Hi, Beth!
No, I covered the whole surface. The first layer really absorbed the paint (like a
sponge), but once it was down, I had much more flexibility. When I get a few moments, I'll post a mini-demo.
I mounted the Wallis onto Masonite, just as I do my canvas (Demco glue
http://www.demco.com , Masonite). That's only because I prefer a rigid surface. I don't think that would be necessary unless you were working quite large, or just preferred a mounted surface. I see that Tim at
http://newtraditionsartpanels.com offers gatorboard-mounted Wallis paper.
There are two reasons I got started on this:
1. I ran out of my favorite linen and had no happy alternative waiting, and wouldn't you know, I had a desperate moment;
2. Kitty Wallis says that her paper is suitable for oils. When I was doing pastels, the Wallis paper was absolutely my first choice.
The second reason was a lot more important than the first. I don't know if you have ever contacted Kitty, but working as much as you do in pastel, you might have done so. She is a wonderful, friendly person, and a very fine painter as well. I think her paper is fantastic, and archival.
The only medium I used was Rob Howards'
http://studioproducts.com Maroger, which as you know Bill W
made us try, and without which I have not gone a single day.
I varnished this piece with Gamvar, but I have since mixed up a batch of Gamvar with a bit of beeswax, (which I learned here) and I think I will give it a final coat of the wax-softened goop.
Since this painting, finished about 4 months ago, I have completed about four more on the Wallis surface. It is a
lot of fun.
Thank you for your interest. Best wishes,