I would never tell you to paint on Kleenex, but I might recommend rubbing or blending with it! I'm glad my voice helps you listen in. That's very kind.
Very soothing and confident voice indeed!!🧘 Makes me want to put all my art supplies on the table and be creatieve !✍️🖌️🎨🖍️🎨 Alan, if you would talk about food and ingredients with the same voice...woow...weightwatchers would have a new client in me...🤭😄😄 Thank you for your useful video's!🤗🌸
Hi Alain: About two years ago, I wrote a short note to you, thank you for your excellent tutorials and I wanted to thank you once again. Pastel painting is now the air that I breathe and keeps me always wanting more. It's been 3 years now that Pastels have kept me alive. Sometimes my instructor has to 'be my hands' as my peripheral neuropathy can be depilating. I now have 9 Paintings under my belt and about 5 on a waiting. It's taken longer as my cancer can keep me weeks to get back up and running. I purchased the 3M glue and watched your mounting video. I plan on mounting about 10 boards today. I just wanted to say thank you once again
what a beautiful story of coming into your creative gifts, Amy, thanks for sharing. I'm so glad to encourage your creative growth. Hey, I have a free workshop this week if you want to join us and feel strong enough to participate. you can find out about it here: learn.picardstudio.com/workshop-fall-22
Thanks for sharing all this information. I know this video is about 5 years old, but it seems that most, if not all the papers, are still availlable. When I started working in pastels in the 80s, I didn't know anything and just used large sheets of Strathmore laid paper I got as paper samples from paper companies. I worked as a graphic designer, and the paper reps handed out samples like Halloween candy. Anyway, I haven't painted with pastels since then and now that I'm retired, I'm wanting to get back into painting and I appreciate all your knowledge and help. I dug out my pastels I had and they are old Grumbacher sets. I don't think they even make them anymore.
Thank you so much, Alain. I knew nothing about pastel papers and now after this short video I have a good understanding of what I need. I'm so grateful for this knowledge. I was about to use watercolor paper I have on hand but now i know better. I'm new at pastels being an oil painter all my life. I'm tired of waiting for paint to dry and love the intense colors of pastels. I'm so excited, now I need some nice coated sanded mounted paper to work on!! Thanks again, Love, Joan Williamson
Thanks so much Alain! I always enjoy your formative pastel posts. I think you are so selfless with your coaching and support of the greater pastel community. God Bless you Sir.
Hi Alain. I'm new to pastel painting and come from using watercolours for the last few years. I found this video very helpful. I have a steep learning curve in this new medium. I am really enjoying it.
You should try Lux Archival Sanded Paper because it takes watercolor washes beautifully, then you can add soft pastel over the top for an amazing combination! Enjoy your creative journey!
I just started pastels. This is all great info for me. I bought a little blick set to start and whatever they had for pastel paper strathmore I think. 😢
Thanks for another great video, Mr. Picard! In addition to the great products that you listed, another surface that I enjoy is Ampersand Pastelbord. It’s a coated board that comes in a variety of colors and sizes with a fine tooth. In my opinion, it’s quality and very affordable. It’s a very rigid board similar to MDF. It takes all manner of washes and can even be run under a faucet to completely clean it off for “do overs”.
Wow thanks. I watched two videos. Paper and pastel types. Been working with artists that have told me all this info and shared supplies with me but now listening to you it all came together. There is so much to learn and I’ve worked with only two lessons. They make me so nervous. I worked alongside your video on portraits and I liked my work. Just thank you and if I ever find time from being a caregiver I’ll e back to work. I love pastels. J
Hullo Alain, I was thinking about purchasing some new papers and I believe I have watched this video before, yet no comment! Thank you for having this video available for references and information for those of us who are new/newer to pastels. Even after 4 years it is still relevant! Thank You! I have been practicing on my watercolor sheets and even using some homemade surface preparations to increase the tooth to hold more pastel layers. Wonderful video and excellent information!
What a wonderful video. I'm new to oil pastel and boy is this a fun medium! My frustration with most of these specialty papers is that it's a nightmare to find anything bigger than 50 cm x 70 cm. I like doing very large works in alcohol markers. It took me a long time to find very large (larger than A1 size) bristol board that is both archival and acid free. I eventually found some from an industry printing paper supplier and it is better than anything available in art stores for use with markers. Also because it's not an "art supply" it's wonderfully cheap (about $4 AUD in 420 gsm). I'm in Australia and I had no idea that art spectrum made that pastel gesso. This is fantastic news as it means I can use the large boards that I use my for marker works and get a top quality pastel paper in whatever colour I choose in whatever size I choose. Thanks so much.
I am just starting and using Winsor and Newton paper earth tones. I like the tone and it has a regular texture. I’m not sure if it handles washes tho I need to try.
I am just getting more absorbed into pastels and really understanding that the paper makes the biggest difference I just bought some lux archival sheets and they are so amazing; The paper is a teacher in itself because it allows you to experiment more with layering and blending
Alan. Great tips for different papers. However, I need to find out where and how do I get som of the oversized, extra large charcoal or pastel drawing papers without spending a fortune. Your helpful thoughts and ideas are highly appreciated.
Hi there...great video...well organized and I concur with all your comments 🙂 The only couple of minor points I would have added is that Sennelier Lacarte (the first sanded paper I encountered) shouldn’t be used for plein air work. Sometimes it rains and bitter experience has shown me that a great piece can rapidly descend into a mess of white blobs if it does. You talk about washes and that is all true. Sometimes Mother Nature gives you an unintended wash. Also, I find that Uart paper can sometimes accept pastel unevenly, especially if you are using a light touch. An underpainting helps but if you like to use the gold colour as a toned surface and hence want to build up light layers I find that it can be resistant to an even application. I very much enjoy your presentations. Your calm delivery makes it easy to follow and retain the information.
Great points, thanks for sharing them Patricia. I move from a light to a rather heavy touch, so I haven't struggled with the uneven surface of UART in my approach. So true about the LaCarte, just not a stable surface for outdoor work! I should have said that. Keep painting!
Patricia Lindley oh, yeah Mother Nature rains on you,; blows the easel over and precious sticks are dust. Took a work shop in NC. Grandfather mountain is sure a challenge.
I'm teaching myself soft pastels, with the help of you and other artists who are generous with RUclips content. Wanted to say Thank you for that! This video is so helpful, especially in regard to what solvents the various papers can stand up to for underpaintings (I've not yet tried a wet underpainting, only hard pastel drawings). I've tried several papers, and find sanded papers (Pastelmat, Pastel Premier, UArt) are my favorites, although I do really enjoy the Strathmore toned sketchbooks and Canson Mi-Teintes. I love to watch the pictures 'emerge' from the toned backgrounds in the Strathmore sketchbooks.
Thanks for another great video. I use a lot of Pastelmat, La Carte, and velour for my wildlife works. Another super sanded paper: Fisher 400. Now I will have to give Uart a whirl. If it's your numero uno, then it must be pretty darn good. Thanks again
Thanks Tina, I have heard great things about Fisher 400 I will have to test it out sometime soon. Yes, I love that UART paper, especially mounted to board. It's wonderful. All the best to you!
