Today, I’d like to share with you my favorite medium texture drawing paper. This is the second part in a three-part series that began with my favorite smooth drawing papers a few weeks ago. If you missed it, you can read it here.
I will be truthful; I don’t use medium texture drawing papers very much. My go-to paper for most things is rough paper.
When I do use medium texture paper, there’s only one paper on my favorites list.
My Favorite Medium Texture Drawing Paper
Canson Mi-Teintes
Canson Mi Teintes is a pastel paper, so the front of it is quite rough. However, it can still be used for colored pencil. Matter-of-fact, I accidentally used the front for the tutorial showing how to draw a foggy morning. I almost started over when I discovered my error, then changed my mind. I’m glad I did! The pastel texture was ideal for drawing fog.
When I use Mi-Teintes, I work on the back of the paper. There is still texture on the back, but it’s not as deep or as geometric looking. The difference is visible, so make sure which side you’re using when you begin drawing.
My Favorite Things About this Paper
The main attraction of Canson Mi-Teintes for me is that it comes in so many colors. Of all the papers I’ve used, it has the biggest selection of colors with about 50 different colors available.
The range of earth tones and grays (which I use most of the time) is so good that this paper is a good choice for portraits when I want the color of the paper to be the background. But there are also very lovely greens, blues and other colors.
Mi-Teintes is also a nice sturdy paper (98 lb./160 gsm). That means you can do a lot of layering and blending, and I have had success lifting color if I haven’t used too much pressure to apply the color. The two samples above show the effectiveness of dry blending with tissue, paper towel, or a paper stump.
Canson Mi-Teintes also performs fairly well with solvent. I used solvent to blend on the flag piece below. The paper stood up well to the solvent and dried flat without being taped down.
But you do need to use solvent with caution, because the solvent stained the paper a little bit. The staining was visible only on the back.
Technical Details
Canson Mi-Teintes is a French-made paper. It has a high rag content (66%) to ensure long life without deterioration. The entire range is colored in the pulp to be highly light-resistant and acid-free, so it’s an archival paper for those who are interested in the longevity of their art.
As already mentioned, it comes in a wide range of colors, and is available in full sheets and in pads in a variety of sizes. It’s also available in packs of single colors or in packs of assorted colors (bright, pastel, etc.). I have purchased it in full sheets, but prefer the pads because they’re easier to store. For those who like working on a rigid support, Canson Mi-Teintes Board is available in a reduced number of colors and in only one size: 16″ x 20″. White is available in 16″ x 20″ inch boards, and 32″ x 40″ boards.
Other Mi-Teintes Options
Mi-Teintes is also available in a ‘velvet’ form. I haven’t used it so I can’t personally describe the surface texture, but it is also made for pastel artists, so it should work with colored pencils. Look for Mi-Teintes Velvet.
You can also buy it in a spiral bound, hardcover “art book“. It’s the same great Mi-Teintes paper with two surface textures, but in a convenient size (5-7/8″ x 8-1/4”) for sketching and travel. Each sketchbook contains 80 sheets of white paper. The sketchbooks also have an elastic closure.
NOTE: Canson also makes a paper called Ingres. It’s the same as Mi-Teintes with one important difference; it’s a bit flimsy, 27 lbs. compared to Mi-Teintes at 98 lbs. I used it a few times and didn’t like the way it felt to draw on, so if you prefer a heavier paper, make sure you’re getting Mi-Teintes.
You can see Canson Mi Tientes at Dick Blick.
That’s My Favorite Medium Texture Drawing Paper
If you’re looking for a nice, sturdy drawing paper with medium texture (two medium textures, actually), Canson Mi-Teintes is a good place to begin.
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