Paper or Surface Selection

onlinepainting December 11, 2011

Posted in Miscellaneous |

This is my first of a series of blogs dedicated to inform you about supplies, tips and techniques I use with colored pencils. This is my point of view and interpretation in this matter and does not represent a definitive position.

Once a colored pencils artist said to me that “Good paper was more important than good pencils.” I agree with her and this is why I believe it is ultra important to start talking about the paper or surface you will use.

The paper or surface you will use will depend on several factors.

The type of pencils you are using, dry, water soluble, oils or wax based. (My next post will talk about pencils.)
How heavy handed you are.
The type of framing that you will use (with or without glass)
What type of finish you will use (fixatif, varnish, etc)
If you will use any mediums such as Gamsol (mineral spirits)
How many layers of pencils you like to apply.

These are the list of surfaces I like to use:

Fisher 400 Paper
Janelle’ Hand Dyed and Collage Paper
Art Spectrum Colourfix
Ampersand Pastelbord
Bamboo Paper

Some other papers used by other artists are:

Bristol Strathmore
Stonehenge
Museum Board
U-Art
Mi-Teintes

My preference in surface is due to the fact that I like applying many layers of values. I find that surfaces with more texture will hold more layers of pencils. Your technique and the sharpness of the point are also important factors. (These will be discussed at a later blog post.)

Let’s talk about the surfaces I use:

1. Fisher 400 Paper–

This is the paper I use for my portraits. It is only available in England. I use oil based pencils with this paper and it cannot be varnished or sprayed.

It is expensive. But, it is what works with the portrait technique I use.

buy here

2. Janelle Hand Dyed and Collage Paper –

It comes in different colors and since it has texture it holds many layers of pencil. I like this paper because it is strong and can be glued to wood surfaces, varnished, you can use a heavier hand, and can be cut with a deckled edge ruler. I do not recommend it for projects that will use the mineral spirits.

You can buy it at JanelleJohnson.com.

3. Art Spectrum Colourfix –

The natural toothy surface is ideal for pastels, pencil, or charcoal, as it will hold multiple overlays of color without the need to fix between layers. It comes in 20 different colors. It scratches easily and you have to be careful how you cut it as it will break. I recommend that you cut it with scissors and not an exacto knife. I like to glue it to wood surfaces and it can be varnished. It is an inexpensive paper. I do not recommend using it for projects that will use the mineral spirits. It is available at most art supplies stores.

4. Ampersand Pastelbord –

This is my favorite surface because it holds many layers, it already comes on a hard surface, it can be varnished, framed without glass and you can use mineral spirits or acrylics. The drawbacks are that it only comes in 4 colors and it also scratches easily. Choosing your color is very important as the grain will show in your finished piece. The color you choose will depend if you have a warm or cool tone, and if it is high or low key. If you have very dark areas in your composition, it will be better to use Grey or Green. You can buy it at any art supplies store and it is not too expensive. Sign up for my colored pencils class at the SDP 2012 conference if you would like to try this surface.

5. Legion Bamboo Paper –

This is the paper I like using with the water soluble pencils.

It is a mixed media paper, strong, and eco-friendly paper made from 90% bamboo and 10% cotton.

Available at Dick Blick.

Papers used by other artists:

The Bristol, Stonehenge and Museum Board are very nice papers but they are very smooth and will not hold many layers of pencil. You need to have a very soft touch with these papers.

Mi-Teintes comes in many colors and it is a very inexpensive paper but stains easily and I have noticed it is not for beginners. It does not hold many layers.

U-Art is a good alternative for Colourfix but it only comes in one color.

I hope this was an informative post. Next time we will talk about Pencils.

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Upcoming Classes and Seminars

April 14-15, 2012 – Connecticut Society of Decorative Painters – East Lyme, CT