Velour VS Pastelmat: Pastel Paper Comparison

A short video demoing the differences between these two popular pastel papers. If you'd like to learn more from me visit / emmacolbertart
Where you can purchase these papers from:
Pastelmat Paper:
www.jacksonsar...
Velour Pastel Paper:
www.jacksonsar...
Selection Pack of Pastel Papers:
www.jacksonsar...

[@patriciarobledo3954]

I had a portrait done in 1975 in soft pastels on velour, framed under glass, of course. Except for a little pastel dust near the bottom (after numerous moves) it looks as vibrant and beautiful as the day it was done. This sparked my interest in soft pastels for many years. Unfortunately, due to lung damage, I can't use soft pastels much anymore, but can tolerate pastel pencils. I'm surprised at myself for never trying the velour paper, something I'll have to remedy soon. Thank you for this very informative, interesting video.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I too have many pastels on velour that still look great after 20 years. The pastel pencils alone are not quite as nice to use on Velour but Pastelmat is great for pencils if you haven't already tried it.

[@M33838]

​@@EmmaColbertArt Hey! You are an amazing artist. God bless you! 💕 I have bought Hahnemuhle Velour paper and I have Stabilo Carbothello colored pencils, but I was so disappointed when I tried them on this paper. It doesn't look like what I saw on KZbin at.others, like oily and creamy. Can you recommend me a better paper? In my country, I can't find Clairefontaine. Or what pastel chalk should i buy @EmmaColbertArt

[@deniseclarkart]

Hi Emma, this was indeed very helpful to show the difference. I’m going to try Velour! Thank you .

[@kayleenwest]

I never knew that about photographing the velour. Not that I have used it yet as I work more broadly and impressionistic so gravitated to the rougher sanded papers. I’m curious to try now. The prices have doubled since your video. It’s quite an expensive medium now.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes I would need to update some of the videos discussing materials as the cost of everything has gone up!

[@jamescarpenter6585]

Wow! That landscape with the sunset sky is gorgeous!

[@lisathaviu1154]

I love the fact that you mention that these papers are “kind to your fingertips.” I tend to use my fingers a lot, which many of my friends do not. Since rubber gloves just annoy me and I don’t tend to use tools unless I have a specific reason to do so, it’s important to me to keep the skin on my fingertips. Added to which I am a type 1 diabetic so I need to do finger stick blood tests at least 4 times every day, it’s a good thing to keep at least some skin on those fingertips.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I like to use my fingers to blend a lot too. And although you have a much more important reason, I too like to keep my fingerprints intact. :-)

[@mjpete27]

So informative and your ability to share your knowledge is wonderful! I did gain a new understanding and appreciate you giving us your opinion on these papers. I believe your a top notch artist and am so thankful for you and your videos! Thank you Emma for your continued sharing of your abilities with us! You are such a wonderful Artist!

[@mark_xy]

I thought it was a video about another different types of rabbit based on the thumbnail!! 😂

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Ah the illusive Northern Velour Hare. I love them! 😅

[@sandiegriffiths1469]

Love this video! I've just finished my very first piece using velour having just used pastelmat before, and though it took a little getting used to, by the end of the piece I absolutely loved it! It took lots of work and layers to achieve a really soft blended gradient in the clear sky, but I also loved how I could loosen up. another important comparison for me is how quick and easy it is to transfer your design. With pastelmat, I can rub pastel on the back of paper and quickly have a really easy to follow defined edge, whereas velour takes much more work, constant checking to make sure marks have transferred, and then having to go back over them again with pastel pencil to make them easier to see. For this reason, If I was against the clock, I'd deffo choose pastelmat over velour 😊

[@richardluevano8996]

Thank you for this information!!! I’m a watercolor artist venturing into pastels and find your review of these papers very helpful. 😊

[@lucretiaonutube]

I just love Pastelmat so much! I've tried many others but always come back to Clairefontaine, it's like velvet. Thanks for this comparison, it was very interesting - I haven't used Velour paper yet.

