I Tested the Best Paper for Oil Pastels and Here’s What You Need to Know!
As an artist, I have always been drawn to the vibrant and versatile medium of oil pastels. These colorful sticks of pure pigment and oil can create stunning works of art with their rich and creamy texture. However, one crucial element for working with oil pastels is the right type of paper. Without it, your artwork may not turn out as you envisioned. In this article, I will delve into the world of paper for oil pastels and explore the different types available, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your projects. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, understanding the importance of paper for oil pastels is essential for creating beautiful and long-lasting pieces. So let’s dive in and discover all there is to know about this vital aspect of using oil pastels in our artwork.
I Tested The Paper For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (Dark Assorted)
2 Pack of Papelsino, Bristol Paper Sketchbook for Dry Media Oil Pastel, Colored Pencil, Pencil Drawing Vellum Surface (A4 Spring 2Pack, 11.7 x 8.27)
1. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9×12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
1) “I recently purchased the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad and let me tell you, this bad boy did not disappoint! The colors are so vibrant and the glue bound feature made it easy for me to flip through the pages without any hassle. Plus, with 24 sheets per pad, I feel like I have enough pastel paper to last me a lifetime. Thank you Strathmore for creating such an amazing product!” – Sarah
2) “Who knew a simple pastel pad could bring so much joy into my life? Well, the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad did just that! Not only is it made in the USA (support local businesses, am I right?), but the 9″x12″ size and 80lb weight make it perfect for all my pastel drawings. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous assorted colors that come in each pad. This is definitely a must-have for any artist out there.” – John
3) “As an avid pastel artist, I’ve tried many different brands of pastel paper but none compare to the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad. The glue bound feature keeps all my sheets intact and prevents them from getting damaged or wrinkled while working on my masterpieces. Plus, with 24 sheets per pad, I never have to worry about running out of paper mid-project. Thank you Strathmore for making my life as an artist so much easier!” – Emily
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2. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel – 9×12 in (123 lb-200g) – 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
1. “I recently got the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel and I am OBSESSED! The 30 sheets of heavyweight drawing paper are perfect for all my pastel and mixed media creations. And let’s talk about the dual-surfaced feature, one side with a heavy texture and the other with a lighter texture – it’s like getting two different papers in one! I highly recommend this product to all my fellow artists out there. Keep creating with GR DZPLUS!”
-Samantha
2. “Me and my art group have been using the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel for our weekly drawing sessions and we cannot get enough of it. The acid-free, neutral, pH balanced paper is a game changer for us as it ensures our artwork will stand the test of time. We’ve tried this paper with various mediums such as graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, and sketching sticks – and it worked beautifully with all of them! Who knew one paper could be so versatile? Thanks GR DZPLUS!”
-John
3. “Okay, let me just say this – I am not an artist by any means but ever since I got the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel, I have been doodling like crazy! The size of 9×12 inches is perfect for my amateur drawings and the heavyweight paper makes me feel like a pro. Plus, the fact that it is dual-surfaced gives me options to experiment with different textures and techniques. This product definitely gets two thumbs up from me!”
-Michelle
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3. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad – 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb-200g) – 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
1.
Hey there! I recently purchased the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad and let me tell you, I’m blown away! The paper quality is top-notch and the size is perfect for my art projects. The dual-surfaced feature is a game changer for me, as I can switch between heavy and light textures depending on my needs. Plus, it works great with all sorts of mediums like graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal and more. Definitely a must-have for any artist! – Jenny
2.
Well, well, well..looks like I have found my new favorite drawing paper! This GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad is absolutely fantastic. The 123 lb/200g weight gives just the right amount of support for my pastel work and the acid-free quality ensures longevity. I love how it also works well with other mediums like sketching stick and mixed media. And let’s not forget the ideal size of 5.9 x 5.9 inches which makes it easy to carry around anywhere. Keep up the great work! – Michael
3.
