PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Transform Your Art with Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card (19.5x25.5", 170lb, Anthracite Black)
The choice of surface is crucial for any artist, especially when working with pastels and mixed media. The Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card, in a generous 19.5x25.5" size, offers a high-quality surface that enhances the vibrancy and texture of your artwork. Its 170lb weight and rich Anthracite Black color provide the perfect backdrop for both soft and oil pastels, adding depth and drama to every stroke. This single sheet of premium pastel card is more than just a drawing surface—it’s the foundation upon which your creativity can flourish, allowing you to create stunning, professional-level artwork.
Introduction
Clairefontaine is a name synonymous with quality in the world of art supplies, and the Pastelmat range stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence. Designed with pastel artists in mind, the Pastelmat Pastel Card offers a unique texture that grips pigment effortlessly, eliminating the need for excessive layering and providing a superior, long-lasting finish. The Anthracite Black color gives a dramatic base that makes bright colors pop, while its large size is perfect for expansive, detailed compositions. The 170lb weight ensures the durability and sturdiness needed to withstand multiple layers of pastel, erasing, and other techniques.
Whether you’re a professional artist or a hobbyist exploring the world of pastels, this premium card provides an unmatched surface for your creations.
Product Specifications
For artists who pay attention to the finer details, here's a closer look at the Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card:
- Size: 19.5x25.5 inches (50x65 cm) - Ideal for larger compositions and detailed artworks.
- Weight: 170lb (360gsm) - Sturdy enough to handle multiple layers of pastels and mixed media applications.
- Color: Anthracite Black - A deep, rich black that enhances color vibrancy and adds dramatic contrast.
- Surface: Fine, velvety texture - Designed to hold pastel pigments securely without the need for fixatives.
- Material: Acid-free and lightfast - Ensures the longevity and integrity of your artwork, preventing yellowing or fading over time.
- Format: Single sheet - Perfect for large, standalone projects or as a high-quality addition to your art collection.
The combination of high-quality materials and carefully designed texture makes this pastel card an exceptional choice for any artist working with pastels, charcoal, pencils, or other dry media.
Why Choose Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card?
The Pastelmat Pastel Card by Clairefontaine offers several benefits that set it apart from other pastel surfaces on the market:
- Unique Velvety Texture: The surface is designed to grip pastel pigments firmly, allowing for multiple layers without the need for excessive fixatives. This texture enhances blending and shading, giving you full control over the final look of your artwork.
- Color Enhancement: The Anthracite Black base provides a striking contrast that makes bright and light colors stand out, creating a dramatic effect in your compositions. It also allows for a wide range of styles, from vibrant landscapes to bold abstract pieces.
- Superior Durability: With a weight of 170lb (360gsm), this card is built to handle various techniques, from heavy layering to erasing and scraping. It maintains its integrity even with vigorous blending or detailed work.
- Acid-Free Quality: Being acid-free and lightfast, the card ensures that your artwork remains in its original state, preserving colors and preventing yellowing over time. This quality is essential for artists who want their work to last for years to come.
- Versatility: While specifically designed for pastels, the Pastelmat is versatile enough to work with charcoal, pencils, and other dry media. Its sturdy surface also allows for some mixed media applications, making it a versatile choice for different artistic styles.
Creative Applications
The Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card can be used for a variety of artistic projects, enhancing both the process and the final result:
- Pastel Drawings: The unique texture of the card holds pastel pigments exceptionally well, allowing artists to build up layers, create smooth gradients, and blend colors seamlessly. The black background adds depth, making it ideal for vibrant compositions and dramatic portraits.
- Charcoal Sketching: The fine, velvety surface is also suitable for charcoal work, providing the right amount of grip for detailed sketching and shading. The dark tone of the card enhances the contrasts in charcoal drawings, giving them a refined finish.
- Mixed Media Art: Combine pastels with pencils, ink, or even light acrylics to explore new artistic possibilities. The card's durability accommodates various techniques, making it perfect for mixed media projects.
- Backgrounds for Illustrations: Use the card as a background for illustrations and graphic designs. Its rich black color and texture add an extra dimension to your work, allowing lighter colors and highlights to pop off the surface.
- Art Class Projects: The large size and high-quality surface of this card make it an excellent choice for classroom settings, where students can experiment with pastels and dry media to develop their skills.
No matter the project, this pastel card provides a sturdy, reliable canvas that lets your creativity shine.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Artists and creators have praised the Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card for its exceptional quality and performance. Here’s what they’re saying:
- "This is the best surface I’ve ever used for pastel work. The card holds pigment beautifully, allowing me to layer colors without them slipping or muddying." — Rebecca T.
- "The anthracite black color is stunning! It really makes the colors of my pastels pop. I love how the texture lets me blend seamlessly and achieve rich, vibrant results." — Oliver J.
- "The Pastelmat is a game-changer. The thickness and texture make it perfect for detailed work, and I don’t even need to use a fixative to keep the pigment in place." — Maria S.
These testimonials highlight the card’s unique qualities and its ability to meet the high standards of both professional and aspiring artists.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure your Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card remains in the best condition, follow these care tips:
- Storage: Store in a flat, dry location to prevent bending or warping. Keeping it away from direct sunlight helps maintain its color integrity.
- Handling: Handle the card with clean, dry hands to avoid smudges or fingerprints. If possible, use protective sheets or gloves when working to keep the surface pristine.
- Fixatives: While the Pastelmat holds pigment well without a fixative, use a light spray of fixative if your artwork involves multiple, heavy layers of pastel. This helps protect the surface and preserve your finished piece.
By taking these steps, you’ll maximize the lifespan and quality of both the card and the artwork you create on it.
Conclusion
The Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Card (19.5x25.5", 170lb, Anthracite Black) is an artist’s dream surface. Its unique velvety texture, high-quality materials, and striking black tone make it an outstanding choice for pastel and mixed media artwork. Designed to grip pastel pigments effortlessly, this card allows for multiple layers, smooth blending, and detailed work, enhancing the overall impact of your art. Plus, with its acid-free and durable nature, your creations will stay vibrant and intact for years. With free shipping on orders over $125 in Canada, now is the perfect time to add this premium pastel card to your collection. Buy now and elevate your art to new heights!
