Light Paper vs Dark Paper - Soft Pastel

A short video showing the difference between using a light colour surface and a dark surface for soft pastel. I did the same painting twice on different papers and here are the results!
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[@paulettewojcik7687]

Thank you. This was exactly what I was looking for.

[@punjabpainting2002]

Wow wonderful painting dear friend...stay connected..have a nice day ♥️♥️

[@giovannimacchiavello6389]

Fantastic, thank you

[@kerry5586]

They are both fantastic ( I actually thought they were the photos you were going to use for reference when I first opened the video), but I prefer the one on the light paper as it seems to stand out more which surprises as I thought the one on black would stand out better. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Wow - brilliant video, Emma! 🌟 And what gorgeous monkeys!!! ❤❤ My goddness, they are so well painted!!! 👍🎨 Thanks so much for sharing! 🙏

[@michep.169]

thank you very much.

[@mjpete27]

A lovely painting exposition! I have enjoyed watching your videos and seeing you create this amazing artwork on multiple papers is a real learning experience. Thank you Emma, your very generous with your hard won knowledge.

[@susanreinersuedahl]

Thank you Emma. That was very informative.

[@mebharris]

Well done Emma. Thanks for this great information.

[@melanieopperman6688]

Thank you Emma this was an interesting comparison. I enjoy working on black paper with colour pencil and have been wondering about using lighter paper. I can see from your study that the lighter paper gives a brighter glow whereas the dark paper is more dramatic. Both stunning. It is encouraging to see that you just have to stay flexible when working with a lighter/darker toned surface to achieve your desired results.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Melanie, yes it's still possible to get where you want just by altering what you do slightly. I enjoyed the darker paper a lot! Think I'll be repeating that :-)

[@melanieopperman6688]

I can't wait to hold my set of 36 'Emma Colbert Animal Collection' in my hands. I have been on the fence about trying soft pastels and have stuck with possible safer option colour pencils which I do enjoy. But I can't watch from the sidelines any longer. All in, unison pastels and pastelmat paper on order. And hopefully your example of diligence will rub off on me too, so that I will be delighted by the results. Thank you for your generosity in such lovely tutorials. I appreciate the time, care, excellence and willingness to share your expertise.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Wow how exciting! Dive right in, you will love them. It doesn't mean abandoning pencils either as you can combine the two. Enjoy!

[@melanieopperman6688]

@@EmmaColbertArt That is a relief, thank you Emma.

[@shamsart]

Great work, this is very helpful thanks for sharing. 💜

[@DeanMarsh1962]

Awesome idea for a videos, very helpful, thank you 🙏 Been following you for some years and enjoy your channel.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Dean, much appreciated!

[@angelwings8815]

Fantastic! Your artworks and videos are wonderful!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@tbm7187]

Excellent! I'm still struggling with choosing the right color paper.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I have another video about that here th-cam.com/video/PG0_OYXCmmw/w-d-xo.html

[@Seánybruv]

What about using plain white pastelmat? Wouldn’t that be best? You could even do your own colour with a light wash of watercolour as the base

[@EmmaColbertArt]

That's totally possible. But I was only going to paint 2 of these and took the opportunity to show how the warmth of the paper also plays a part. I don't use watercolour washes on my pastel works but I know plenty who do and I'm sure that would work too.

[@robisnowart]

great video Emma, i've only just started with pastels, 2 pieces done and a 3rd on the way, but your videos have been hugely helpful! your work is stunning! keep up the great videos and great work!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! So lovely to hear. You will be hooked now too :-)

[@robisnowart]

@@EmmaColbertArt i think i already am! :D

[@ProgressiveAF]

Beautiful painting. The color and quality of the paper and pigment really does make a difference. The darker paper definitely worked better for the subject matter.
I have a question. Do you use a spray fixative on your finished paintings?