Help! Huge pastel portrait... what's the best surface?

[Amyla]

Hi all!

It looks like I've got a large portrait commission, for five foot portraits in pastels. I am trying to find the best way to go about this... I've never done a painting that large before, and have always used Canson papers (usually 18x24). Is there anyone here who works in pastels? Is it possible to paint with pastels on canvas, and spray with varnish to fix it? If so, what type of canvas is best for this? If canvas isn't the best option, what is another good option for surface that will be found in that large size? I can't find good quality papers that large so far...

Thank you immensely to whomever replies!

[alesoun]

I asked my husband about this; he used to be an art lecturer.

Cartridge paper is good for pastels; but if you can't find any big enough, you could use lining paper (the stuff that goes under wallpaper) because you can cut that to any length.

He says you should put it on a board then use your pastels. A light spray with fixative (available in art shops) should be enough to fix it.

The only other way that I think you might get paper the size you want might be to order it direct from a paper mill.

[Elwell]

I know Sharon Knettell does big (=life sized figures) pastels. I think she uses a sanded pastel paper. She posts here from time to time, try searching her posts for info, or sending her a PM.

[Amyla]

I asked my husband about this; he used to be an art lecturer.

Cartridge paper is good for pastels; but if you can't find any big enough, you could use lining paper (the stuff that goes under wallpaper) because you can cut that to any length.

He says you should put it on a board then use your pastels. A light spray with fixative (available in art shops) should be enough to fix it.

The only other way that I think you might get paper the size you want might be to order it direct from a paper mill.

Thank you, Alesoun. I've seen some paper rolls on the Blick web site... looking into those, as well as foam core for mounting. The input is appreciated!

[Amyla]

I know Sharon Knettell does big (=life sized figures) pastels. I think she uses a sanded pastel paper. She posts here from time to time, try searching her posts for info, or sending her a PM.

Thanks, Elwell, I'll search out her posts :)

[chaosrocks]

Ive seen several choices here.. heavy ragg paper comes in rolls (try Graphic chemical, or Dolphin papers) . I have also seen pastels done on gessoed masonite with fines sand or talc in the gesso
reminder when gessoing large paper or masonite. if you gesso both sides it'll dry flat
My husband did a huge triptych oin prismacolor and pastel on black paper. just tape it thoutoughly onto a hard surface

[Amyla]

Ive seen several choices here.. heavy ragg paper comes in rolls (try Graphic chemical, or Dolphin papers) . I have also seen pastels done on gessoed masonite with fines sand or talc in the gesso
reminder when gessoing large paper or masonite. if you gesso both sides it'll dry flat
My husband did a huge triptych oin prismacolor and pastel on black paper. just tape it thoutoughly onto a hard surface

Thanks much, chaosrocks :) I'll keep this in mind.