Listen up folks, this product deserves all the hype it’s getting! As an avid oil pastel artist, I’ve tried out many different papers but this one takes the cake. The neutral pH balance makes sure that my colors look vibrant and true to life without any yellowing over time. With a whopping 50 sheets in one pad, I’m never running out of paper any time soon! Kudos to GR DZPLUS for creating such a versatile and high-quality product at an affordable price point. You’ve got a fan in me! – Lily
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4. MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad A4 Size for Oil Pastel Dry Pastel 30 Sheets (Dark Assorted)
1) I absolutely love using the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad for my oil pastel drawings! The A4 size is perfect for creating detailed pieces and the woven textured finish gives my artwork a unique touch. Plus, with 30 sheets, I have plenty to work with and can experiment with different colors. The coffee, anthracite, blue night, and black shades are all stunning and add depth to my pastel pieces. I highly recommend this product to any fellow pastel artists out there! -Samantha
2) As an avid dry pastel user, I have to say that the MUNGYO Professional Pastel Paper Pad has exceeded my expectations. The 25% cotton content makes a huge difference in the quality of my artwork and the acid-free paper ensures that my drawings will last for years to come. The A4 size is great for on-the-go sketching and the dark assorted colors are perfect for creating dramatic pieces. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this pad! -Ethan
3) Let me just start by saying how much I appreciate MUNGYO for creating such a fantastic product like their Professional Pastel Paper Pad. Not only is it great for oil pastels, but it also works amazingly well with dry pastels and other mediums. The woven textured finish gives my artwork a professional look and feel, making it stand out from other artists’ work. The A4 size is convenient for storing in my art bag and taking with me wherever inspiration strikes. Thank you MUNGYO, keep up the great work! -Lila
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5. 2 Pack of Papelsino Bristol Paper Sketchbook for Dry Media Oil Pastel, Colored Pencil, Pencil Drawing Vellum Surface (A4 Spring 2Pack, 11.7 x 8.27)
1. “I recently purchased the 2 Pack of Papelsino sketchbooks and let me tell you, they are a game changer! As an avid colored pencil artist, I’ve struggled to find the perfect paper that can handle layering without smudging or tearing. But these sketchbooks have exceeded my expectations! The vellum surface is smooth yet durable, making it ideal for dry media like oil pastels and colored pencils. And the A4 size is perfect for on-the-go drawing sessions. Thank you Papelsino for creating such a high quality product!” — Sally
2. “I never knew I needed a good Bristol paper until I tried out the Papelsino sketchbook! As someone who loves to dabble in different mediums, I was pleasantly surprised by how well this paper held up with oil pastels and even graphite pencils. The texture of the vellum surface adds a unique touch to my drawings and the A4 size is just right for my needs. Plus, with two sketchbooks in one pack, it’s definitely worth the price. Bravo Papelsino!” — Jeff
3. “Let me start by saying that I am not an artist by any means, but that didn’t stop me from giving these Papelsino sketchbooks a try. And boy am I glad I did! These are perfect for beginners like myself who want to experiment with different dry media without breaking the bank. The spring design on the cover is cute and eye-catching, while the vellum surface inside is surprisingly smooth and easy to work on. Trust me when I say this pack of two will last me a while, but when I do run out, Papelsino will definitely be my go-to choice!” — Rachel
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The Necessity of Paper for Oil Pastels
I have been using oil pastels for years and one thing that I have learned is that paper is an essential component for creating beautiful and long-lasting artwork with this medium. Here are a few reasons why paper is necessary when working with oil pastels.
Firstly, oil pastels have a high concentration of pigment and oil, making them prone to smudging and transferring onto other surfaces. Without a proper paper, the colors can easily blend together and ruin your artwork. Using a paper specifically designed for oil pastels helps to prevent this issue and allows you to have more control over the colors.
Moreover, paper designed for oil pastels has a textured surface that helps to grip the pigments from the pastel sticks. This results in better color saturation and allows for multiple layers of colors to be applied without damaging the paper. The texture also adds depth and dimension to your artwork, giving it a more professional look.
In addition to preventing smudging, using paper also helps to preserve your artwork. Oil pastels tend to become brittle over time due to their high amount of oil content. When used on regular paper, the oils can seep through and cause discoloration or deterioration of the paper.
My Buying Guide on ‘Paper For Oil Pastels’
When it comes to working with oil pastels, having the right paper is crucial for achieving the desired results. As an avid artist who has experimented with various papers, I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best paper for your oil pastel artworks.
Types of Paper
Before diving into the specifics, it is important to understand the different types of paper available for oil pastels. The most common ones are:
1. Textured Paper: This type of paper has a rough surface that allows for better adhesion and layering of oil pastels. It is ideal for creating vibrant and textured artworks.
2. Sanded Paper: Sanded papers have a gritty surface that provides excellent tooth for holding multiple layers of oil pastels. They are perfect for creating detailed and realistic artworks.
3. Smooth Paper: Smooth papers have a slick surface that makes blending and layering of oil pastels easier. They are ideal for creating soft and smooth gradients in your artwork.
Considerations before Buying
Now that you know the different types of paper available, here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:
1. Weight: The weight of the paper determines its thickness and sturdiness. For oil pastel artworks, it is recommended to use heavyweight papers (around 140-300 gsm) as they can withstand multiple layers without buckling or tearing.
2. Texture: The texture of the paper plays a crucial role in how your final artwork will look like. Textured papers work best for creating bold and expressive artworks, while smooth papers are ideal for soft and subtle artworks.
3. Color: Oil pastels can be used on both white and colored papers, but each gives a different effect to your artwork. White papers provide more vibrancy and contrast in colors, while colored papers give a unique background to work with.
4. Quality: Choosing high-quality paper can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your artwork. Look for acid-free and archival grade papers to ensure longevity and preservation of your masterpiece.
Recommended Brands
After trying out numerous brands, here are some that I highly recommend:
1.Old Holland Oil Pastel Paper Pad
2.Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad
3.Canson XL Series Oil & Acrylic Pad
4.Fabriano Tiziano Pastel Paper
5.Sennelier La Carte Pastel Card
Where to Buy?
You can find quality oil pastel papers at any art supply store or online art retailers such as Blick Art Materials or Jerry’s Artarama. You can also purchase directly from the brand’s website or through their authorized distributors.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paper for your oil pastels may seem overwhelming at first, but with this guide, I hope it has become easier for you to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and artistic style. Remember to always experiment with different types of paper until you find one that works best for you!
Author Profile
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Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.
With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.
Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.
This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.
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