Thanks for valuable opinion Alan. I tried few of the papers you had mentioned but now I'm in real love with Uart and Pastelmat. Superb. As you had very well mentioned....difficult to blend pastelmat...UART 400 grit , dark...is my favourite . Meteintes touch....does not take much layers....but blends beautifully with colorshapers... I had love hate relation with pastels because of lack of knowledge about papers and pastel brands...after watching Jason Morgan...i learnt a lot...many beginners will bless you Alan. Thanks again🙏🙏
Jason Morgan is a great teacher. I've learned so much from his tutorials. I started with pastels and learned so much, however, watching many of Alain Picard's tutorials on the Artists Network.
Thank you so much for this information! I've never tried pastel painting before. I have started to learn painting with acrylics and enjoy it. I have done many paintings with acrylics and sold a few but thought I would enjoy painting with pastels even more since I have watched several different painting tutorials. One of my doctor's wives painted with pastels and she did beautiful pastel paintings usually of kittens, dogs, and other animals. Many were displayed in the hospital where her husband worked! I look forward to getting the right supplies so I can get started. I really enjoyed watching one of your tutorials with trees and landscape. It looked like so much fun. Thanks again for your advice and expertise.
@@AlainPicard Thank you, Alain! I actually bought my first pastels, paper and clear gesso just to experiment a little today! I am mostly watching different videos about getting started and learning about the supplies I will need. I am anxious to get started. Thanks again for all the information!
I've found the new Lux Archival paper from Brush and Pencil is VERY NICE (takes solvent and multiple layers with ease). I'm a pencil artist mainly but dabbling in pastel. Wanted to get a less expensive paper as the Lux is a little pricey for learning on. very helpful review: Thanks!
Thanks for this information! I am a beginner with pastels and overwhelmed with the paper choices. I've learned a little along the way, and your information has also helped. I have been enjoying practicing on regular old hardware sand paper 400 and 600 grit (I learned not to get the "no clog" sand paper) and now am wanting to find an artist grade sanded paper than mimics that texture. I have tried to use other papers with adding my own clear gesso, but have not been as happy with that result. It sounds like UART may be the choice for me. Thanks again!
Your videos about supplies both pastels and paper have been wonderful! I appreciate your approach of thorough and helpful information plus the free links as well. Grateful. Thank you. I have been using pastels for years and have slowly used up my supplies including my last sheet of Wallis paper full sheet. I have been teaching and raising my children and so it takes me a long time to finish a piece. That said, a friend commissioned a work from me and it was time to update and learn and grow with the current supplies and options.
Thank you so much for this valuable video on the variety of papers available for pastels. Love this information; it saves time and money for beginning pastel artists. Nothing wrong with hit and miss experience but this information was so helpful to me. And thank you for responding so quickly to questions regarding pastels, pastel papers, techniques and your wonderful pastel lessons.
You are very welcome Louise, thanks for appreciating! So glad I can save you some time and money so you don't have to learn by trial and error, it's hard enough to learn to paint! Stay tuned, and I'm honored to be of some encouragement.
Oh, thank GOD I found this video! I've been going out of my mind trying to figure out why I can't get more than 3, if I'm lucky, layers on the uncoated Canson paper. I get so frustrated - I gouge the paper, ball it up, throw it across the room, give up, walk away, come back, try again......And I'm not too awfully bad with pastels. I can't thank you enough for this video and I CANNOT WAIT to order a couple of your recommendations. Thank you, Alain. Thank you!
Thank you! I am completely new to soft pastels, like they’re still shipping to me new. I just want to get into them so bad. I don’t paint with pastels or paint landscapes, and I’m feeling the pull in this direction. I have to change things up all the time. It’s party because I’m an art teacher, but this I just NEED! Thank you for the info❤️
Thanks for posting this! I like the PastelMat paper. I bought a pad of the Uart sanded paper and it has all curled up so as to be unusable. ☹ I wonder if I could glue it down onto mat board or something?
Have you ever used Strathmore pastel paper? It doesn't seem like many artists like this paper but it's the only kind I've tried so far. If I use my hand to blend that first layer the initial stronger strokes layer on top. I'd like to just layer and layer but they just muddy together unless I kinda blend that first layer down. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I recently did a dog portrait and used many layers. On a Canson Mi-Teint I believe. Then at the end I added a mark using a hard pastel and a ¾' of paper peeled off!!! It was smooth underneath like plastic. I had to paint it with Liquitex Clear Gesso (silo to Golden's pastel medium) then re-pastel it. Phew. Next time I will try some of the other choices you recommend. All helpful. Thank you.
I've been there before, with LaCarte Card by Sennelier. A wonderful surface but it can come off, and I had to paint it with a bit of gesso as well to fill the gap. I love the newer surfaces that can take a beating, but still have a place in my heart for LaCarte. It's special .
Thanks Alain, have not tried the LeCarte paper will try!! UART is my favorite and I love the LeFontaine did not like using alcohol underpainting. Because, the alcohol seemed to compromise the grit of the paper. I have filled about 3-4 of these booklets. My paintings seemed to improve once I started using UART 400 grit. Colofix is OK, but I love my UART. The Dakota sanded board has a great surface as well with a beautiful terra cotta colorway. I think these boards are exclusively produced by Dakota art store. So much fun in checking out new products!! thank you
Clairefontaine Pastelmat is great and I do love using it but their pads has a default with the paper having some lines where the pastel doesn't stay. They are aware of this as they have been contacted (by people from my class), we've been assured that they were looking into it but months later I'm still buying new pads having this default (across colours and sizes). There is a trick to get rid of these which is to lightly apply a wet sponge across the surface, but for the price of the paper, I expect more from them
Super super useful and interesting video. Exactly what I wanted to know as a total beginner in pastels wondering which papers to get. Great video, thank you
Very helpful information. I wish this video had been available many years ago when I first tried pastel and gave up due to disappointing results painting on what felt to me like sugar paper. Three years ago I attended a workshop and discovered PastelMatt which is just fabulous. Your video has inspired me to try a few of the other papers too. Thank you.
Wow! I just watched three of your videos. I love working in pastels and your tips are great, thank you for going into detail on product, soft vs hard pastels and their uses. The paper sequence was so helpful...I'm a fan!
I appreciate your video so much Alain. Since I have been painting mostly on gessoed masonite over the years, this information is priceless now that I want to migrate to pastel on paper.
Thank you for the great video. Really enjoy your teaching style. Please keep the beginner pastel lessons coming. Love the helpful info sheets and have started a notebook for them. Would like to see video on techniques.
Thank you Linda, I am glad you are enjoying the videos and putting those resource sheets to good use! Stay tuned, as there is more to come. Keep painting!
