What Kind of Paper Is Used for Pastels

Are you an aspiring artist looking to experiment with pastels? You may be wondering what kind of paper is best suited for this medium. It’s a fair question, as the wrong paper can easily ruin your masterpiece.

Choosing the right paper for pastels isn’t just about its texture or weight, but also its ability to hold onto the powdery pigments without smudging or blending too much. You want your colors to pop without bleeding into each other, and the right kind of paper is crucial in achieving that.

In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of paper used for pastels and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Don’t let unsuitable paper dampen your creative spirit – read on to learn more!

The Purpose of Using Paper for Pastels

Pastels are a popular medium among artists due to their versatility and range of application. However, pastel colors can be easily smudged or wiped off, making it essential to use a substrate that can hold the pigments in place. This is where paper comes into play. The purpose of using paper for pastels is to provide a surface that can grip the pigments and prevent them from falling off or fading away over time.

Paper also allows the artist to layer different colors on top of each other without muddying the final result. Pastel paper has a unique texture that holds the pigment firmly without causing excessive dusting, making it an ideal surface for creating beautiful and detailed artworks.

Advantages of Using Paper for Pastels

• Paper provides an excellent surface for applying pastel colors.
• Paper allows artists to layer different hues without muddying the final result.
• Pastel paper has a unique texture that holds pigments firmly and prevents excessive dusting.
• Paper is affordable, easy to find, and available in various sizes and textures.

Disadvantages of Using Paper for Pastels

• Some types of paper may not be suitable for certain types of pastels.
• Paper may deteriorate over time if not stored properly.

A Brief History of Pastels on Paper

Pastel art dates back to ancient times, with examples found in Egyptian tombs and Roman villas. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that pastels became popular as an artistic medium in Europe. At this time, artists began experimenting with different types of paper to find a surface that could best hold the pigments used in pastels.

One artist known for his use of pastel on paper was Edgar Degas. He used pastels extensively in his paintings and drawings, creating works that captured the beauty and movement of dancers and other performers. His use of paper allowed him to achieve a level of detail and realism that was not possible with other mediums.

Today, pastel art continues to be popular among artists worldwide, with new techniques and materials constantly being developed to improve the quality and longevity of pastel artworks.

How Paper Type Affects the Final Result of a Pastel Artwork

The type of paper used for a pastel artwork can have a significant impact on its final result. The texture, weight, and color of the paper can all affect how well it holds the pigment and how vibrant or muted the colors appear.

For example, using a rough-textured paper can create more texture in the final artwork, while using a smooth surface will produce smoother lines and color transitions. Similarly, using colored paper can add depth and interest to an artwork by allowing some parts to show through beneath the layers of pastel.

It is also important to consider the weight of the paper when selecting one for your artwork. A heavier weight may be necessary if you plan on layering multiple colors or applying heavy pressure while working with your pastels.

Factors that Affect Paper Selection for Pastels

• Texture: The texture can range from rough to smooth.
• Weight: The weight can range from light to heavy.
• Color: Some papers come in different colors which may affect how vibrant or muted your final result appears.
• Type: Some papers are designed specifically for soft pastels while others are better suited for oil pastels.

Common Types of Paper Used for Pastels

There are several types of paper that artists commonly use for pastel artworks. Each type has its own unique properties that affect how well it holds the pigment and how the final result appears.

Ingres Paper

Ingres paper is a type of laid paper with a distinct texture that resembles woven fabric. It is ideal for pastel artworks due to its ability to hold the pigment securely while still allowing for easy blending. Ingres paper comes in a variety of colors and weights, making it versatile enough for most pastel techniques.

Vellum Paper

Vellum paper has a smooth surface and is often used for detailed drawings or sketches. Its smooth surface allows for precise lines and color transitions, making it an excellent choice for artists who prefer a more controlled technique.

Canson Mi-Teintes Paper

Canson Mi-Teintes paper is another popular choice among pastel artists due to its unique texture and wide range of colors. It has a velvety surface that grips the pigment without creating excessive dust, making it suitable for both soft and oil pastels.

Specific Requirements for Using Paper with Pastels

When using paper with pastels, there are several things to keep in mind to achieve the best results possible:

• Choose a paper with a texture that complements your technique.
• Select a weight appropriate for your intended use – heavier weights may be necessary if you plan on layering multiple colors or applying heavy pressure while working.
• Avoid touching the surface of the paper too much as this can cause smudging or discoloration.
• Store your finished artwork properly to prevent fading or damage over time.

Considerations When Choosing Paper for Oil-Based vs. Soft Pastels

The type of pastel you use can also affect the type of paper you choose. Oil-based pastels, for example, require a paper with more tooth to hold the pigment securely. Soft pastels, on the other hand, require a smoother surface to achieve their signature blendability.

Paper Requirements for Oil-Based Pastels

• Choose a paper with a rougher texture to hold the pigment in place.
• Use a heavier weight paper if you plan on layering multiple colors or applying heavy pressure while working.
• Avoid using papers with a smooth surface as they may not hold the oil-based pigments well enough.

Paper Requirements for Soft Pastels

• Select a paper with a smooth surface to allow for easy blending and color transitions.
• Choose a lighter weight paper if you will be layering multiple pastel colors on top of each other – this will prevent excessive buildup and dusting.

The Evolution of Technology Behind Pastel Papers

Technology has played an important role in the development of pastel papers over time. Early pastel artists often used handmade papers that were textured and absorbent, but prone to deterioration over time. Today’s pastel papers are designed using advanced manufacturing techniques that produce consistent textures and weights while maintaining durability.

Advances in coating technology have also allowed manufacturers to develop papers that can handle wet media such as watercolors or acrylics without buckling or discoloring. These new coated papers offer artists even more options when it comes to creating mixed media artworks.

The Future of Pastel Papers

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovation in the field of pastel papers. Manufacturers are already experimenting with new textures and coatings that could provide even better grip for pigments and greater durability over time.

Tips for Selecting the Best Type of Paper for a Pastel Project

Choosing the right paper is essential for achieving the best results with your pastel artwork. Here are some tips to help you select the best type of paper for your project:

• Consider your technique – choose a paper with a texture that complements your style.
• Think about your intended use – heavier weights may be necessary if you plan on layering multiple colors or applying heavy pressure while working.
• Experiment with different types of paper – try out different textures, weights, and colors to see which ones work best for your needs.
• Read reviews – check online forums or art supply websites to see what other artists have to say about different types of pastel papers.

In conclusion, the best paper for pastels is one that has a toothy surface to hold and blend the pigments effectively. Therefore, it’s recommended to use papers specifically designed for pastel works such as sanded, textured or velour papers.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Kind of Paper Is Used for Pastels

Can you use pastels on any paper?
Pastels can be applied to almost any surface as long as it has enough texture for the pastels to adhere to. While textured paper is a popular choice, other surfaces like boards, canvas, and even sandpaper can also be used.

Can you use regular paper for pastel art?
Is it possible to use different types of paper for pastel art? Any paper that has a slightly textured surface can be used for pastel art, but the final result will vary depending on how much pastel the paper can hold.

Do you need special paper for pastel pencils?
In general, pastel pencils can be used on any surface that can hold the mark, including drawing paper, illustration board, and bristol paper. However, a surface with a rougher texture will yield better results. Personally, I prefer to use Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Can you use pastels in a sketchbook?
Soft pastels are typically used on textured paper to allow for better color retention, but smooth paper can also be used for on-site or studio sketching. This method provides flexibility in the artists choice of paper and location.

Is watercolor paper and pastel paper the same?
Watercolor artists typically use watercolor paper, while pastel artists usually use pastel paper that has a rougher texture, also known as “tooth”. Although pastels can be applied to watercolor paper, the preferred choice for pastel artists are fine-gritted sandpapers that provide a better surface for the medium.

Can you make your own pastel paper?
Creating a primer for pastel surfaces can be done at a lower cost by combining grit, a binding material like acrylic medium or gesso, and water. Pumice is the preferred grit for pastel artists, and a 2F pumice jar weighing 1 pound will produce a surface with a medium-coarse texture.