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
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
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!
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”.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
I'm teaching myself soft pastels, with the help of you and other artists who are generous with CZcams 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!
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 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.
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
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!
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.
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'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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 .
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
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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 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!
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......
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!
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!
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 ....
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
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.
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
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😊
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.
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 🙏
Thank you for the information. I’m a complete newbie. The definition of an amateur and this has given me a beginning. Also great voice. You should do voice overs. A second career 🤔
Thank you for this video! I watched your other video about the different pastels, now your answering my next question- blessings from NYC! 💗🌷 (I already subscribed to you! 😄)
Dora Levitt thats awesome! Glad to help, that’s why I am here making these videos! Let me know what paper you end up using the most, it’s so good to find out! All the best
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
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..
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!
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 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!
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.
Thank you Alain for a very inspiring video. I have used pastelmat, Carson mi tainted and sennelier papers absolutely brilliant ! And have just started a painting on the velour paper. Very challenging ! I noted it is not easy to blend colours on it, but managed t do so using a pastel stick and layering colour again. The effect was nice. UART paper is not available in the UK.
I’m new to Pastels as a medium - I’m particularly using oil pastels - so when you’re discussing these papers for pastels which type of pastels are you referring to?-oils or the soft chalk kind- or both? I’m looking for a good paper for oil pastels. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge
Thank you for your informative video. I found the information about the use of washes on the different papers very useful. Actually, I have been using Uart 400 to 600 grit papers and Pastelmat almost exclusively since Kitty Wallis stopped manufacturing her sanded paper. I totally agree with your comments, and I am so happy to hear that you endorse them.
Before Kitty Wallis went out of business, I bought a very large roll of Kitty Wallis white. I expect to use it for the rest of my days doing pastels. What would you recommend is the best thing to use as a surface color that will not rub off on my hand or be picked up by pastels that I’m using on that paper? Is there a particular spray color that would work well and still leave me that beautiful tooth that I love so much.? Also, I bought a pad of colored Mi Tientes and found it did not hold the softer pastels. I like to layer a lot! My Wallis I love for that but I would like to underpaint on it. Suggestions?
Hi Nancy, if I understand you correctly, you want to stain your Wallis paper a color but still have all the tooth left. That is what underpainting accomplishes. Wallis works just like UART essentially, except for if you have the paper that needs to avoid alcohol washes. I have a whole series of underpainting videos that you can get free on my website here: picardstudio.com so check it out!
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
Very informative, I appreciate your helpful comments.
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 👍🏼
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
I recently purchased a sanded paper and I am amazed at the difference! Thank you for your demonstrations and product reviews. Always helpful.
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.
I'm teaching myself soft pastels, with the help of you and other artists who are generous with CZcams 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.
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
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!
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 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.
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!
Great advice. Clear explanation of the differences. Thank you.
Thank you. I needed a good explanation of many of the papers.
Glad I could help!
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!
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.
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!
Thanks for watching. Get your pastel paper supply list here: mailchi.mp/138008bc96c4/pastel-paper
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!
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!
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.
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!
Still learning before starting to make pastels my major hobby. Thanks for the tips for the best products.
You are so welcome!
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.
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.
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 .
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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!
Wonderful information, especially for the enthusiastic beginners who want to develop.
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 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!
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!
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!
Handsome and calming voice. Very nice! Thank you!
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 !
Excellent presentation! Thank you.
Appreciate it Andrew, all the best to you. 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 ....
You are absolutely right.
Thank you Abdullah, keep painting!
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
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.
Thank you for sharing you great knowledge about Pastel papers…
You're very welcome Cheryll! Glad you enjoyed.
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
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😊
Awesome video! Thank you for making this video! I agree with everything you said!
Thanks Leora, enjoy your next painting!
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.
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 think it’s important that you explain that you do or do not receive financial compensation or any kind of compensation for your recommendations
Alain Picard has been sponsored by UArt in the past, but he also talks about other brands in this video
Thank you for the information. I’m a complete newbie. The definition of an amateur and this has given me a beginning. Also great voice. You should do voice overs. A second career 🤔
I learn sooo much from you! Thank you for these excellent videos!
You are so welcome!