Newbie here.. thank you for this video. I have seen several of these brands listed and now understand why they cost significantly more.. these would be "gallery-approved" papers? What is the reccomended paper weight/GSM for quality paper in terms of oil pastel? If it's high quality paper can they be thinner and still as effective (with consideration to those that can not take liquids)? I am practicing on Strathmore Drawing paper 70lb/114gsm and for final work the Strathmore 400 Pastel which is 118gsm/80lb. I noticed the Strathmore has more tooth and can hold more layers which makes sense. So far I am not adding water or any other solvent. I beleive bc I have oil pastel (Mungyo) I am not supposed to add solvent..
I have used Pastel Premier, Uart, Colourfix and Wallis. Pastel Premier and Colourfix are my favorites at this point. My Wallis supply is limited and they are 9x12 only. I do find Uart and Wallis close in the ability to take pastel application well. Never tried Pastel Card - sort of concerned about water getting on it and ruining it before getting it finished. Might have to give it a try though. I have used the Canson Mi-Tientes (not Touch) for a couple of projects - very blended ones - which allow a little more layering. I don't blend much on the other papers though. Really appreciate your videos and comments. Love your art as well. Dick Blick, Jerry's and Cheap Joes are my goto sources!
Thank you for getting a you tube channel and making videos regularly now. I've learned so much from you since I started pastel painting. Would love a video on your style of painting. I noticed you make straight marks many times. Love the way you teach slowly. Easy to follow you.. Thx for taking the time to make these great video's 🤗 Btw.. it would be great if you came to Miami, Fl. and had a workshop and maybe u can even make a vacation out of it!
Thanks Belinda, appreciate your kind remarks. I'd love to find a way to Miami for a workshop sometime! Always looking for organizations that will host me. And I'll continue to create more videos, so stay tuned! Keep painting
You look lovely...You speak lovely...This is very informative what you just said....Thank you dear....The pictures on the wall behind you are beautiful ... You are a great Artist ....
Thank you so much Alain .. very very helpful for me to decide which brand great for pastel.. meanwhile i use my 300 not watercolour paper but first i have to gesso it a bit to have a kind of sanded texture .. it works only for 2 or 3 layers though 😊 of course i sometimes use fixative on certain spots .. once again thank you 🙏
I may have the last surviving roll of Wallis!! However, it's the professional grade and not the museum grade, like my previous roll. It's so tightly curled that it's barely usable and would be a nightmare to frame. Good to know that there's a similar paper!!
Thank you so much for this great discussion of different types of pastel papers. For someone who is just starting and is sure to make a lot of mistakes while learning the techniques, what inexpensive paper, preferably a small pad, would you suggest?
You can blend on pastelmat paper once you have a number of coats of pastel on. I love how this paper grabs the pastel and there is no dust to contend with. It takes awhile to get used to but then you are going to love it.
I don't have a framing video here, but you can frame it behind an AR glass for final protection. You can place your pastel art in a clear bag for temporary protection and carrying. All my best!
One question-I would love to hear if there are any thought processes to the color paper one picks out. Maybe its a silly question- Is it just the opposite of the colors you will be using in your painting? TY. So many pretty pastel color papers. I do get confused.
H E L P - That was wonderful BUT since I'm totally new to pastels, it doesn't answer my question. What is the best to use for my needs, and most archival of all the papers to do serious pastel portraits on to sell to my art customers? And what spray fixative can I use that won't change the color values and shadings in any way that might change a portrait?
I love UART, although was a bit overzealous first time and added some interesting blood red hues when I blended with my finger! Bit gentler now, though I am not sure if i have actual fingerprints anymore!
I love 400 grit, it is the most popular and versatile. Higher grits are smoother and take less layering. Lower grits are rougher and eat up the pastels more. Hope that helps!
Another Great Video Alain! I've used Pastelmat and Art spectrums paper a lot , I do have a sample pack of Uart paper, which I will try now,, Looking for that painterly look! Thank you again
Thanks Maureen, and keep painting! Mark-making is a key element in the painterly style, so just try to make bolder, looser marks without cleaning them up and see how you do! All the best to you
Thank you so much… without you and others who share your expertise, we’d be spending double the amount on trial and error error error 😂😂… at least there’s a greater depth of knowledge and background we can learn from before buying what suits our needs individually ❤
The paper you use is the most important factor in how your painting will come out. You can get great results in many papers and each has their best use case. There are sample packs available from Dakota pastels, Jackson’s, and other art supply shops. You can also make your own with clear gesso and pumice.
Hi Alain, another very useful video! I normally use Canson Mi-Teintes, it's because I have some low grade pastels. I will upgrade both soon. I will probably buy either Sennelier paper or the high quality Canson sand paper. Thank you for sharing. Take care 😊
Thanks Azzu, and like I said, Canson is a great paper to experiment and practice on, it just doesn't hold lots of layers. Try a sample of the Canson Touch sometime to see the difference. Enjoy!
Hello Alan. From México. Recently "discover" pastel. I have many questions, like this, the paper. Thanks For this video. The paper color: why use blue or gray or green or other?
Helpful information, thanks! I like pastelmat and also good quality velour, especially for animal portraits. By the way, the pronunciation of the Canson paper puzzled me for years. I finally looked it up and it is pronounced "Mee-TONT" (as in font or Tonto). French for "mid-tone," I believe. ☺
Mee-TONT! That's awesome, I always feel self-concious while pronouncing the word, which I knew wasn't quite right. I love it, now I can declare it with assertion. Well done, thanks!
Thank you for this video about different brands of pastel paper. Could you please also make a video about choosing the color of pastel paper for different kinds of work (portrait, landscape, still life, etc.) so that the applied pastel color looks its best?
Now that gets more complicated! I teach courses on how to use underpaintings, toned surfaces and values to activate your scene. But I love the question!
Thank you very much. I work in oil pastel , mainly Sennelier oil pastels. La Carte is beautiful but devours oil pastel so Sennelier oil pastel card is a great substitute. Colourfix Smooth works reasonably well but I’m eager to try regular regular colourfix. Would you compare the tooth to Clairefontaine or is it closer to LaCarte ? I know I’m using a different medium but we use most of the same papers. Any advice would be appreciated.
Great info! I have just started with pastels and am using 400/600 grit waterproof sandpaper from the hardware store - have you used it and how does it compare to these more expensive papers? I am really enjoying your tutorials!
i like ur video very much.. i am new to chalk pastel colours and this helps me a lot. also i download ur supply list. thanks for sharing ur precious knowledge with us😊
Thank you for posting. I buy Uart by the roll and have 400, 500, 600 and 800 grit. I like the rolls as they provide a versatile stock, cutting the paper to whatever size I need. You do need to mount to a board though to eliminate any curl. Or alternatively you can cut to size and then let it relax with a wash and then let it dry flat. Have you tried Fabriano's Taziano paper? It has a laid surface on one side and a smoother side. I use that as well as Canson's Mi-Teintes for studies.
Yes I have tried Fabriano, but really just for tonal sketching, not so much pastel. it's got a lovely laid texture. I have a roll of UART 400 for my large work. I love it! I don't tend to venture above 500, as the finer grits can't support my heavy hand I guess. It's so great that one can select their preferred grit though, such an advantage. All the best!
