Top 5 Best paper for pastel pencils
Navigating the world of pastel pencils can be a colorful journey, with one crucial companion often overlooked - the paper.
The surface you choose to work on plays a significant role in the final outcome of your artwork.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best papers for pastel pencils and provide a detailed guide to help you select the perfect canvas for your creativity.
What are the Best Papers for Pastel Pencils?
- Pastelmat
- Canson Mi-Teintes
- Fabriano Tiziano
- Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper
- Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper
1. Pastelmat
Pastelmat is a premium paper choice renowned among pastel artists. It's a unique, versatile surface developed and produced by Clairefontaine. The texture of Pastelmat is somewhat between the coarse grit of sandpaper and the smoothness of traditional pastel paper, offering a surface that grabs and holds pigment beautifully.
Why Pastelmat is Excellent for Pastel Pencils
Pastelmat is a favorite among pastel pencil artists for its ability to hold multiple layers of color. The finely ground, cork-like surface texture traps pigment, allowing for rich color application without the constant need for fixatives. This paper can handle both light sketching and heavy, detailed work, making it versatile for different styles and techniques. Additionally, it's resistant to peeling, cracking, or scratching, making it very durable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent pigment retention | More expensive than some other options |
| Allows for detailed work and layering | May require a learning curve to use effectively |
| Resistant to peeling, cracking, and scratching | Limited availability in some regions |
In conclusion, Pastelmat is an excellent choice for pastel pencil work due to its unique surface texture and durability. It's particularly great for artists who want to layer colors and create detailed work. However, it may be a bit more expensive and may require some getting used to. Nonetheless, its benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many pastel pencil artists.
2. Canson Mi-Teintes
Canson Mi-Teintes is a classic choice in the world of pastel papers. Developed by Canson, a company with a rich history in papermaking, Mi-Teintes offers a honeycomb-like grain that provides a robust grip for pastel pigments.
Why Canson Mi-Teintes is Excellent for Pastel Pencils
Canson Mi-Teintes is a dual-surfaced paper, with one side featuring a heavier texture for expressive, bold work, and the other side smoother for detailed work. Its high rag content ensures long-lasting vibrancy for your pastel work. The paper is also highly flexible, which reduces the chance of damage under pressure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual surface for different styles | Texture might be too pronounced for some artists |
| High rag content maintains color vibrancy | May be less suitable for heavy layering |
| Flexible and resistant to damage | Darker colors may not show up as vibrantly |
Canson Mi-Teintes is a versatile and durable choice for pastel pencil artists, offering two types of surfaces in one paper and maintaining color vibrancy. While its texture might be too pronounced for some and may not be the best choice for heavy layering, its flexibility and durability make it a staple in the world of pastel art.
3. Fabriano Tiziano
Fabriano Tiziano is another respected name in the realm of pastel papers. It's a fine grain paper, manufactured by the Italian company Fabriano, known for their commitment to quality and tradition in papermaking.
Why Fabriano Tiziano is Excellent for Pastel Pencils
Fabriano Tiziano has a slightly textured surface that's well-suited for pastel pencils. The texture is enough to hold pigment effectively without being overly rough, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned artists. This acid-free paper is also durable and resists aging, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slightly textured surface suitable for beginners and professionals | Might be too smooth for heavy layering |
| Acid-free and resistant to aging | Limited range of colors |
| Durable and long-lasting | Not as widely available as some other options |
Fabriano Tiziano offers a balance between texture and smoothness, making it a great choice for those starting out with pastel pencils as well as seasoned artists. It is durable and resistant to aging, which adds to the longevity of the artwork. Despite its limited color range and availability, its performance and quality make it a worthy choice for pastel pencil artists.
4. Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper
Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper is a high-quality pastel paper featuring a laid texture, making it an excellent option for pastel pencil art. It is produced by the French company Clairefontaine, known for their dedication to quality and innovation in papermaking.
Why Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper is Excellent for Pastel Pencils
Ingres Pastel Paper offers a subtle laid texture that holds pastel pigments well without being too rough. This makes it suitable for artists who want a less abrasive surface than Pastelmat. The paper is acid-free and features a high cotton content, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Subtle laid texture suitable for artists wanting a less abrasive surface | Texture may be too subtle for some techniques |
| Acid-free and high cotton content | Limited availability in some regions |
| Long-lasting and durable | Not as suitable for heavy layering |
Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper is an excellent choice for artists seeking a more subtle texture in their pastel paper. It offers a balance between smoothness and grip, making it a versatile option for various styles. While it may not be the best choice for heavy layering or some techniques, its acid-free, high cotton content, and durability make it a worthwhile choice for many pastel pencil artists.
5. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper is a popular choice among pastel artists, known for its affordability and quality. Produced by Strathmore, a well-respected company in the art world, this paper offers a medium-tooth surface that's ideal for pastel pencil work.
Why Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper is Excellent for Pastel Pencils
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper's medium-tooth surface provides a nice balance between texture and smoothness, making it suitable for both detailed work and layering. It's an acid-free paper, ensuring the longevity of your artwork, and comes in various sizes and formats to suit artists' preferences.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Medium-tooth surface suitable for detail work and layering | May not be as durable as some other options |
| Acid-free for long-lasting artwork | Some artists may prefer a heavier texture |
| Available in various sizes and formats | Limited color selection |
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper is an affordable and versatile option for pastel pencil artists, offering a medium-tooth surface that's ideal for a range of techniques. While it may not be as durable or textured as some other options, its acid-free composition and availability in various sizes and formats make it a popular choice for artists of all levels.
Choosing the Right Paper for Pastel Pencils
Choosing the right paper for pastel pencils can feel overwhelming given the variety of options available. However, by considering a few key factors, you can select the paper that best suits your needs and artistic style. Here's what to consider:
1. Texture
The texture, or "tooth," of the paper is one of the most important factors to consider. Texture impacts how the pastel pencil interacts with the paper, affecting the look and feel of your artwork.
- If you prefer detailed work: Choose a paper with a finer texture. This will allow for more precision and control. Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper is a good option in this case.
- If you like to layer colors: Choose a paper with a coarser texture. This will hold more pigment and allow for richer, deeper layers. Pastelmat and Strathmore 400 Series are excellent for this.
2. Durability
The durability of the paper is crucial, especially if you plan to create artwork for sale or display. You'll want a paper that can withstand the pressure of drawing and layering, and that won't degrade over time.
- If longevity is important to you: Look for acid-free papers with high cotton or rag content, such as Fabriano Tiziano or Clairefontaine Ingres Pastel Paper.
3. Color
Pastel papers come in a variety of colors, which can provide a different base tone for your artwork.
- If you want to experiment with base tones: Consider a paper like Canson Mi-Teintes, which comes in a wide range of colors.
- If you prefer a neutral base: White or cream-colored papers like Fabriano Tiziano or Strathmore 400 Series might be best.
4. Price
The cost of the paper can also be a deciding factor, especially if you're just starting out or practicing.
- If you're practicing or on a budget: Consider more affordable options like Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Paper.
- If you're creating professional artwork or don't mind a higher price: Premium options like Pastelmat might be more suitable.
Remember, the "best" paper will depend on your personal preference and the specific needs of your artwork. Don't be afraid to experiment with different papers until you find the one that works best for you.
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