creative results, making it an ideal surface to experiment with and to explore new mediums on. In this article you'll hear from 5 artists about their experiences working with YUPO® and the techniques they employ with their medium of choice.

What do you do with your finished pieces?

My favorite finished pieces are usually sealed with Kamar Varnish and then placed either in a frame behind a mat and glass, or packaged in a clear plastic sleeve backed with foam core. If I create a piece that I don’t think will sell, I cut it into pieces to create unique jewelry or art cards.

Which YUPO® is your go-to?

I always turn to Legion's 74 lb YUPO Paper as my standard. However, the Heavyweight paper is great as well because you can use heat tools such as blow dryers or heat guns to control the evaporation of the alcohol, which creates different effects in the ink. If you do use these tools, make sure to use the YUPO® Heavyweight or you may find the paper to melt or warp from too much heat exposure.

Any advice for first time YUPO® users?

Don’t hold back! Don’t be afraid to put your first blobs of ink on the paper and move it around, because you can always wipe it away if you don’t like what you did! 

You can see more of Jaide Bateman's artwork on her website at jaidebatemanpaintings.com and on Instagram: @jaidebatemanpaintings

How did you discover YUPO® and what was your first experience with it like?

I had been hearing about YUPO® for many years but never had a chance to try it. It all seemed very mysterious. I started watching some videos online about the many ways you can paint on it and decided to try for myself. At first I used the translucent paper and layered the ink paintings over photographs which created an interesting effect. You have less control with alcohol inks on YUPO® and this was freeing after working on a very precise geometric acrylic painting series. This process was more meditative and unplanned, well-suited for my state of mind during the pandemic.  

What do you do with your finished pieces?

I frame the finished pieces as is, or cut up them and use them in mixed media collages.

Which YUPO® is your go-to?

I love the Translucent YUPO® and the YUPO® Medium.

Any advice for first time YUPO® users?

Use inks in a ventilated space and use an organic vapours mask for prolonged use.

Find more of Arleigh Wood's artwork on her website at arleighwood.com and on her Instagram @arleighwood

How do you present your finished pieces?

These drawings are free floating in the frame and attached with translucent hangers to hold the drawings in place. 

Which YUPO® is your go-to?

I used YUPO® translucent paper for this series. 

Any advice for first time users?

I would suggest new users to experiment and have fun!

Discover more of Amber Powell's artwork on her website amberpowell.ca and follow her on Instagram @berpowell

How did you discover YUPO® and what was your first experience with it like?

I first came across YUPO® when experimenting with alcohol inks. I love it because it has a very smooth surface that is non-absorbent and produces a vibrant finish when colour is applied to it. The act of art-making is more important to me than the final product; it has to be fun. 

I love the process of applying the alcohol ink onto YUPO® paper; the ink pools on the surface, slowly expanding while the colours blend into each other to create interesting organic shapes. There is so much room to experiment, and because this is still a fairly new product, it’s exciting trying out all kinds of materials on it.

Which YUPO® is your go-to?

I like to use the white 11 x 14 size in 74 LB (Medium) for the smaller work and the 26" x 40" sheets for larger work which I mount on board. I just bought the round 12-inch pad of YUPO® paper and I can’t wait to get started!

What do you do with your finished pieces?

When I am experimenting with the alcohol ink I might not like the whole image, so I cut out the parts that I find interesting and make them into collage. I glue the cut pieces onto a clean sheet and then mount it on board. I then use Art Resin to finish the piece. Right now, I am working on building a series called “Journey Through the Rainbow to the Other Side”.

Any advice for first time YUPO® users?

My advice for first time users of YUPO® paper is to have fun and experiment. This surface is great to try things out on because it is very durable and versatile. Both sides can be used, and because it is non-absorbent a lot can be erased or washed off and the paper can be used again. I also like that it doesn’t buckle like traditional watercolour paper if too much liquid is applied. Also, if you are using tape, it peels off without lifting any paper away with it.

Discover more of Kristi Bruce's artwork on her website kristibruceart.com and follow her on Instagram at @oookristibruceooo to see her latest works.

How did you discover YUPO® and what was your first experience with it like?

I discovered YUPO® a few years ago at Opus. Somebody at the store was helping me find some paper for a project and mentioned YUPO® as an interesting surface to work on. My first experience was totally experimental so it took me some time to get familiar with YUPO® and all the potential it has. YUPO® is versatile and you can use any medium on YUPO®.

Any advice for first time users?

Clean the YUPO® surface with alcohol before starting to work on it. Fingerprints or other oils that are on the surface will repel some mediums such as water and alcohol ink, so giving it a thorough cleaning with some clear alcohol before you begin will help you avoid having issues.

See more of Miriam Aroeste's art on her website miriamaroeste.com, and keep up to date with new works on her Instagram: @miriamaroeste.art