@@AlainPicard Heavy hand? It looks like you tickle the pastel onto the paper, very thoughtful and painterly. I seem to always go for too much detail and probably should have someone looking over my shoulder to say "Stop". :-)
Hi Alain, I am a new beginner in using oil pastel soft as well as using the underpainting techniques of different mediums. I find your ways of applying strokes interesting as it builds up the colors in a unique way. I use the coded paper Tela 300 gms/m2-140lbs from Fabriano, its good also. By the way, after watching your video on watercolor and alcohol underpainting and applying the oil pastels, I didnt see what happen next. Did you blend the colours or left it as is. I want to watch the continuation of those videos if there is. Thank you for sharing your talents.
I fully agree with you. The Uart paper is now available in Germany, which is really good. Pastelmat is nice, but as you said the "sand" paper is the best.
@@AlainPicard I used to work with Schmincke but I got so annoyed because it is like having flour in your hands, they brake, sometimes you have powder in your hand. I got too frustrated and decided to use Senneler. Schmincke is just 20 min drive from my house, but......
Can you apply Pastel Ground/Gesso on MDF board or a canvas and seal with varnish after finishing your pastel painting? 🤔 Thank you for the informative video! 💙
I have never been patient enough to wait a couple weeks for an order of Patelmat to arrive. UArt gives me a headache because it often curls and does not lay flat, but otherwise a good paper. Pastel Premier is the one I usually order because it's heavy, good quality and not overly expensive. I have noticed a lot of sheets aren't perfectly flat. Like they are stored poorly or stacked too high, which causes some subtle warping. However, by the time I cover a sheet with pastel, it's not noticeable. With UArt, the page curling is very noticeable after a work is completed. I even live in the desert southwest, so the rumors about it being caused by humidity seem suspect. Clear gesso is a good way to convert any surface to a pastel friendly surface. Though you have to go easy with your brushstrokes or you will get a lot of that texture in your final painting. The gesso method doesn't quite grab the pastel as well as paper, but you can get about the same results. Good if you want to convert a "bord" to a pastel surface. Then you don't have any issues with curling or warping.
Curling is not an issue if you mount all your canvases before using. Whether that be on masonite, a favorite or just poster board. It's very time consuming but makes everything much easier:-) I often buy in bulk and it comes in a roll. Good luck.
Have you ever used, or what might you be able to tell me about Canson Mi-Teintes art board? I picked up a couple of sheets of it (champagne color) @ Hobby Lobby on sale for .34 ea., and thought, for that price, I'd try it which I haven't done yet. Since the color is so light, I'm wondering if it would accept a water or solvent underpainting.
Thank you for this information. I would love to try the Claire Fontaine, but I can't afford it at the moment. What would be your second choice? How does the pastel gesso compare to the Claire Fontaine?
Pastel primer is a great way to create your own toothy surfaces. It allows you to create some texture and brushy marks with the primer too. Different than the smooth pastelmat paper that holds the pastel incredibly well, but very effective!
Thanks great video. I've tried most of the ones you showed. And just recently some one gave me paper they didn't like but I did like it. Richeson's Unison Premium Pastel Surface and does accept wet washes.
Yes Richeson's paper has a very rough grit, and is able to take any wash you throw on it. It's a bit too rough for my liking, but definately a quality surface. Keep painting!
It is not my preferred surface for the painterly style, I think it lends itself to subtle blending and very soft effects more than bold mark-making. See Emma Colbert's RUclips Channel as she uses Velour masterfully. It's too plush and soft for my taste but it's a good quality surface. Keep painting!
Very helpful video on types of paper. I am attempting to learn pasteling and have landscape selection of Rembrandt soft pastels and have Pastel Premier 9x12 Grit Medium 145lb / 310 gsm. Have done a landscape with a light was using alcohol and now doing the layering of colors. I've noticed that my poor finger is now raw from all the rubbing! Is there something I can use to save my finger like small piece of leather or something to get the same effect on the paper? Or do I need to just develop a callus?!
What about Hahnemühle Velour paper vs Pastelcard, Pastelmat and Uart paper? And I would like some videos from you about optimal fixatives and how they alter the tones and colors? Thanks for the vids.
Try Pastelmat for a smoother surface that can build up great layers of pastel. Try UART 600 grit for a fine grit portrait surface if you want alot of fine detail.
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Am I the only one who would buy and paint on Kleenex if he recommended it? What a voice! Thanks Alain for this info!
I would never tell you to paint on Kleenex, but I might recommend rubbing or blending with it! I'm glad my voice helps you listen in. That's very kind.
You’re not alone!!!
Hahahaha No you are not alone! I feel about his voice the way I felt about Alan Rickman's voice when I first heard him. Divine!
@@alanabelcon , Alan Rickman could have sat on a stool reading the phone book and I would have listened, such a smooooooth sultry voice.
Very soothing and confident voice indeed!!🧘 Makes me want to put all my art supplies on the table and be creatieve !✍️🖌️🎨🖍️🎨 Alan, if you would talk about food and ingredients with the same voice...woow...weightwatchers would have a new client in me...🤭😄😄 Thank you for your useful video's!🤗🌸
Hi Alain: About two years ago, I wrote a short note to you, thank you for your excellent tutorials and I wanted to thank you once again. Pastel painting is now the air that I breathe and keeps me always wanting more. It's been 3 years now that Pastels have kept me alive. Sometimes my instructor has to 'be my hands' as my peripheral neuropathy can be depilating. I now have 9 Paintings under my belt and about 5 on a waiting. It's taken longer as my cancer can keep me weeks to get back up and running. I purchased the 3M glue and watched your mounting video. I plan on mounting about 10 boards today.
I just wanted to say thank you once again
what a beautiful story of coming into your creative gifts, Amy, thanks for sharing. I'm so glad to encourage your creative growth. Hey, I have a free workshop this week if you want to join us and feel strong enough to participate. you can find out about it here: learn.picardstudio.com/workshop-fall-22
Thank you for being so generous with your expertise--and so enthusiastic and positive!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing all this information. I know this video is about 5 years old, but it seems that most, if not all the papers, are still availlable. When I started working in pastels in the 80s, I didn't know anything and just used large sheets of Strathmore laid paper I got as paper samples from paper companies. I worked as a graphic designer, and the paper reps handed out samples like Halloween candy. Anyway, I haven't painted with pastels since then and now that I'm retired, I'm wanting to get back into painting and I appreciate all your knowledge and help. I dug out my pastels I had and they are old Grumbacher sets. I don't think they even make them anymore.
Thank you so much, Alain. I knew nothing about pastel papers and now after this short video I have a good understanding of what I need. I'm so grateful for this knowledge. I was about to use watercolor paper I have on hand but now i know better. I'm new at pastels being an oil painter all my life. I'm tired of waiting for paint to dry and love the intense colors of pastels. I'm so excited, now I need some nice coated sanded mounted paper to work on!! Thanks again, Love, Joan Williamson
I recently purchased a sanded paper and I am amazed at the difference! Thank you for your demonstrations and product reviews. Always helpful.
