Art Spectrum pastel paper/Unveiling

Chris Saper · 03-14-2002, 08:05 PM

I finally picked up a piece of Art Spectrum pastel paper, having read and heard about it for some time, and thought I'd post my initial experience.

I prefer a toned surface for pastels, and the Spectrum sheet is available is a mid-value grayed-down green, which I consider an ideal foil for skin tones. Its tooth is sort of large and irregular, although shallow; as I tend to have a somewhat heavy hand, I found that I filled it up too quickly, and that the under layers were more difficult for me to cover with subsequent layers.

As a result, I had the sensation that if I were to sneeze, the entire surface would just blow away. The upside to this is that mistakes lift beautifully with a kneaded eraser..in fact probably more completely than any other surface I've worked on. For pastellists who like to blend and smooth the surface, it is quite amazing as the texture of the surface looks JUST LIKE HUMAN SKIN. (Although I tried to get a close up of the surface, I was unsuccessful)

I plan to find out about whether the surface can be underpainted with a wash of some type and will give it another try.(At this late stage of the game, I doubt that I can change my touch, and actually probably wouldn't want to.)

Here's the tale behind this piece, BTW. This is a repaint of "My Cat Cotton", starring my daughter and our funny little cat. Normally I would be loathe to paint the same piece twice, but unfortunately version number one was stolen several years ago...it was a painting that she dearly loved.

I wasn't sure whether to post it here or in the unveiling section, but I was so interested in this new paper, I thought you might be, too.

Chris

Chris Saper · 03-14-2002, 08:09 PM

Here's a detail. I use Kodak Gold film, but I find that it really "grabs" the reds, and overstates them in the print. Any suggestions for film that won't do this?

Lon Haverly · 03-14-2002, 10:56 PM

I thought your oils were good. This is magnifique! What a beautiful daughter. I would do a repeat, too. Do you use any pencils, or is it all pastels? Do you use a fixative?

Lon

Karin Wells · 03-15-2002, 12:52 AM

Beautiful! And thanks for the info. on the paper.

Meredith Wagenknecht · 03-15-2002, 10:15 AM

Chris...this is beautiful! Your daughter is, too!! What is your source for the paper? I looked in a couple of slightly older catalogues, and couldn't find it. I AM a pastellist who likes to blend and smooth (check out my only critique submission so far, titled MARYLYNN IN PASTEL), so I'd be real interested in trying this paper. I too prefer a toned paper to work on...not only do I enjoy working in dark and mid tones, but I like to work in highlights, too. The toned paper seems to make the colors really "POP"! Also, thanks for this input on the pastel medium...I find that not enough is posted here for the pastellist, so when I DO see something regarding pastels, I "eat it up"! Take care!

Chris Saper · 03-15-2002, 01:08 PM

Thank you all for your gracious comments.

Looking in pastel Artist International, I see that the actual name of Art Spectrum's paper is 'Colourfix'. The website is www.artspectrum.com.au and the US contact is [email protected]

They make a primer in different colors, too so you can choose your own surface. I happened to find the paper in a local art supply store, it was about $7 per sheet. You might try the big mail order catalogues. BTW Sennelier's La Carte is available in most of the art supply stores here, and also through the catalogues.

Lon, nope, no fixative. I keep meaning to get a set of pastel pencils but never seem to get to it! I typically sketch the intial drawing with soft charcoal pencils.

Chris