Colored Pencils and Textured Papers

I originally published this post in 2017, after doing only one drawing using colored pencils and textured papers. That drawing was on UArt Premium Sanded Pastel Paper, and at the time, I wasn’t very impressed. I’m here today to tell you my opinion has changed.

So have the tips I can offer to those artists who are thinking about trying textured art papers with colored pencils. Let’s get right to them.

Colored Pencils and Textured Papers

Defining Textured Papers

Textured art papers are coated with a gritty surface that looks and feels a lot like ordinary, hardware store sandpaper. The surface texture is measured by “grit.” The higher the number, the finer the grit. Most are in the 400 to 800 grit range, but there are sanded art papers with higher or lower grits.

Some papers such as Pastelmat and Colourfix are also textured art papers. They are also coated with a gritty surface, but they are not the same as UArt and similar papers. Some, such as Pastelbord, include marble dust in the coating, which gives them a unique look and feel.

TIP: If you’ve never tried textured papers before, get small sheets or check with the manufacturer. If they offer samples, that’s the best option, even if you have to pay a small amount.

Characteristics of Textured Papers

These characteristics apply pretty much across the board for all textured papers and surfaces.

Great For Layering

Back in 2017, I wrote that textured papers take a lot of layers. That’s still true. In fact, I’ve learned that the coarser the grit, the more layers you can add.

Since 2017, I have used all of the samples of UArt that I received, even the 240 grit. You know what? That piece on 240 grit turned out better than the earlier pieces done on finer grit.

Part of the reason for that is that I had a better idea of how to draw on textured papers. I’d also learned a few techniques that have changed the way I work on textured papers. That includes blending with a bristle brush or paper stump, and using pigment dust to fill the tooth of the paper.

But I’d also learned how to layer more effectively and how to continue layering long past the point at which smoother papers would be finished.

So yes; what I said about layering in 2017 is still true today.

Also Great for Details

In 2017, I also said you won’t be able to draw much detail without the use of solvents. That is most definitely NOT true.

You can draw exquisite detail on textured papers if you take the time to do the appropriate number of layers in preparation. What works for me is starting out with a dull or even blunt pencil to work through most of the drawing. I use medium-light pressure, but gradually increase the amount of pressure as color builds up. I also gradually sharpen my pencils.

When it’s time to add details, use very sharp pencils. Continue using the lightest pressure you can, but you may have to use heavier pressure along with the sharper pencils.

Another technique that works for me is starting out with oil-based pencils, usually Faber-Castell Polychromos. When I’ve done as much as I can or want to do with them, I switch to softer, wax-based pencils.

Prismacolor Verithin pencils are also a great match for textured papers.

Excellent for Solvent Blending

Because the surface of textured papers are generally non-absorbent, you can use solvents without worrying about damaging the paper. Rigid supports are best for this, of course, but you can use solvents even on the papers.

Just make sure you use a brush—a stiff bristle is better than a soft brush, though a soft bristle brush can be useful. Some textured papers pull cotton balls or cotton swabs to bits.

Also be aware that you will have to wait for the solvent to dry by evaporation. The surface will not absorb the solvent, as smooth papers do.

Do I use solvent on the textured papers I use? Only when absolutely necessary. I’ve found better ways to blend color, including paper stumps. But I do use solvent upon occasion.

Try “Painterly”

If you usually draw a lot of detail, try a more painterly approach with textured papers. As you can see from Spring II at the beginning of this post, a painterly style is a great match for textured papers.

But you don’t have to go “painterly” if you don’t want to.

Whatever style you use, colored pencils and textured papers can be a great match.

Go Frame-less

The real reason for framing colored pencil drawings is to protect the paper from staining, tearing, or punctures.

You don’t have those worries as much with textured papers. Use a rigid panel and you have no need to frame under glass at all! A good coat of final fixative for colored pencils and you can frame your artwork like an oil painting.

Light over Dark

It is possible to layer light colors over dark and have them show up. The reason is the amount of tooth on even the finest textured papers. Unless you use solvent (see above), it’s next to impossible to fill the tooth of the paper so much that you can’t add more color.

That means you can add some light highlights at the end of the drawing and they will still show up!

However, you still get the brightest highlights if you work around them when using white paper. Yes. Even with textured papers.

Colored Pencils and Textured Papers

I’ve done a lot of drawings on textured papers of various kinds. At present, my favorite textured papers are Pastelmat and UArt, though I’ve also tried Colourfix.

Will you enjoy colored pencils and textured papers? I don’t know, but if you’ve never tried them before, I hope I’ve persuaded you to at least think about it. I took a long time thinking about it, and even longer creating enough artwork to understand how textured papers behave, but now I’m glad I took the plunge.

You may find the same is true for you.

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