Thanks so much Alain! I always enjoy your formative pastel posts. I think you are so selfless with your coaching and support of the greater pastel community. God Bless you Sir.
Really appreciate that thanks!
@@AlainPicard The pleasure is mine Alain! You do superb work as well Sir! A true master 👍🏼
Hi Alain. I'm new to pastel painting and come from using watercolours for the last few years. I found this video very helpful. I have a steep learning curve in this new medium. I am really enjoying it.
You should try Lux Archival Sanded Paper because it takes watercolor washes beautifully, then you can add soft pastel over the top for an amazing combination! Enjoy your creative journey!
Just found you...have been using pastel for 10 years ..you are breath of fresh air...letting me know that I am on the right road.THANK YOU
Best explanation of paper for pastels I have ever heard. Pastels are so new to me…. I really appreciate it! Thank you so much! 10:31
My pleasure, keep painting!
I just started pastels. This is all great info for me. I bought a little blick set to start and whatever they had for pastel paper strathmore I think. 😢
Thanks for another great video, Mr. Picard!
In addition to the great products that you listed, another surface that I enjoy is Ampersand Pastelbord. It’s a coated board that comes in a variety of colors and sizes with a fine tooth. In my opinion, it’s quality and very affordable.
It’s a very rigid board similar to MDF. It takes all manner of washes and can even be run under a faucet to completely clean it off for “do overs”.
Ampersand is a great surface for durability and grit, thanks James!
Wow thanks. I watched two videos. Paper and pastel types. Been working with artists that have told me all this info and shared supplies with me but now listening to you it all came together. There is so much to learn and I’ve worked with only two lessons. They make me so nervous. I worked alongside your video on portraits and I liked my work.
Just thank you and if I ever find time from being a caregiver I’ll e back to work. I love pastels. J
Hope you can find time to paint to refuel and recharge, all my best!
Hullo Alain, I was thinking about purchasing some new papers and I believe I have watched this video before, yet no comment!
Thank you for having this video available for references and information for those of us who are new/newer to pastels. Even after 4 years it is still relevant! Thank You! I have been practicing on my watercolor sheets and even using some homemade surface preparations to increase the tooth to hold more pastel layers. Wonderful video and excellent information!
Great advice. Clear explanation of the differences. Thank you.
What a wonderful video. I'm new to oil pastel and boy is this a fun medium! My frustration with most of these specialty papers is that it's a nightmare to find anything bigger than 50 cm x 70 cm. I like doing very large works in alcohol markers. It took me a long time to find very large (larger than A1 size) bristol board that is both archival and acid free. I eventually found some from an industry printing paper supplier and it is better than anything available in art stores for use with markers. Also because it's not an "art supply" it's wonderfully cheap (about $4 AUD in 420 gsm). I'm in Australia and I had no idea that art spectrum made that pastel gesso. This is fantastic news as it means I can use the large boards that I use my for marker works and get a top quality pastel paper in whatever colour I choose in whatever size I choose. Thanks so much.
Very informative, I appreciate your helpful comments.
I am just starting and using Winsor and Newton paper earth tones. I like the tone and it has a regular texture. I’m not sure if it handles washes tho I need to try.
I am just getting more absorbed into pastels and really understanding that the paper makes the biggest difference
I just bought some lux archival sheets and they are so amazing; The paper is a teacher in itself because it allows you to experiment more with layering and blending
that is really an amazing surface, thanks for sharing!
Still learning before starting to make pastels my major hobby. Thanks for the tips for the best products.
You are so welcome!
Alan. Great tips for different papers. However, I need to find out where and how do I get som of the oversized, extra large charcoal or pastel drawing papers without spending a fortune. Your helpful thoughts and ideas are highly appreciated.
Hi there...great video...well organized and I concur with all your comments 🙂 The only couple of minor points I would have added is that Sennelier Lacarte (the first sanded paper I encountered) shouldn’t be used for plein air work. Sometimes it rains and bitter experience has shown me that a great piece can rapidly descend into a mess of white blobs if it does. You talk about washes and that is all true. Sometimes Mother Nature gives you an unintended wash. Also, I find that Uart paper can sometimes accept pastel unevenly, especially if you are using a light touch. An underpainting helps but if you like to use the gold colour as a toned surface and hence want to build up light layers I find that it can be resistant to an even application. I very much enjoy your presentations. Your calm delivery makes it easy to follow and retain the information.
Great points, thanks for sharing them Patricia. I move from a light to a rather heavy touch, so I haven't struggled with the uneven surface of UART in my approach. So true about the LaCarte, just not a stable surface for outdoor work! I should have said that. Keep painting!
Patricia Lindley oh, yeah Mother Nature rains on you,; blows the easel over and precious sticks are dust. Took a work shop in NC. Grandfather mountain is sure a challenge.
I'm teaching myself soft pastels, with the help of you and other artists who are generous with RUclips content. Wanted to say Thank you for that!
This video is so helpful, especially in regard to what solvents the various papers can stand up to for underpaintings (I've not yet tried a wet underpainting, only hard pastel drawings). I've tried several papers, and find sanded papers (Pastelmat, Pastel Premier, UArt) are my favorites, although I do really enjoy the Strathmore toned sketchbooks and Canson Mi-Teintes. I love to watch the pictures 'emerge' from the toned backgrounds in the Strathmore sketchbooks.
Thank you so much for this brilliant video!!! ❤ So helpful - like getting a map for the djungle! 🙏 Greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for another great video. I use a lot of Pastelmat, La Carte, and velour for my wildlife works. Another super sanded paper: Fisher 400. Now I will have to give Uart a whirl. If it's your numero uno, then it must be pretty darn good. Thanks again
Thanks Tina, I have heard great things about Fisher 400 I will have to test it out sometime soon. Yes, I love that UART paper, especially mounted to board. It's wonderful. All the best to you!
Thanks for valuable opinion Alan. I tried few of the papers you had mentioned but now I'm in real love with Uart and Pastelmat. Superb. As you had very well mentioned....difficult to blend pastelmat...UART 400 grit , dark...is my favourite . Meteintes touch....does not take much layers....but blends beautifully with colorshapers... I had love hate relation with pastels because of lack of knowledge about papers and pastel brands...after watching Jason Morgan...i learnt a lot...many beginners will bless you Alan. Thanks again🙏🙏
Jason Morgan is a great teacher. I've learned so much from his tutorials. I started with pastels and learned so much, however, watching many of Alain Picard's tutorials on the Artists Network.
I'm in the UK and my go to paper/Board is Pastelmat!
