Pastel paper colour theory

altheau · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 148

I have never used pastels before. I was hoping to try then out. I had a quick question as a lot of you seem to use coloured paper.

What are some of the things that make you pick the colour of paper that you do for your pastel drawing?

(it is possible that is it a painting thing as well I guess, having only really worked in graphite I am not sure)

Thanks

thecatsgrin · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 2181 Location: Gippsland

Sometimes the colour in the paper acts as a background that compliments the picture, as in a portrait, burgundy colours help me with skin tone for example.
At other times the paper clashes with the pastels used , to make the colours more intense, like a redish colour or purple under grassy landscapes makes the greens appear alot more vibrant.
Sometimes I dont bother about the colour the paper is because I cover the whole lot in pastel and it wont be seen anyway.
I have never used white as a background for pastels so far.
I like the sandpaper finish papers, they have alot of colours and are great to use, they hold onto the pastels better!

altheau · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 148

ok, what you say makes sense. I guess to a degree I might just need to experiment as well?

I have bought some paper to try just in some smaller pads, because I don't really know what I am doing any how ;p

I got Tiziano by Fabriano and Mi-Teintes by Carson (Grey colours and bright colours)

Are the sandpaper ones a particular brand or just a type of paper?

thecatsgrin · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 2181 Location: Gippsland

The mi teintes has a sandpaper range...it is Mi teintes TEX.
Colorfix is another brand.
Send me a PM with your address and I can send you a stack of smaller sized off cuts in many colours ,( 5x7 to 8x10) if you want to have a play around.
I have alot of leftovers, which seem too big to throw out, but too small for what I am doing at the minute. I was thinking of some art cards... but if you can use them you are welcome to them!