The top one was done on yupo, on location.
The bottom one was done on arches, in the studio. I may do this in pastels too. OMG...I'm obsessed with these red rocks!
The first one--no contest!!!! I fell in love with rocks too when traveling in the West so you're not alone.
I love the Yupo! Everytime you post a Yupo painting, I talk myself into ordering some, but, let my misgivings talk me out of it before I get my order together. Have you considered doing a lesson to be posted on Wet Canvas?
I like the other painting, also. But, the Yupo painting is so innovative and exciting.
Definitely the Yupo paper! I haven't painted in weeks (just moved), but will go home tonight and pull out my last sheet. OF course, if I ruin it, I can always wash it off!
I really think that it is NOT the paper that makes the difference - it is how the paper forces you to paint. Look at the BOLD strokes for the rocks and that BRIGHT purple mountain in the back. You could have done those nearly the same on Arches - but you already have another style established for that paper (I do...). But on Yupo you are forced to go gestural and bold and gutsy - and it shows!
Actually both versions are quite beautiful, I'd hang either one in my house.
I think that a comparison cannot be done!
both are beautiful, but very different one from the other. It looks like comparing an oil painting with a pastel painting: in that case the different paint type makes the difference, in this case the different supports (papers).
I prefer the transparency of w/c on paper, but the oter one is beautiful too.
In my opinion, the first is "stronger", the second more suggests more peace of mind.
Anyway, your paintings are very good!
Thats convinced me , must get some Yupo paper next week.