Pastel papers

Paper with the grip pastel needs

Pastel paper is made differently from ordinary drawing paper. Its slightly textured surface, called tooth, grabs pigment and holds it, so you can build up layers of colour without the paper going slick or the pastel sliding off. Colours stay rich, blends look soft, and your work keeps its depth.

A coloured sheet also gives you a head start. A mid-tone background shows through your strokes, ties the whole piece together, and lets highlights and shadows stand out. Dark papers make bright pastels glow, and softer tones give a gentler, more natural look.

Why you’ll like it

• Textured surface that holds pastel, chalk, and charcoal well
• Lets you layer and blend colours without losing grip
• Coloured sheets that add tone and depth to your work
• Great for highlights, since light colours show clearly on mid and dark shades
• Works with soft pastels, pastel pencils, charcoal, conte, and chalk
• Sold per sheet, so you can try several colours or stock up on one
• Available in multiple colours to suit your subject

Great for

• Landscapes, portraits, and still life
• Pastel and charcoal drawing
• Sketching and colour studies
• Chalk art and lettering
• Classroom and workshop projects
• Mixed media on a toned background

Choosing a colour

• Light shades give a soft, airy look and suit delicate subjects.
• Mid-tones are the most versatile, since you can add both lights and darks.
• Dark shades make colours stand out and suit dramatic, high-contrast work.

Tips for better results

1. Start with the darker tones and finish with the lights, since the tooth fills up as you build layers.
2. Use a light touch for the first layer so the paper can hold more pigment.
3. Blend with your fingers, a soft cloth, or a blending stump, depending on how soft you want the effect.
4. Spray finished work with a fixative, or place a sheet of glassine or tissue on top to protect it from smudging.
5. Rest your hand on a clean piece of scrap paper while you work, to avoid smudging.
6. Store flat and away from direct sunlight to keep the colour from fading.

• Pastel and charcoal stay loose on the surface, so handle finished work carefully and frame it behind glass.
• Each sale is for one sheet. Choose your colour and quantity at checkout.
• The sheet ships flat and shouldn’t be folded.