I have fallen in love with that paper as well. Have you tried Pastelgrain? Their new more textural surface, it's quite nice
Thank you so much for this information! I've never tried pastel painting before. I have started to learn painting with acrylics and enjoy it. I have done many paintings with acrylics and sold a few but thought I would enjoy painting with pastels even more since I have watched several different painting tutorials. One of my doctor's wives painted with pastels and she did beautiful pastel paintings usually of kittens, dogs, and other animals. Many were displayed in the hospital where her husband worked! I look forward to getting the right supplies so I can get started. I really enjoyed watching one of your tutorials with trees and landscape. It looked like so much fun. Thanks again for your advice and expertise.
Pastel is a wonderful medium, enjoy Loretta!
@@AlainPicard Thank you, Alain! I actually bought my first pastels, paper and clear gesso just to experiment a little today! I am mostly watching different videos about getting started and learning about the supplies I will need. I am anxious to get started. Thanks again for all the information!
Thank you. I needed a good explanation of many of the papers.
Glad I could help!
I've found the new Lux Archival paper from Brush and Pencil is VERY NICE (takes solvent and multiple layers with ease). I'm a pencil artist mainly but dabbling in pastel. Wanted to get a less expensive paper as the Lux is a little pricey for learning on. very helpful review: Thanks!
Lux Archival is a wonderful new surface!
Thanks for this information! I am a beginner with pastels and overwhelmed with the paper choices. I've learned a little along the way, and your information has also helped. I have been enjoying practicing on regular old hardware sand paper 400 and 600 grit (I learned not to get the "no clog" sand paper) and now am wanting to find an artist grade sanded paper than mimics that texture. I have tried to use other papers with adding my own clear gesso, but have not been as happy with that result. It sounds like UART may be the choice for me. Thanks again!
Nanette Richards UART is perfect for you! All the best to you
Your videos about supplies both pastels and paper have been wonderful! I appreciate your approach of thorough and helpful information plus the free links as well. Grateful. Thank you. I have been using pastels for years and have slowly used up my supplies including my last sheet of Wallis paper full sheet. I have been teaching and raising my children and so it takes me a long time to finish a piece. That said, a friend commissioned a work from me and it was time to update and learn and grow with the current supplies and options.
Thank you so much for this valuable video on the variety of papers available for pastels. Love this information; it saves time and money for beginning pastel artists. Nothing wrong with hit and miss experience but this information was so helpful to me. And thank you for responding so quickly to questions regarding pastels, pastel papers, techniques and your wonderful pastel lessons.
You are very welcome Louise, thanks for appreciating! So glad I can save you some time and money so you don't have to learn by trial and error, it's hard enough to learn to paint! Stay tuned, and I'm honored to be of some encouragement.
Oh, thank GOD I found this video! I've been going out of my mind trying to figure out why I can't get more than 3, if I'm lucky, layers on the uncoated Canson paper. I get so frustrated - I gouge the paper, ball it up, throw it across the room, give up, walk away, come back, try again......And I'm not too awfully bad with pastels.
I can't thank you enough for this video and I CANNOT WAIT to order a couple of your recommendations.
Thank you, Alain. Thank you!
Same here.
Thank you!
I am completely new to soft pastels, like they’re still shipping to me new.
I just want to get into them so bad. I don’t paint with pastels or paint landscapes, and I’m feeling the pull in this direction.
I have to change things up all the time. It’s party because I’m an art teacher, but this I just NEED!
Thank you for the info❤️
hey it's my pleasure Robin, thanks for being an art teacher! Enjoy this wonderful medium of pastel!
Thanks for posting this! I like the PastelMat paper. I bought a pad of the Uart sanded paper and it has all curled up so as to be unusable. ☹ I wonder if I could glue it down onto mat board or something?
Have you ever used Strathmore pastel paper? It doesn't seem like many artists like this paper but it's the only kind I've tried so far. If I use my hand to blend that first layer the initial stronger strokes layer on top. I'd like to just layer and layer but they just muddy together unless I kinda blend that first layer down. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I recently did a dog portrait and used many layers. On a Canson Mi-Teint I believe. Then at the end I added a mark using a hard pastel and a ¾' of paper peeled off!!! It was smooth underneath like plastic. I had to paint it with Liquitex Clear Gesso (silo to Golden's pastel medium) then re-pastel it. Phew. Next time I will try some of the other choices you recommend. All helpful. Thank you.
I've been there before, with LaCarte Card by Sennelier. A wonderful surface but it can come off, and I had to paint it with a bit of gesso as well to fill the gap. I love the newer surfaces that can take a beating, but still have a place in my heart for LaCarte. It's special .
I love the colorfix and use the primers on watercolour paper to make my own
I was thinking about doing the same thing, glad to hear that works out for you.
Handsome and calming voice. Very nice! Thank you!
Thanks Alain, have not tried the LeCarte paper will try!! UART is my favorite and I love the LeFontaine did not like using alcohol underpainting. Because, the alcohol seemed to compromise the grit of the paper. I have filled about 3-4 of these booklets. My paintings seemed to improve once I started using UART 400 grit. Colofix is OK, but I love my UART. The Dakota sanded board has a great surface as well with a beautiful terra cotta colorway. I think these boards are exclusively produced by Dakota art store. So much fun in checking out new products!! thank you
Great tutorial Alain. Learned quite a bit about paper.
Wonderful Leanne, that was my goal, and I"m so glad you have benefited. All the best in your creative work!
Thank you for sharing you great knowledge about Pastel papers…
You're very welcome Cheryll! Glad you enjoyed.
Have you tried Lux Archival? I really love this paper.
Clairefontaine Pastelmat is great and I do love using it but their pads has a default with the paper having some lines where the pastel doesn't stay. They are aware of this as they have been contacted (by people from my class), we've been assured that they were looking into it but months later I'm still buying new pads having this default (across colours and sizes). There is a trick to get rid of these which is to lightly apply a wet sponge across the surface, but for the price of the paper, I expect more from them
Super super useful and interesting video. Exactly what I wanted to know as a total beginner in pastels wondering which papers to get. Great video, thank you
Very helpful information. I wish this video had been available many years ago when I first tried pastel and gave up due to disappointing results painting on what felt to me like sugar paper. Three years ago I attended a workshop and discovered PastelMatt which is just fabulous. Your video has inspired me to try a few of the other papers too. Thank you.
Wonderful, glad you found it helpful. There are actually so many wonderful papers out now, it is a special time to be a pastel artist. All my best!
Wow! I just watched three of your videos. I love working in pastels and your tips are great, thank you for going into detail on product, soft vs hard pastels and their uses. The paper sequence was so helpful...I'm a fan!
I appreciate your video so much Alain. Since I have been painting mostly on gessoed masonite over the years, this information is priceless now that I want to migrate to pastel on paper.
Timothy John-Luke you are very welcome! I am glad you found this helpful. I wish you the very best!
@@AlainPicard Thank you so much Alain, I appreciate you!
I’m wondering what your thoughts are on Fisher 400 and Hahnemuhle Velour papers. Thank you. ~ Deanna
Thank you for the great video. Really enjoy your teaching style. Please keep the beginner pastel lessons coming. Love the helpful info sheets and have started a notebook for them.