[@pawstalk]

I tried valour paper once and it was a disaster. I’m sure I just didn’t know how to work with it. I love the look, so I guess I need to try again. Thanks for this. Great video.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

My first try on it was a disaster also. Like many papers...they're all slightly different and take a while to get used to. Some you never do, just personal taste.

[@jillellen2631]

I used to work on velour, but now work exclusively on Pastelmat. But after watching your video, I feel inspired to give the old velour another go! Thanks for another great video!!

[@deangaryjames]

Same here!

[@lyndakowalke8858]

Thank you for the valuable info on the two papers. It was difficult, deciding,to order Valaur or the Pastelmat. I finally decided on the Pastelmat, I . I hope I've made the richt decisiion! 💕

[@EmmaColbertArt]

There is no wrong decision. Both are great!

[@gcolbert573]

this was the most helpful comparison on these two types of paper I could find. Thank you. :-)

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! And a fellow Colbert :-)

[@renmuffett]

I bought the Velour online by accident. I wanted the Pastelmat. I don't know about this mix up but sort of glad about it since now you have convinced me to try it. I also love that soft velvety look. I must try it.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I have another video all about velour and how to use it. Might be of help. Good luck! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKLcmZlqd7OZaNU

[@mommyzethartcorner7685]

such an informative video especially for me whos a beginner in pastel. thank you and you said it well!

[@101mosioatunya]

Your work is astonishing! Thank you for the information you are giving which has been very useful to me.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you Hilary! Glad you find them helpful :-)

[@greekveteran2715]

Perfect video.Stuning drawings! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@flipperdale51]

Thank you for the good advice. Btw, your drawings are beautiful.

[@MarilynFinland]

This video helps me out so much. Thank you!

[@choochoochooseyou]

Very helpful, thanks, Emma.

[@dreadnoughtb3364]

Great video. I struggle with velour yet your ability to get great detail challenges me and inspires me at the same time. ♥️ your videos. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for the comment!

[@suzanneboily5224]

I love your work! I love pastel and hope to perfect my work . I also love all other medium.

[@SH-sr5ol]

You are an AMAZING artist. Such talent

[@claritzairosario68]

Thank you Emma, for all your effort, to explain everything your knowledge of this beautiful technique!

[@oilonpaper]

I've only tried Pastelmat so far, which I really like, but now I definitely want to try out Velour too! 😍 Thanks for this video! 😊

[@barbarawilliams7012]

Thank you for this. I only use Pastelmat but you have tempted me to try velour. One thing you didn’t mention was durability - I have been told you have to be very careful with velour whereas I find Pastelmat to be forgiving in the extreme. I have sometimes scrubbed a failed paper with water and stiff brush which removes the pastel dust, sometimes leaving a ghost but perfectly reusable for trying out techniques

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Barbara, yes it's true that you probably won't have much luck in scraping pigment off this paper and starting again. It's not a technique I use anyway but if it's something you like to do a lot, velour won't be helpful. I approach velour with a more planned approach. It's still versatile in that it will take more layers, but it definitely does behave differently to the sanded papers. Check out my other velour video as it might give you more info about it.

[@hardy5288]

Just found your channel, subscribed, great work .Emma. and a very informative video.

[@imasnowwhite3592]

This was very interesting, thank you so much 🙂💖

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Really good information about these papers - love them both tpo! ❤ As always, you stun me with your gorgeous work! Breathtaking! ❤

[@TheBeaforte]

Thank you so much for this!

[@leftyfourguns]

Wow that’s a noticeable difference between the scanned and photographed paintings. Maybe you could do a video on that topic sometime

[@EmmaColbertArt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4axq3mFmbqSbtU :-)

[@mobilhome1824]

Would be also glad for a Velour paper vs Uart pastel paper comparison.

