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Pastelmat paper remain my preferred paper of choice. This superb French paper is made by Clairfontaine, and is unlike any other pastel paper I have tried. The touch is unbelievably soft, it does not the rough sanded finish that we are accustomed to feeling on most pastel papers. The paper may feel smooth but the tooth of PastelMat is deep, I say it like a shag carpet, smooth on the top but holds a lot of pastel.  The first layer of pastel packs down in the fibers with little loss of pastel ( falling dust) and a second layer can sit on top of the previously layer cleanly, retaining its pure color without getting muddy. A third layer can be applied easily and I often add a touch of accent color as a fourth layer and it will still attach cleanly if the pastel is soft. Pastelmat has an astonishing ability to hold 4 layers effortlessly, while the layered soft pastel colors remain rich and vibrant. I rarely use a fixative. 

My primary focus is expansive Southwest landscapes and have found the soft texture of the paper lends itself to blending, which creates lovely cloud forms, but will hold a crisp line as well. I think it would be perfect for portrait work. It takes an underpainting beautifully, both watercolor and alcohol washes. It can be brushed off, washed off and reworked with plenty of tooth left to hold the pastel. I work primarily on the Anthracite, a dark color but if you enjoy doing an underpainting the white paper would be the better choice.             

If you have any questions about Pastelmat, please feel free to contact me HERE. 

• Excellent surface for blending
• Holds many layers

• Colors remain vibrant when layered

• Durable: easy to wash off and reuse

• Used: Anthracite Pastelcard

• Color Study : Is developed before I begin a painting

• Smooth to the touch
• Unique velvet surface

• Gentle on the Fingers

• Excellent holding power

• Made in France

• Pastelmat: Anthracite with pastel and alcohol wash underpainting

• Pastelmat: white with watercolor underpainting