A mixed media pad with a genuinely distinctive starting point — not white, not grey, not black, but a warm, natural buff tone that gives finished work an immediate sense of age, warmth, and character that white paper simply cannot provide. The Clairefontaine Paint On Naturel is part of the Paint On range, one of the most capable and versatile mixed media paper lines available, and the natural colourway is the one that most rewards experimentation with both light and dark media simultaneously.
The paper is 250gsm 100% cellulose, double-sized internally and externally for exceptional wet strength — the double sizing is the key to the Paint On range's performance across wet media, preventing the surface from breaking down, feathering, or buckling under repeated washes. At 250gsm it handles acrylic, gouache, ink, and light watercolour washes without warping, while the lightly textured surface grips pencil, graphite, charcoal, pastel, and oil pastel confidently. The surface also withstands repeated erasing without pilling — a practical quality that is harder to achieve than it sounds at this weight. Pen and ink flow cleanly without feathering or bleeding, and fine liner produces a precise, consistent line.
The warm natural tone is deep-dyed throughout — there is no white core showing at cut edges — which gives the paper a richness and authenticity that surface-tinted paper cannot replicate. Against this ground, darker media — graphite, ink, charcoal, dark acrylics — read with a warmth and depth that white paper cannot give them, while lighter media — white chalk, white ink, pale gouache, light pastels — show up clearly and create genuine tonal contrast. The buff tone also works naturally with sepia, sanguine, and warm earth tones, making it the natural choice for life drawing, portrait work, botanical illustration, and any subject where a warm, naturalistic quality is the aim.
Acid-free, pH neutral, archival, and PEFC certified. 30 sheets per pad, glued on one edge with a stiff backing board. Made in France by Clairefontaine.
Available in A5 and A4.
Paper weight: 250gsm Sheets: 30 Paper tone: Naturel — warm buff, deep-dyed, no white core Surface: Light grain, double-sized Composition: 100% cellulose, acid-free, pH neutral Certification: PEFC Binding: Glued one edge, stiff backing board Made in: France
What media can be used on Clairefontaine Paint On Naturel? Acrylic, gouache, ink, light watercolour washes, pen and ink, fine liner, pencil, graphite, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel, felt tips, and collage. The double sizing and 250gsm weight give it exceptional wet strength across all these media without buckling or feathering.
Why work on naturel rather than white paper? The warm buff tone provides a mid-tone ground that allows both light and dark media to be used simultaneously — dark media read with warmth and depth, while light media such as white chalk, white ink, and pale gouache create genuine tonal contrast. The tone also harmonises naturally with sepia, sanguine, and earth pigments, making it particularly well suited to life drawing, portraiture, and naturalistic subjects.
Is the colour throughout the paper or just on the surface? The naturel colour is deep-dyed throughout — there is no white core at cut or torn edges. This gives the paper an authenticity and richness that surface-tinted papers cannot replicate.
Can sheets be removed from the pad? Yes — sheets are glued along one edge and can be removed cleanly. The stiff backing board provides firm support during use.
Is it suitable for beginners? Yes — the Paint On range is designed to be accessible for artists at all levels. The naturel colourway is particularly useful for beginners exploring tonal drawing and mixed media techniques for the first time.