[@iammakingamess]

Thanks for this! I never knew about Velour paper so I might give it a try. I was wondering though if you have tried UART sanded paper? If yes, do you still choose Pastelmal over UART?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for the comment! I have a big review video about 15 different papers if you'd like to learn more kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDFhp-ZYq-BgZY Also just released a video about a new paper at kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KuamV5a62NbKM

[@innerhebridean]

I saw the Shepherd’s ear wiggle.

[@barbdouglas3242]

I love velour.

[@moonmagnolia7]

DickBlick said the Haunable Velour boards are being discontinued so I ordered two to try them.

[@artaddict2313]

The only thing that makes Pastelmat better IMO is the fact that it can handle: water, mineral spirits, and alcohol, whereas the velour cant take anything wet. Still I love how color looks on velour

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Very true about Pastelmat. Water is a great addition to pastel although I don't do it much these days. I should try it out on Pastelmat!

[@kataretta]

Thank you so much for this video, especially for the sound of paper touching! :) I've just bought a set of H.Velour for a portrait and was thinking, is it a good choice? And after your demonstration I suppose that it's right. Mb later I'll try Pastelmat, because it also has interesting effects and nice surface

[@madamrose1965]

Fabulous Artist Fabulous 👏👏ArtWork

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you!

[@m.e.cornelis9722]

Mi teinte touch is sanded, but you can make a lot of layers on that paper. Doesn t Hurt my fingers at all .

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I'm sure there are a variety of sanded papers, I know that when working on UART or Fisher 400 it's a bit painful if you rub too hard. I can blend lightly though and it's fine. Not really a huge issue for me when choosing a paper. If you're happy on your choice of paper then great! Paper is a very personal choice for each artist.

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

As an amateur, I feel velour paper is fighting back against my pastel strokes and it feels in my small hands quite soon. For me pastelmat is easier to work with.

[@scrappyrubia9879]

Agreed.

[@PaintingwithIrene-Clarke]

love your animals-so well done💖💖💖

[@hannahgibson5219]

Thank you for this video! It is so helpful. I have both types of surface and just started on velour. Was definitely seeing the difference. But I LOVE the feel. Glad that the one I started today happened to a portrait with not as much detail/lower resolution. Do you use any other pastels besides unison? I have unison and stabilo pastel pencils. What are you mounting the velour on?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Hannah, you'll see how I mount the velour paper in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XJYZukipqqpLM. I have a broad range of different pastel brands but in smaller amounts. My Unisons are my main palette but I dip into Terry Ludwig for some darks I like, and some other American brands for particular colours. I like the Unisons best though.

[@mommyzethartcorner7685]

Oh Emma youre such a great help!im a velour user and i love it despite of its cons.I really want to try pastelmat but its to expensive! Do you think pastelmat is worth trying in human portraits?thanks so much!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I've just been doing some people portraits this month on Pastetlmat. Check out my new videos on the little girl and the small hand demo. I do like it for people portraits too.

[@mommyzethartcorner7685]

Thank you ms. Emma!i admire you a lot and your works! Rgds fr Philippines

[@annelloydholden2567]

Very interesting. I love the pastel mat but would love to try the Valour. What brand do you use? Thank you!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I use Hahnemühle Velour. Each pastel paper is so different, it's worth trying a few different ones. Here is a link to a great paper trial pack that I used in my bigger paper comparison video www.jacksonsart.com/sanded-pastel-paper-comparison-pack-of-7-quarter-sheets?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1656219&awc=79140_1728054815_9a4b02488df798b8aa5d3f2b58502c9c My paper video is at kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDFhp-ZYq-BgZY

[@annelloydholden2567]

@@EmmaColbertArt Thank you so much for the information.

[@robmart8255]

I think I see Pastel pencils in the drawer of your easel. Do you have to worry about grooves showing up in your work with either paper?

[@EmilyMutti_]

Love this video! Thank you. The name is Hahnemuhle Velour Pastel Paper? Because I'm searching for this paper... Thanks!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes that's the one!