Great Voice !!Great Explanation!!👍👏👏👏THANK YOU
I don't know who did your subtitles, but they turned canson mi teintes into "cans on my taints!"😮 Yeowzah!!😂😂😂
Hah! they are auto-generated, so we can thank Google for that masterpiece!
thank you sir that was an interaesting fact video taht youve shared
Thank you for this video! I watched your other video about the different pastels, now your answering my next question- blessings from NYC! 💗🌷 (I already subscribed to you! 😄)
Dora Levitt thats awesome! Glad to help, that’s why I am here making these videos! Let me know what paper you end up using the most, it’s so good to find out! All the best
Love pastel mat ❤❤
I m in love with your voice!
Hi Alain, yes, this is ok for individual portraits, but as you can see, I also use a larger format .....
I sent my Hockney picture
Wonderful info Alain! Thank you
You are welcome Colleen.
Wow. Really, really complete. Thanks so much.
cinnie2 hope it helps you take advantage of some new information to develop your pastel paintings!
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
Hi thank you for the info. I work on Fabriano 220 GSM paper. It's amazing.
Hi.. thank u for sharing. it is very helpfull for me as a beginner. Salam kenal, love form Indonesia
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..
Brown paper bags or brown craft paper make wonderful pastel paper. Edgar Degas used it.
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!
damn, I bought pastell to get into art cheaply, now i need $100 paper xD
Love your videos! Great teacher!
received a sample of Fisher 400, and fell in love... have ordered on boards, and will see if am still enamored.
That's wonderful Carol, I think you'll enjoy mounting to board! Have fun
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!
Thank you very much for this video!
Thank you from Melbourne
Thanks for the info Alain.
I've emailed you for the information on different pastel papers. 😁
Thanks so much for this info! I really appreciate your videos.
Thanks for taking the time to share your appreciation! That's kind. I'm glad to be a support to you. Stay tuned!
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!
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.
Hi Alain, What do you think about the Hahnemühle Velour paper?
Thank you Alain for a very inspiring video. I have used pastelmat, Carson mi tainted and sennelier papers absolutely brilliant ! And have just started a painting on the velour paper. Very challenging ! I noted it is not easy to blend colours on it, but managed t do so using a pastel stick and layering colour again. The effect was nice. UART paper is not available in the UK.
UART is available through Jacksons Art, UK
Thank you! Very informative!
Thank you!
Thank you very much for your advice,
U helped me so so much
Totally subscribing u deserve that
So glad to help!
I’m new to Pastels as a medium - I’m particularly using oil pastels - so when you’re discussing these papers for pastels which type of pastels are you referring to?-oils or the soft chalk kind- or both? I’m looking for a good paper for oil pastels. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge
Soft pastels.
@@Oshia666 Thanks so much David for taking the time to answer my question.
There's a facebook group called Oil Pastel Artists that would be beneficial to you if you are a beginner.
This is very helpful!
Awesome thanks Has Rea!
Thank you for your informative video. I found the information about the use of washes on the different papers very useful. Actually, I have been using Uart 400 to 600 grit papers and Pastelmat almost exclusively since Kitty Wallis stopped manufacturing her sanded paper. I totally agree with your comments, and I am so happy to hear that you endorse them.
Hi Sandy, yes you are using wonderful pastel surfaces there! Keep painting, and I wish you the very best!
Before Kitty Wallis went out of business, I bought a very large roll of Kitty Wallis white. I expect to use it for the rest of my days doing pastels. What would you recommend is the best thing to use as a surface color that will not rub off on my hand or be picked up by pastels that I’m using on that paper? Is there a particular spray color that would work well and still leave me that beautiful tooth that I love so much.? Also, I bought a pad of colored Mi Tientes and found it did not hold the softer pastels. I like to layer a lot! My Wallis I love for that but I would like to underpaint on it. Suggestions?
Hi Nancy, if I understand you correctly, you want to stain your Wallis paper a color but still have all the tooth left. That is what underpainting accomplishes. Wallis works just like UART essentially, except for if you have the paper that needs to avoid alcohol washes. I have a whole series of underpainting videos that you can get free on my website here: picardstudio.com so check it out!
Oops, I was speaking of the “Touch” paper which I am unable to work with. Amber I should use it for sketching?