Canson Mi-Tientes Paper, the discussion continues........

Well that got us all talking.

Thanks so much for your reply and insights into the Canson Mi-Tientes paper.  The discussion about this paper and its uses is still going on Facebook. There were a lot of comments and ideas sent back so I wanted to share some of them with you. I won't name names!

As I said in my last email , Canson Mi-Tientes paper is an old favourite of mine. I have been using it again lately as I put together my next course, an Introduction to Pastel for www.onlinepastellearning.com
Talking about this paper in the course was what prompted me to ask you which side was the favourite.

From all the replies the winner is the smooth side.

It is agreed that more layers can be pastelled onto this side. Interestingly some pastellists had not tried this side using the textured side instead, now they are going to give the smooth side a go.

Another interesting thing to note........ Canson Mi-Tientes paper is used for portraits mostly, animal and human.  It is easy to see why with a good range of colours (up to 50) to suit any background. Oh yes these portraits are painted on the smooth side too.

The rough side gets a poor wrap. The texture showing through the pastel is off putting was the recurring comment.  Some liked it for the texture as it helped describe a specific subject. 

This paper is used by artists as it is low in cost and good value. There are so many papers out there now  for pastelling we are spoilt for choice. Some papers may seem expensive but is the value in the strength, quality, tooth that makes it worth buying? I like to experiment and try new things and yes it is costly so I have  to save up for that trip to the art shop. Maybe it's worth sharing with a friend to go halves in a sheet paper to try it out.  As one friend said treat it likes a cup of coffee. $5 a coffee, two coffees for a sheet of paper.

To answer one question, no I don't know how Canson Mi-Tientes is pronounced!  I asked at the art shop and got three different answers from three people. Then with my Australian accent the French sounds sad!   Can any of you tell me the phonetic pronouncement ?

So there we are, somethings we guessed at, some new things to think about and some tips. 

Happy painting,

Karol

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