Would like to see video on techniques.
Thank you Linda, I am glad you are enjoying the videos and putting those resource sheets to good use! Stay tuned, as there is more to come. Keep painting!
Newbie here.. thank you for this video. I have seen several of these brands listed and now understand why they cost significantly more.. these would be "gallery-approved" papers?
What is the reccomended paper weight/GSM for quality paper in terms of oil pastel? If it's high quality paper can they be thinner and still as effective (with consideration to those that can not take liquids)? I am practicing on Strathmore Drawing paper 70lb/114gsm and for final work the Strathmore 400 Pastel which is 118gsm/80lb. I noticed the Strathmore has more tooth and can hold more layers which makes sense. So far I am not adding water or any other solvent. I beleive bc I have oil pastel (Mungyo) I am not supposed to add solvent..
I have used Pastel Premier, Uart, Colourfix and Wallis. Pastel Premier and Colourfix are my favorites at this point. My Wallis supply is limited and they are 9x12 only. I do find Uart and Wallis close in the ability to take pastel application well. Never tried Pastel Card - sort of concerned about water getting on it and ruining it before getting it finished. Might have to give it a try though. I have used the Canson Mi-Tientes (not Touch) for a couple of projects - very blended ones - which allow a little more layering. I don't blend much on the other papers though. Really appreciate your videos and comments. Love your art as well. Dick Blick, Jerry's and Cheap Joes are my goto sources!
Thanks Don, you are fortunate to still have a bit of Wallis left, enjoy it while it lasts! Most importantly, keep painting!
Hi Alain, What do you think about the Hahnemühle Velour paper?
Great Voice !!Great Explanation!!👍👏👏👏THANK YOU
Thank you for getting a you tube channel and making videos regularly now. I've learned so much from you since I started pastel painting. Would love a video on your style of painting. I noticed you make straight marks many times. Love the way you teach slowly. Easy to follow you.. Thx for taking the time to make these great video's 🤗 Btw.. it would be great if you came to Miami, Fl. and had a workshop and maybe u can even make a vacation out of it!
Thanks Belinda, appreciate your kind remarks. I'd love to find a way to Miami for a workshop sometime! Always looking for organizations that will host me. And I'll continue to create more videos, so stay tuned! Keep painting
You look lovely...You speak lovely...This is very informative what you just said....Thank you dear....The pictures on the wall behind you are beautiful ... You are a great Artist ....
Thank you so much for the info/ I am a beginner with pastels and love them🥰
You're so welcome Donna, now have fun and enjoy the medium!
Thank you so much Alain .. very very helpful for me to decide which brand great for pastel.. meanwhile i use my 300 not watercolour paper but first i have to gesso it a bit to have a kind of sanded texture .. it works only for 2 or 3 layers though 😊 of course i sometimes use fixative on certain spots .. once again thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful! Keep painting!
I may have the last surviving roll of Wallis!! However, it's the professional grade and not the museum grade, like my previous roll. It's so tightly curled that it's barely usable and would be a nightmare to frame. Good to know that there's a similar paper!!
Thank you so much for this great discussion of different types of pastel papers. For someone who is just starting and is sure to make a lot of mistakes while learning the techniques, what inexpensive paper, preferably a small pad, would you suggest?
So helpful to a relative newbie still trying new surfaces......thank you so much!
You are very welcome, it's really good to experiment when everything is new. Keep practicing!
You can blend on pastelmat paper once you have a number of coats of pastel on. I love how this paper grabs the pastel and there is no dust to contend with. It takes awhile to get used to but then you are going to love it.
Thank you Pat, i am going to try working on it some more!
I found this very useful. Do you have a video onhow to protect your final painting? I could not find it in your channel.
I don't have a framing video here, but you can frame it behind an AR glass for final protection. You can place your pastel art in a clear bag for temporary protection and carrying. All my best!
One question-I would love to hear if there are any thought processes to the color paper one picks out. Maybe its a silly question- Is it just the opposite of the colors you will be using in your painting? TY. So many pretty pastel color papers. I do get confused.
H E L P - That was wonderful BUT since I'm totally new to pastels, it doesn't answer my question. What is the best to use for my needs, and most archival of all the papers to do serious pastel portraits on to sell to my art customers? And what spray fixative can I use that won't change the color values and shadings in any way that might change a portrait?
I love UART, although was a bit overzealous first time and added some interesting blood red hues when I blended with my finger! Bit gentler now, though I am not sure if i have actual fingerprints anymore!
great review, thankyou. but i still dont understand what type of paper or grade/grit is best for blending pastels on?
I love 400 grit, it is the most popular and versatile. Higher grits are smoother and take less layering. Lower grits are rougher and eat up the pastels more. Hope that helps!
@@AlainPicard yes it does thankyou
Wonderful information, especially for the enthusiastic beginners who want to develop.
Another Great Video Alain! I've used Pastelmat and Art spectrums paper a lot , I do have a sample pack
of Uart paper, which I will try now,, Looking for that painterly look! Thank you again
Thanks Maureen, and keep painting! Mark-making is a key element in the painterly style, so just try to make bolder, looser marks without cleaning them up and see how you do! All the best to you
This was incredibly helpful. The many choices are overwhelming and not inexpensive - you really made the choices so clear. Thank you.
my pleasure! Keep painting
Thank you so much… without you and others who share your expertise, we’d be spending double the amount on trial and error error error 😂😂… at least there’s a greater depth of knowledge and background we can learn from before buying what suits our needs individually ❤
The paper you use is the most important factor in how your painting will come out. You can get great results in many papers and each has their best use case. There are sample packs available from Dakota pastels, Jackson’s, and other art supply shops. You can also make your own with clear gesso and pumice.
Excellent presentation! Thank you.
Appreciate it Andrew, all the best to you. Keep painting!
Hi Alain, another very useful video! I normally use Canson Mi-Teintes, it's because I have some low grade pastels. I will upgrade both soon. I will probably buy either Sennelier paper or the high quality Canson sand paper. Thank you for sharing. Take care 😊
Thanks Azzu, and like I said, Canson is a great paper to experiment and practice on, it just doesn't hold lots of layers. Try a sample of the Canson Touch sometime to see the difference. Enjoy!
You are absolutely right.
Thank you Abdullah, keep painting!
I m in love with your voice!
Hello Alan. From México. Recently "discover" pastel. I have many questions, like this, the paper. Thanks For this video. The paper color: why use blue or gray or green or other?
Helpful information, thanks! I like pastelmat and also good quality velour, especially for animal portraits. By the way, the pronunciation of the Canson paper puzzled me for years. I finally looked it up and it is pronounced "Mee-TONT" (as in font or Tonto). French for "mid-tone," I believe. ☺
Thanks for the information
Mee-TONT! That's awesome, I always feel self-concious while pronouncing the word, which I knew wasn't quite right. I love it, now I can declare it with assertion. Well done, thanks!
Sure, but you say Sennelier with perfection. Extra points! LOL
You're welcome @@sujanithtottempudi2991 !
