Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Pastel paper brands
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
Hello
So I received a case of Sinnelier soft pastels for Christmas (obviously made the good list).
Inside the case was a scrap of fine sand card. Now I have always used just pastel paper but I can't deny the incredible difference.
I instantly took to Amazon and ended up pausing.
Any advice on brands please.
I like detail in my work, so.I'm not looking for anything too rough.
Thank you
Alicia
Posted
A guy whose video lessons I follow plugs Canson Mi-Tientes in his lessons.
Never used it myself, so some of the others here will be able to advise you better. I've been recycling the cardboard that's used in envelopes when you don't want photos or certificates to get bent by Royal Mail. It makes a workable pre-tinted support on which to start building a skillset.
Posted
Or you might consider not paying premium prices for 'specialist' products and, like many Pastel Soc. artists do now, use mount board and a textured gesso. You can then apply the gesso thinly where you want more detail and more heavily where you want more texture. You'd also save money if that's a consideration for you.
Posted
Good answers here, Alicia. PastelMat will do very well for details and comes in a variety of colours. There is also UART paper, which seems to only be available from the S.A.A....(www.saa.co.uk)...the fine grade papers might suit your needs, these are numbered 500, 600 and 800.
The card that won't take a wet wash is Sennelier; it has cork particles and these come off when the card gets wet. However it is a decent dry-pastel paper.
Canson's new "Touch" paper/card is very similar to Art Spectrum Colorfix, the surface is gritty but not excessively; and should hold well for details.
Posted
I personally like Pastelmat because it is easy to work on but I started pastels many years ago just using cheap sugar paper. I think Murano is its name now or nearest. Some of my beginner artists at the art group are using that and getting good results. I don't like the rougher pastel paper as I find it smudges too much.
Posted
A quick tip for tinted paper I found purely by accident. Doesn't work with them all, but it's worth having a look at kid's scrap books in all and any stores that sell them. I got a great size a bit above A4 in grey tinted card of a decent thickness for £1 in Home Bargains. Some used to have heavy sugar paper and I'm on the look out at the moment. Worth a look.
Posted
I like pastelmat, but have also had good results with sennelier pastel card for my animal portraits, although I confess I haven't tried wetting it. It's quite gritty, which I like. I am quite heavy handed with my pastel application and it seems to suit this. I have tried canson mi teintes and didn't like the results, but I wonder if it needs a lighter touch. I have just bought some velour, but not started using it yet. It will be interesting to see the difference.
Posted
There are many pastels(hard and soft). & (pastel pencils for detail). and many surfaces, from velour to sandpaper, the secret is to find the right selection for you, watch as many videos as you can bear on you tube, and get. a feel for what is available, And good luck and hopefully many hours of enjoyment.