What is the best paper to use for mixing pastels to make brown?
March 2, 2026 · caitlin
To mix the perfect brown with pastels, the best paper offers a slightly textured surface that grips dry media well. Look for papers with a "tooth" like Canson Mi-Teintes, Strathmore Artagain, or pastel boards, as these allow for layering and blending without excessive smudging.
Choosing the Ideal Paper for Mixing Pastel Browns
Creating custom brown shades with pastels is a rewarding process, but the right paper choice significantly impacts your final artwork. You need a surface that can hold multiple layers of pastel pigment, allowing for smooth blending and rich color saturation. This is where the concept of "tooth" comes into play.
Understanding Paper Tooth for Pastels
Paper tooth refers to the surface texture of the paper. For pastels, a paper with a good tooth is essential. It acts like a microscopic landscape, providing tiny peaks and valleys for the pastel particles to adhere to. Without sufficient tooth, your pastels will simply slide off, making it impossible to build up layers or achieve subtle color transitions.
- Rough surfaces: Offer excellent grip but can be harder to blend smoothly.
- Medium-tooth surfaces: Provide a balance of grip and blendability, often ideal for pastel mixing.
- Smooth surfaces: Are generally not recommended for dry pastels as they offer little to no tooth.
Top Paper Recommendations for Pastel Brown Mixing
When you’re aiming to create a specific shade of brown, you’ll likely be layering various colors, such as reds, yellows, blues, and even greens. This layering process demands a paper that won’t become saturated too quickly or cause the pigments to become muddy.
Here are some excellent options that consistently perform well for pastel artists:
| Paper Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Canson Mi-Teintes | Medium tooth, wide color range, good for layering | Beginners and experienced artists, general pastel work, color mixing. |
| Strathmore Artagain | Vellum surface, good tooth, archival quality | Detailed work, layering, creating subtle color variations. |
| Pastel Boards | Rigid surface, highly textured, excellent grip | Impasto techniques, heavy layering, artists who prefer a firm support. |
| UArt Paper | Uniform texture, available in various grits | Precise blending, achieving smooth gradients, controlled layering. |
Why These Papers Excel for Brown Tones
Browns are often created by mixing complementary colors or by layering earth tones. This means you’ll be applying multiple layers of pigment. Papers like Canson Mi-Teintes and Strathmore Artagain are specifically designed to handle this. Their medium tooth allows for easy application of the initial base colors and subsequent layering without the paper becoming overworked.
Pastel boards offer an even more robust surface. Their aggressive texture can hold a significant amount of pigment, making them perfect for creating deep, rich browns with a lot of depth. UArt paper, with its consistent texture, is fantastic for achieving those smooth, subtle shifts in tone that can define a realistic brown.
Tips for Mixing Brown Pastels on Paper
Beyond choosing the right paper, your technique plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect brown.
- Start with a base layer: Lay down your lightest colors first. For browns, this might be a light yellow ochre or a pale red.
- Build up darker tones: Gradually add darker colors like burnt sienna, raw umber, or even a touch of ultramarine blue or viridian green to deepen the shade.
- Blend carefully: Use your fingers, a blending stump, or a soft brush to gently blend the colors. On a paper with good tooth, you’ll find the pastels blend beautifully.
- Layer for richness: Don’t be afraid to add more layers to achieve the desired depth and complexity. The best paper for pastels will support this.
- Consider your brown’s undertones: Is it a warm brown with red undertones, or a cool brown with blue undertones? Adjust your color choices accordingly.
Practical Example: Creating a Rich Earth Brown
Let’s say you want to create a rich earth brown. You might start by laying down a layer of yellow ochre on your Canson Mi-Teintes paper. Then, you could add strokes of burnt sienna over it. To deepen it further and add a cooler undertone, you might lightly scumble in some raw umber or even a hint of Payne’s gray. Gently blend these colors together using a soft cloth or your finger. You’ll notice how the paper’s tooth holds the pigment, allowing you to create a smooth, complex brown.
What About Other Paper Types?
While textured papers are generally preferred, some artists experiment with watercolor paper that has a cold-press finish. This offers a bit of texture. However, it’s crucial to use pastel-specific papers for the best results when mixing pastel browns. Cardboard or smooth drawing paper will likely lead to frustration due to poor pigment adhesion.
People Also Ask
### What is the best way to blend pastels on paper?
The best way to blend pastels on paper depends on the paper’s tooth and your desired effect. You can use your fingers for a soft blend, a blending stump or tortillon for more precise control, or soft brushes for a smooth, diffused look. Always blend gently to avoid overworking the paper’s surface.
### Can I use oil pastels on textured paper?
Yes, oil pastels work very well on textured paper. The texture provides a good grip for the waxy pigment, allowing for layering and blending. Papers like those recommended for soft pastels are often suitable for oil pastels as well.
### How do I make dark brown with soft pastels?
To make dark brown with soft pastels, layer darker earth tones like burnt umber, raw umber, and even a touch of black or Payne’s gray over a base of red or yellow. You can also mix in a small amount of blue or green to create cooler, deeper browns. Experimentation is key!
### Does the color of the paper affect pastel mixing?
Yes, the color of the paper can significantly affect your pastel mixing. A mid-tone paper can act as a neutral base, allowing your applied colors to show more vibrantly. It can also influence the overall mood of your artwork.
### How many layers of pastel can be applied to paper?
The number of layers you can apply depends on the paper’s tooth and your technique. Papers with good tooth, like those designed for pastels, can often hold 5-10 layers or more, especially if you use a fixative between layers or employ a light touch.
Conclusion: Your Paper is Your Foundation
Ultimately, the best paper for mixing pastels to make brown is one that provides sufficient tooth to hold pigment and allows for effective layering and blending. Experimenting with different brands and types of pastel
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