These pastel pads from Clairefontaine are exactly what you need if you're working with pastels, charcoal, or graphite. They're made by a French company that's been making paper for over 170 years, so they know what they're doing.
What Makes This Paper Special
The paper has a slightly ribbed texture that grabs onto your pastel or charcoal perfectly. It's called "laid" paper, which basically means it has fine lines running through it that help hold the pigment. This texture comes from old-fashioned papermaking methods, and it really works.
Each sheet is made with cotton and is completely acid-free, which means your artwork won't yellow or deteriorate over time. The paper weighs 130gsm - that's thick enough to handle heavy pastel work without buckling or tearing.
What You Get
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25 sheets per pad in assorted colours
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130gsm weight - sturdy but not too thick
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Cotton-based paper that's naturally acid-free
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Pastel shades: soft, muted colours including marbled varieties
Perfect For
- Soft pastels (this is what it's really made for)
- Charcoal and graphite drawing
- Pastel pencils
- Any dry drawing medium that needs a bit of texture to grab onto
Why Artists Like It
The ribbed surface is just right - not too smooth that your pastels slide around, but not so rough that it's hard to blend. The cotton content makes it feel substantial and professional. Plus, it's reasonably priced for the quality you get.
Bottom Line
If you're doing pastel work and want paper that behaves predictably and holds up well, these Clairefontaine Ingres pads are a solid choice. They're not fancy or expensive, but they do the job really well. The texture works great with pastels, the paper is archival quality, and you get a nice variety of colours to work on.