[@EmilyMutti_]

@@EmmaColbertArt thank you! :)

[@pentachronic]

I’ve used pastel paper so far and it was frustrating because my soft pastels built up so quickly that it was really hard to add the final layers for detailing. Do these substrates have better holding than paper (Strathmore or Canson, I can’t recall what I used) ? Love your work and finish BTW. Thanks.

[@loati94]

Yes pastelmat and velour accept many many layers before the pastel doesn't stick to the paper anymore. In normal pastel papers sometimes even two layers are enough to make it stop working. It is also way more expensive though

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I have a paper review here which might be helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDFhp-ZYq-BgZY

[@lisvandergeer]

Thanks for explaining the difference in papers in this nice video. What I also reLly would like to know....do you frame your work behind glass? And if so, what kind d of glass. The artglass is pretty expensive. And I experience too much reflection in the glass of par example the Barth-photoframes.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Yes I frame behind glass and while I recommend the museum quality glass to clients, it is often too expensive. Just like the shine on a varnished painting, there are certain places that when hung the reflection will cause a problem.

[@lisvandergeer]

@@EmmaColbertArt thank you. SoI do have to yake the light at the place I hang tbe piece in consideration.

[@deangaryjames]

I struggle with the darker velour colours as when i want to do a cats white chest the dark fibres keep coming thru and it needs many layers then i lose the form?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

The darker colours of velour are difficult. If I had a white animal to paint I would probably avoid the dark colours as it's going to shine through. Other papers you could use the dark but the velour really seems to saturate the colours.

[@aduf2002]

and good budget pastel pencils and sticks in one

[@trudiatherton7112]

Can I ask what and how you mount these two papers ? Is there a video for this ? Thanks

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I don't always mount Pastelmat as sometimes with a smaller piece it's firm enough. I also buy the Pastelmat board. But with velour or bigger pieces on Pastelmat paper you can see how I mount at kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XJYZukipqqpLM

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Im compelled to use color pencil for detail rather than worry over possible crumbling pastel pencils. I guess thats called multimedia. Especial since i prefer oil based pencils

[@ArtandKitchen_]

pastel pencil doesnt stick on velour, is it good in drawing animals because of its soft effect. But pastelmat is easier hehe

[@juul7737]

On what paper would you make a human portrait?

[@WallyMahar]

I know it sounds impossible, but it be great if someone can figure out a velour type texture for color pencils. Something that would be, of course, strong enough, bounce back against a pencil, but yet somehow have a blendable soft texture. I just really enjoy a fine detail …using a magnifying glass, 😂 is my extreme preference. If anyone knows how I can combine pastel, which I do love, with super sharp detail, perhaps even after the fact, like the new pitt matte 14b pencils by Faber Castell, I would love to know. Anybody have any success drawing over top of pastel?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Pastelmat is the better one for tiny detail. And have you tried pastel pencils? That combo works very nicely for those who want detail.

[@angelahyde7133]

what adhesive do you use to stick velour on a board,,Is the board mdf ?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Angela, check out this video showing me preparing a velour board kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XJYZukipqqpLM

[@sniperwipers]

How do you mount your papers and what do you mount them on to ? I would really love to know how.

[@mjpete27]

Alain Picard has a very good video on mounting your pastel papers, check him out.

[@sniperwipers]

@@mjpete27 Cheers , i will do.

[@sandiegriffiths1469]

Emma has a video of her mounting velour paper ready for painting. She uses self adhesive 5mm foam board I believe 😊

[@mobilhome1824]

Why do they look better photographed than scanned? That is not true for water based mediums like gouache or watercolor.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I scan my work. You can see how at kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4axq3mFmbqSbtU

[@GabrieleSchulz1963]

Leider konnte ich keine Sprache einstellen die ich verstehe!?

[@franciscomartinezmenendez6817]

No te entiendo hablo español pero me encanta tu obras yo hecho cosa en pastel y grafito y óleo me encanta como manejas el pastel

[@suzanneboily5224]

There is no bell lol

[@zuheyr1]

You are beautiful