Picking the Best Paper for Pastels
Looking for the best paper to use with your pastels?
Pastel artwork can look absolutely stunning when done correctly, but it's important to use the right tools!
The paper you choose will affect the overall look and feel of your artwork, so finding the best option is a must.
In this article, we'll help you find the best paper for pastels art, so that you can take your art to the next level.
With the right paper, your pastel artwork will look even better than you ever thought possible.
We know that finding the right type of paper can be difficult, so we've created a comprehensive guide to help you out.
Whether you're just beginning or looking for a paper upgrade, we've found the best paper for pastels.
Keep reading to find the best pastel paper for your art needs!
How We Choose Our Selections
Finding the best art supplies can be really overwhelming and time-consuming.
When looking for the perfect paper, not only do you have to worry about the type but also the weight, surface texture, and color.
It's easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start.
We've done all the hard work for you!
We've read through thousands of reviews on Amazon to find the best paper for pastels that are perfect for artists of all skill levels.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we've got you covered.
Why We Love It
Looking for a versatile pastel paper that can be used for a variety of projects?
Then check out Canson Mi-Teintes pastel papers!
This colored paper comes in 6 different colors, perfect for adding a pop of color to any project.
The 9x12-inch sheets are acid-free and dual-surfaced, with one side being heavily textured and the other lightly textured.
Made of 50% cotton and gelatin-sized, this paper is sure to meet all your crafting needs!
What You Should Know
Canson is a world-renowned paper company, and their paper products are highly sought-after by artists and crafters alike.
Their pastel paper is no exception; it is an Amazon's Choice product and is made from high-quality, light-fast paper that is pigmented at the pulp level.
This makes the paper resistant to fading, ensuring that your artwork will look just as vibrant as the day you created it.
Whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, Canson's paper is sure to meet your expectations.
Check out Canson's Mi-Teintes pastel paper today!
Why We Love It
Want a perfect paper to use with your pastels?
U.S. Art Supply has you covered with their pastel papers!
This double-sided paper comes in four different, neutral colors, making it ideal for any project.
Plus, it's sturdy enough to stand up to erasing and reworking, so you can get the perfect result every time.
What You Should Know
U.S. Art Supply has acid-free, textured paper perfect for pastel art.
The pages are glue-bound for easy removal, so you can quickly and easily swap out sheets as needed.
This paper works great with pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, and other similar media.
Plus, the textured surface gives your artwork a bit of extra dimension.
Why wait?
Get creative with U.S. Art Supply's pastel paper today!
Why We Love It
Searching for a great sketchbook to take with you on the go?
Check out Canson XL paper!
This sketchbook is 9x12 inches and comes with a top wire spiral.
Each sketchbook comes with 100, micro-perforated sheets.
This paper features a medium tooth surface that erases cleanly.
What You Should Know
Canson paper is made using sustainable processes, and its construction is superior to other papers on the market.
Its paper was developed by art professors to test performance reliability.
Canson provides exceptional value and excellent quality.
With its superior construction, it's no surprise that this pastel paper is an Amazon's Choice product.
Pastel artists love Canson paper for its trustworthy performance and consistent results.
You can't go wrong with this paper; it's sure to help you create beautiful pastel art!
Why We Love It
Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper is the perfect option for artists who want to create beautiful works of art.
The gray toned sheets provide a unique canvas that allows you to create stunning pieces of art.
The dual-surfaced paper provides two different textures, so you can experiment with different effects.
The 50% cotton content ensures that your art will be long-lasting and the gelatin-sized paper prevents fading over time.
Order your Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper today and start creating beautiful works of art that will last a lifetime!
What You Should Know
Canson has been a leading paper manufacturer for centuries, and their paper products are widely recognized for their quality and durability.
They offers an extensive selection of paper products for artists, crafters, and hobbyists, including paper for pastels.
This paper is made with high-quality pulp and colorants, resulting in vivid hues that resist fading over time.
The pastel paper is also textured to provide a tooth that helps hold pastel pigment in place, making it ideal for creating beautiful works of art.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, Canson paper is a great choice for your next project.
Pick up Canson paper today and see the impact it has on your art!
Why We Love It
Want a great paper to use with your pastels?
Look no further than Winsor & Newton pastel paper!
This paper comes in six different colors, all of which are earth tones.
The high cotton content makes for great texture and absorption of pastel particles.
Plus, it's an acid-free paper, so it's perfect for use with charcoal, graphite, and other media.
If you're looking for a great paper to help you create beautiful art, be sure to check out Winsor & Newton!
What You Should Know
If you're looking for a paper that's specifically designed for pastels, you can't go wrong with Winsor & Newton pastel paper.
This paper is made from high-quality materials and is designed to resist fading and yellowing over time.
Additionally, it contains no optical brighteners, so your artwork will stay true to its original color.
Since it's made from FSC-certified pulp, you can be sure that it's ecofriendly and won't contribute to deforestation.
Best of all, this paper is produced using hydropower electricity, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If you're looking for a paper that's good for both your art and the environment, Winsor & Newton pastel paper is a great option.
