Small pastel - paper suggestions?

Julie Deane · 03-15-2005, 07:18 PM

Hi -

I have a commissioned portrait to do and, unfortunately, the size is 10 x 14 inches. Not my choice - the mom who is commissioning it is trying to match sizes with the child's brother's portrait, which was done that size. I'll be using some pastel pencils to help me get better detail in the face.

But I'm not sure what kind of paper to use. Obviously, I need to pick a paper that will allow me to get detail in it without giving me too much trouble. Something without too much texture would be my guess.
Any suggestions?

Jimmie Arroyo · 03-15-2005, 07:59 PM

Canson Mi-Tientes may be a good choice, the smooth side. It does'nt have much texture so if you work in many layers, it may not be good for you. Sharon knows a lot about papers, she could give you a good recommendation.

Chris Saper · 03-15-2005, 09:04 PM

Julie,

Congrats on your commission!

There's a huge amount of info already here : http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=2159

Chris Saper · 03-15-2005, 09:06 PM

PS I think that it is sometimes the presence of texture ( ie Wallis) that gives you the option for detail, as long as the texture is very fine.

Julie Deane · 03-15-2005, 09:33 PM

Thanks, Jimmie and Chris -

I guess I will play around with what I have first, which includes the Canson and the Colourfix. If neither of them work, I will look for the Wallis (have to travel out of town to get it, but, then, come to think of it, I have to travel out of town to get EVERYTHING, or order it by mail.) I just thought I would check to see if anyone had ever done a small piece and had any strong convictions one way or the other.