A Printing Tip Request

Here's the deal.

I've been playing around with Painter X and when I finished an attempt at a charcoal portrait of my daughter, it occurred to me that I haven't the first clue what printing options I had. Ideally, I'd like a print that also looks like it is a charcoal rendition.

Any recommendations? ...or am I on a hopeless quest?

Here's what I want printed. A modest effort but still, I liked it...

Cheers!

I've either stumped the great and wondrous POTN or I am indeed on a foolish quest.

I sorry you haven't had any response to your post.
I'm not quite sure of what you are asking. If you are looking for recommendations on print surfaces, I think most of the major printers offer many types of texture finishes, including canvas, that would compliment this type of image. Check WHCC, Mpix, and the other major printers and I'm sure you'll find something suitable. Nice job on the portrait.

Dang...I guess I wasn't clear enough.
The common print surfaces that came to mind was matte or metallic surfaces neither of which appealed to me. Canvas hits me as a surface for oils and media like that.

Maybe it is time to call MPIX or some of the other service providers and bug them.

Thanks Pinto!

I know some have a linen surface which may work for you.

linen, eh?? Hadn't thought about that. That very well may work.

...definitely something worth looking into.

Thanks for the tip!!

Steve, I think the only media to really "sell" the charcoal look is a good mat paper, like UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper or WaterColor Radiant White by Epson or the likes from Moab Papers.

Not sure if you use any professional inkjet printer, but by judging by your extensive list of professional gear I suppose you do.

In our studio, we use Epsons 9600 and 2400 and make prints on UtraSmooth FineArt Papers with superb results.

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Slava Slavik
Atlanta Wedding Photographer
www.slava-slavik.com

When I used to work in charcoals the paper was similar in texture to the mattes we use,.
The "fine art" papers are the next step up.

BUT!

If you don't think that's going to do it, and you want to experiment, maybe try some sketch papers that aren't made for printing?

Thanks guys....appreciate the input

I quickly skimmed the replies.. I don't think any mentioned......

WHCC does a fine art velevet paper.. They used to offer watercolor and linen papers also, but I don't seem them listed anymore... They still do press printed cards on those papers... but I don't see large prints.

You could call them to see.. I think they can send you a little sample of the velvet paper so you can see the texture of it prior to ordering... I'll be placing an order soon, so if you want, I can ask for you. Just let me know.