Add Winsor & Newton paper to your art supplies today.
Pastel Paper FAQs
When looking for new art supplies, it can be an overwhelming process.
There are countless options, and it's hard to know where to start.
With so many papers available, finding the best paper for your pastel art can become a hassle.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about paper to use with pastels, so you can make an informed decision before making your final purchase.
Whether you're looking to expand your art kit or for the perfect gift, after reading this guide you'll leave feeling confident in your selection.
Can I use regular paper for pastels?
Pastels are a very versatile medium and can be used on a variety of different papers.
However, if you're using regular paper, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, regular paper is not as absorbent as traditional painting papers, so your pastels may not adhere as well.
You'll need to experiment with different types of pastels to see which ones work best on regular paper.
Second, it's a smoother paper than painting papers, so your pastels may go on more evenly.
If you want even application, you'll want a paper with a fine tooth.
But this can also be a disadvantage because the smoother surface can make it more difficult to achieve certain effects.
In general, however, regular paper is perfectly fine for use with pastels.
It may not be the best option, but it's certainly possible to create beautiful artwork using this type of paper.
A good pastel paper will take into consideration paper fibres, texture, and overal quality.
The best type of paper for pastels depends on your individual needs and preferences.
You might want a rough texture or a sanded texture for fine detail for your pastel work.
Consider the different paper surface types before finalizing your decision.
You might enjoy mixed media paper, a honeycomb texture, paper for wet mediums, oil pastel paper, soft pastel paper, a pastel pad, or one of the other art materials.
Should I use a sketchbook or individual pastel paper sheets?
There isn't necessarily a "right" answer to this question.
Ultimately, it's up to you and what you prefer.
Both sketchbooks and individual paper sheets have their pros and cons, so it's worth considering both options before making a decision.
One advantage of using a sketchbook is that it's more compact and portable than a stack of loose papers.
This can be really convenient if you like to work on your art while on the go.
Sketchbooks also typically have high-quality papers, which can make a big difference when working with delicate mediums like pastels.
On the downside, sketchbooks can be more expensive than loose sheets, and they're usually not as large.
This can be limiting if you like to work on larger pieces of art.
Individual pastel paper sheets offer a lot of flexibility in terms of size, but they can be tricky to store and transport.
They're also more susceptible to damage than sketchbooks.
On the plus side, you can purchase the exact number of sheets and color that you need for your specific art project without having a surplus.
Ultimately, the best type of paper for pastels is the one that best suits your needs.
What's the best size paper for pastel drawings?
There is no definitive answer to this question since the best size of paper for pastels largely depends on the individual artist's preferences and preferred techniques.
That said, most artists seem to prefer smaller pastel papers, around 9"x12", for their detail work and larger pastel papers, around 18"x24", for their more broad strokes.
Of course, you can use whatever size paper you like, but these are generally the most popular sizes.
Ultimately, it's up to the artist to experiment with different sizes and find what works best for them.
For some projects you might want a smaller paper but for others a expansive page might serve you best.
Experiment to see what works best for you.
Should you use smooth or textured paper for pastels?
It depends on what you're trying to achieve.
There are a vast variety of paper types available, including textured specialty pastel papers and sanded paper.
Smooth paper produces a crisper image with more detail, while textured paper yields a softer, more muted image.
Sanded pastel paper is smooth while a honeycomb paper is an example of textured paper.
Experiment with both types of paper texture to see which you prefer.
Some artists prefer to use a combination of smooth and textured papers in their work, depending on the effect they're trying to create.
For example, if they want to create a softer portrait, they might use paper textures for the skin tones and smooth paper for the background and clothing.
Ultimately, it's up to the pastel artist to experiment with different papers and find what works best for them.
Should I use colored paper with pastels?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to using colored paper.
Some people prefer the look and feel of paper that has a texture, while others prefer the look of a smooth surface.
As for color, it's up to personal preference.
Some people prefer bright colors, while others prefer softer shades.
Other paper options can come with dark paper; black pastel paper allows the colors to truly pop.
Some artists stick to traditional white while others have fun with bright colors.
Other pastel papers come with neutral tones.
Ultimately, it comes down to what looks best to you and what makes you happy when creating oil and soft pastel art.
Experiment with different colored paper to see which you prefer for your art.
Can I use pastels on watercolor paper?
Yes, you can use pastels on watercolor paper.
Pastels are a type of pigment that can be used with a variety of papers.
Watercolor paper is specially designed to be used with wet media, like water-based paints, but you can use pastels on it if you want.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using pastels on watercolor paper.
Pastels require a somewhat smooth surface to adhere to, so make sure your watercolor paper isn't too rough.
Keep in mind that the texture of the paper may affect the way your pastels look; pastels are dry media, not the wet media watercolor paper is specifically designed for.
At the end of the day, it's a painting surface, but you can repurpose it to suit your needs.
If you're not sure how to use pastels on watercolor paper, experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you.
It could be fun to create mixed media pieces using oil pastel and watercolor on watercolor paper.
Don't be afraid to play with different paper and media combinations to find what works best for you.