Thanks @@MissTinaTv !
Thank you for this video about different brands of pastel paper. Could you please also make a video about choosing the color of pastel paper for different kinds of work (portrait, landscape, still life, etc.) so that the applied pastel color looks its best?
Now that gets more complicated! I teach courses on how to use underpaintings, toned surfaces and values to activate your scene. But I love the question!
Hi.. thank u for sharing. it is very helpfull for me as a beginner. Salam kenal, love form Indonesia
Thank you very much. I work in oil pastel , mainly Sennelier oil pastels. La Carte is beautiful but devours oil pastel so Sennelier oil pastel card is a great substitute. Colourfix Smooth works reasonably well but I’m eager to try regular regular colourfix. Would you compare the tooth to Clairefontaine or is it closer to LaCarte ? I know I’m using a different medium but we use most of the same papers. Any advice would be appreciated.
Great info! I have just started with pastels and am using 400/600 grit waterproof sandpaper from the hardware store - have you used it and how does it compare to these more expensive papers? I am really enjoying your tutorials!
I learn sooo much from you! Thank you for these excellent videos!
You are so welcome!
i like ur video very much.. i am new to chalk pastel colours and this helps me a lot. also i download ur supply list. thanks for sharing ur precious knowledge with us😊
Thank you for posting. I buy Uart by the roll and have 400, 500, 600 and 800 grit. I like the rolls as they provide a versatile stock, cutting the paper to whatever size I need. You do need to mount to a board though to eliminate any curl. Or alternatively you can cut to size and then let it relax with a wash and then let it dry flat.
Have you tried Fabriano's Taziano paper? It has a laid surface on one side and a smoother side. I use that as well as Canson's Mi-Teintes for studies.
Yes I have tried Fabriano, but really just for tonal sketching, not so much pastel. it's got a lovely laid texture. I have a roll of UART 400 for my large work. I love it! I don't tend to venture above 500, as the finer grits can't support my heavy hand I guess. It's so great that one can select their preferred grit though, such an advantage. All the best!
@@AlainPicard Heavy hand? It looks like you tickle the pastel onto the paper, very thoughtful and painterly. I seem to always go for too much detail and probably should have someone looking over my shoulder to say "Stop". :-)
Hi Alain, I am a new beginner in using oil pastel soft as well as using the underpainting techniques of different mediums. I find your ways of applying strokes interesting as it builds up the colors in a unique way. I use the coded paper Tela 300 gms/m2-140lbs from Fabriano, its good also. By the way, after watching your video on watercolor and alcohol underpainting and applying the oil pastels, I didnt see what happen next. Did you blend the colours or left it as is. I want to watch the continuation of those videos if there is. Thank you for sharing your talents.
I fully agree with you. The Uart paper is now available in Germany, which is really good. Pastelmat is nice, but as you said the "sand" paper is the best.
Such good news that you can get UART in Germany, Enid! Now you can use your Schminke pastels on UART paper for a wonderful combination!
@@AlainPicard I used to work with Schmincke but I got so annoyed because it is like having flour in your hands, they brake, sometimes you have powder in your hand. I got too frustrated and decided to use Senneler. Schmincke is just 20 min drive from my house, but......
@@egoyers Perhaps they are best left for your final strokes to finish. I understand!
@@AlainPicard If I would do portraits I agree, but my patience is not longer than two inches!
Thank you from Melbourne
Brown paper bags or brown craft paper make wonderful pastel paper. Edgar Degas used it.
Can you apply Pastel Ground/Gesso on MDF board or a canvas and seal with varnish after finishing your pastel painting? 🤔
Thank you for the informative video! 💙
I have never been patient enough to wait a couple weeks for an order of Patelmat to arrive. UArt gives me a headache because it often curls and does not lay flat, but otherwise a good paper. Pastel Premier is the one I usually order because it's heavy, good quality and not overly expensive. I have noticed a lot of sheets aren't perfectly flat. Like they are stored poorly or stacked too high, which causes some subtle warping. However, by the time I cover a sheet with pastel, it's not noticeable. With UArt, the page curling is very noticeable after a work is completed. I even live in the desert southwest, so the rumors about it being caused by humidity seem suspect. Clear gesso is a good way to convert any surface to a pastel friendly surface. Though you have to go easy with your brushstrokes or you will get a lot of that texture in your final painting. The gesso method doesn't quite grab the pastel as well as paper, but you can get about the same results. Good if you want to convert a "bord" to a pastel surface. Then you don't have any issues with curling or warping.
Curling is not an issue if you mount all your canvases before using. Whether that be on masonite, a favorite or just poster board. It's very time consuming but makes everything much easier:-) I often buy in bulk and it comes in a roll. Good luck.
Have you ever used, or what might you be able to tell me about Canson Mi-Teintes art board? I picked up a couple of sheets of it (champagne color) @ Hobby Lobby on sale for .34 ea., and thought, for that price, I'd try it which I haven't done yet. Since the color is so light, I'm wondering if it would accept a water or solvent underpainting.
Thank you for this information. I would love to try the Claire Fontaine, but I can't afford it at the moment. What would be your second choice? How does the pastel gesso compare to the Claire Fontaine?
Pastel primer is a great way to create your own toothy surfaces. It allows you to create some texture and brushy marks with the primer too. Different than the smooth pastelmat paper that holds the pastel incredibly well, but very effective!
Thanks great video. I've tried most of the ones you showed. And just recently some one gave me paper they didn't like but I did like it. Richeson's Unison Premium Pastel Surface and does accept wet washes.
Yes Richeson's paper has a very rough grit, and is able to take any wash you throw on it. It's a bit too rough for my liking, but definately a quality surface. Keep painting!
I would also like to know what you think about Velour.
It is not my preferred surface for the painterly style, I think it lends itself to subtle blending and very soft effects more than bold mark-making. See Emma Colbert's RUclips Channel as she uses Velour masterfully. It's too plush and soft for my taste but it's a good quality surface. Keep painting!
@@AlainPicard thank you for your reply!
Very helpful video on types of paper. I am attempting to learn pasteling and have landscape selection of Rembrandt soft pastels and have Pastel Premier 9x12 Grit Medium 145lb / 310 gsm. Have done a landscape with a light was using alcohol and now doing the layering of colors. I've noticed that my poor finger is now raw from all the rubbing! Is there something I can use to save my finger like small piece of leather or something to get the same effect on the paper? Or do I need to just develop a callus?!
What about Hahnemühle Velour paper vs Pastelcard, Pastelmat and Uart paper? And I would like some videos from you about optimal fixatives and how they alter the tones and colors? Thanks for the vids.
Awesome video! Thank you for making this video! I agree with everything you said!
Thanks Leora, enjoy your next painting!
Hi Master, can you help me? What paper I must use to do realistic portarias? (I as this because the fine details)
Try Pastelmat for a smoother surface that can build up great layers of pastel. Try UART 600 grit for a fine grit portrait surface if you want alot of fine detail.