How many types of paper should you have for pastel drawings?
There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to the number of types of paper you should have for pastel drawings.
Feel free to explore the different brands and options available, such as Ingres paper, Velour paper, mounting pastel paper, Uart pastel paper, pastel board, and Glassine paper.
When picking a paper, you can consider coated papers, uncoated papers, sanded paper, heavily textured papers, lighter texture papers, and many more options.
Ultimately, it depends on the artist's preference and what types of effects they're hoping to achieve.
That said, there are some general guidelines that can be helpful to keep in mind.
Different papers offer different satin finishes, which can affect the way pastels behave and lay down color.
In general, smoother papers are better for detailed work, while rougher surfaces are well-suited for more textured effects.
You might want to experiment with a few different types of paper to see what results you like best.
Another consideration is color.
Some papers have a natural tint that can affect the way colors appear when applied to them.
If you're looking for a particular effect, you might want to experiment with different colored papers.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out how many types of paper you need for pastel drawings is to experiment and see what works best for you.
Have fun with the drawing process, playing with many layers of color, and even consider using mixed media to add additional interest to your art.
What's the difference between oil and soft pastels?
Oil and soft pastels are both types of pigment-based art media.
Pigment is ground up color powder that is held together with a binder.
The binder can be either a wax or an oil base.
Oil pastels use a petroleum jelly or wax base, while soft pastels use a gum arabic binder.
The main difference between the two types of pastels is the hardness of the stick.
Oil pastels are firmer than soft pastel, which makes them easier to control for detailed work.
However, this also means that it can be more difficult to blend than soft pastels.
Soft pastels are more versatile and can be used for a variety of effects, from soft blends to sharp lines.
If you're just starting out with pastels, soft pastels are a good option.
As you become more comfortable with the medium, you can experiment with oil pastel and see what effects you can achieve.
You can also play with pastel pencils, chalk pastels, and pastel sticks.
Pastels are great because you can use them to create all sorts of effects, even resembling a pastel painting.
There are lots of options in the world of pastels, so don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
How do beginners draw with pastels?
There's no one definitive answer to this question since everyone may have their own method and preferences, but here are some tips from pastel artists who are just starting out:
1. Don't be afraid of the dark colors.
When starting out, it can be tempting to stick with the light colors, but pastels offer a wide range of shades that can be used to create beautiful effects.
Experiment with different colors and tones to see what you can create.
2. Use a light touch, working with pastel layers of color.
You don't need to apply pressure when using pastels; in fact, doing so will only damage the paper and make your artwork look messy.
Gently stroke the pastels against the paper, creating multiple layers of color, to get the desired effect.
Working with many layers rather than applying too much pressure will help you create incredible art; focus on thin layers rather than thick applications of pigment.
If you're just starting out with pastels, it's best to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
There are no hard and fast rules, so don't be afraid to try something new.
What paper do artists use for pastels?
Different artists use different types of paper for pastel art.
Selecting a paper for art, ultimately, boils down to preference and what you want to create in your art project.
Some common pastel papers that are used include Canson Mi-Teintes paper, Stonehenge paper, and Art Spectrum Colourfix paper.
These papers are all made with pastel artists in mind and offer a variety of textures and colors to choose from.
When selecting a paper, it's important to keep in mind the type of project you're working on.
Different papers offer different benefits that can be helpful for certain projects.
For example, Canson Mi-Teintes paper is double-sided, which means you can use both sides of the paper for different projects.
Consider what size, texture, and color paper would work best for your particular art project.
Once you've selected a paper, the best way to figure out how it works is to experiment and try different things.
See what types of effects you can achieve with the paper you've chosen.
Picking the perfect paper for pastels is a matter of preference and what project you're working on.
There are a variety of papers to choose from, each with its own benefits.
The best way to find the perfect paper for you is to experiment and try different things.
Pastels are a versatile medium, so have fun and see what you can create.
The Best Pastel Paper for You
So, what is the perfect paper for your unique needs?
After hours of research, reading thousands of Amazon customer reviews, we’ve found the top picks for all levels of artists, hobbyists, and creators.
Whether you're an expert with heaps of experience, a beginner just starting out, or somewhere in-between, there is a paper perfect for your next project!
Hopefully, our findings have simplified the selection process, so you can make an informed decision and walk away happy with your new paper for pastels!
Whichever paper you choose, we hope you have fun creating with pastels!
Don't forget to tap the button to check Amazon for the best prices on paper for pastels!
Thanks for reading and here's to your beautiful, new creations!
Want some tips for your next pastel drawing? Check out Kirsty Partridge Art's video!
If you'd like to see artwork I've made, you can find some at Redbubble, TeePublic, and TeeSpring.
And if you'd like to listen while creating like I do, you can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Music or Two Free Audiobooks from Audible Plus!
I love listening to a great book and great songs while immersing myself in the creative process!
Plus, if you want to take advantage of 2-day shipping, get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, or if you want to take advantage of down time, get a free 30-day trial of Prime Video!
If you love pastels, you'll want to check out our other pastel supply articles: