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Fabulous Fabriano!

by Ellie Jakeman September 12, 2024

Fabulous Fabriano!

Unleash your creativity with Fabriano Cromia papers—where vibrant colours meet unparalleled quality for your next masterpiece!

What is Fabriano CROMIA?

Fabriano Cromia paper is a high-quality, versatile paper specifically made for Fine arts, produced by the renowned Italian paper manufacturer Fabriano. Known for its fine tooth  texture and excellent durability. Cromia paper is favoured by artists for a variety of applications. One of the primary benefits of using Fabriano Cromia paper is its exceptional versatility, accommodating a wide range of artistic mediums. The brand new Fabriano Cromia range also comes in a range of beautiful colours. 

Paper properties: Mould-made, 50% cotton and 50% alpha-cellulose, 220gsm, 50x65cm sheets, 2 deckle edges, textured surface, vegan friendly, acid free, no optical brighteners, age resistant!

This paper is ideal for use with:

  1. Pencil and Graphite: Its smooth surface allows for precise, detailed drawings. It is resistant to scratches, tears, and erasures.
  2. Charcoal and Pastel: The paper's texture provides a good grip for these softer mediums, preventing excessive smudging.
  3. Ink and Markers: The even surface ensures clean, crisp lines without bleeding.
  4. Watercolours and Gouache: Despite being relatively smooth, Cromia paper can handle light washes and more substantial applications of water-based paints without warping.
  5. Acrylic and Oil Paints: While traditionally used on canvas, these paints can also be applied to Cromia paper for experimental techniques and mixed media work.

Additionally, Fabriano Cromia paper is acid-free, ensuring the longevity of the artwork and preventing deterioration over time. Its sturdy construction allows for repeated erasing and reworking, making it an excellent choice for both preliminary sketches and finished pieces. Overall, Fabriano Cromia paper provides artists with a reliable and adaptable surface, enhancing the creative process across various mediums.

 

White

Black

Blue

Light Blue

Pale Amaranth

Pale Brown

Ochre

Green

Pale Grey

Grey

Fabulous products for using on Cromia Fabriano, coloured paper

We tested some of our products on this fabulous paper to see how they would perform, we were very pleasantly surprised by the results. We have provided some product links for further information. 

Acrylic markers - Posca Markers on pale grey Fabriano Cromia coloured paper. We tested  Posca markers on the Pale Grey Fabriano Cromia and the results were excellent. Smooth application and vivid colour results.

     

    Coloured pencils - Inktense pencils on light blue Fabriano Cromia Coloured paper.

     We sampled the light blue Fabriano Cromia coloured paper with Inktense pencils and they worked incredibly well on the slightly textured surface. The soft pencils retained their vibrancy and once diluted with water, their colours remained opulent and jewel like. Depending on your project, you can use the Inktense pencils dry or wet, the slight texture allows for layering of pigments to add depth and detail. The paper's ability to hold both dry and wet media makes it an excellent choice for mixed media techniques, especially as the weight is 220gsm. Avoidance of over saturation with water should be considered.


    Metallics on Fabriano Cromia black coloured paper

    Fabriano Cromia black coloured paper is sturdy enough to handle the metallic products listed below, inks, paints and marker pens, the contrast and sheen of the metallic colours against the black matt paper enhances their lustre.  

     

    Metallic inks;

      Metallic acrylic paints

     

      Metallic markers;


      Metallic pencils on Fabriano  - Derwent Metallic pencils

      Derwent Metallic Pencils Set of 12

      These Derwent Metallic Pencils are highly reflective and blend together beautifully to create vivid and striking effects. The shimmering pigments produce brilliant definition, especially when used on this Fabriano Cromia black coloured paper and open up an array of possibilities to any creative artist. Their creamy consistency means they flow perfectly on the paper.

      Metallic markers on Fabriano Cromia coloured Pale Amaranth paper 

      The Pale Amaranth coloured paper was perfect for showing off the Frisk Metallic Markers. The shimmering metallic colours would be perfect for card crafters and illustrators, as well as for our young creatives.

       

        Gouache paints on Fabriano Cromia Coloured Blue paper 

        We tested Pebeo Gouache paint on the blue Fabriano Cromia paper and found it held the colours well without rippling or buckling. The colours remained vivid and opaque.  We would suggest using a small amount of  water, to avoid saturating the paper. You can achieve some great scumbling effects with the soft surface texture of the paper.  

         

          Water Soluble crayons on Fabriano Cromia blue coloured paper

          The Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Aquarelle water-soluble wax pastels glide smoothly on Fabriano Cromia 220gsm coloured paper, with vibrant pigments that blend effortlessly, creating rich, watercolour-like effects even on the paper's textured surface. These versatile water soluble Wax pastels can be used wet or dry. 

           

           


          Soft Pastel sticks on Fabriano Cromia green coloured paper

          We used the Inscribe soft pastels on the green paper, the slight tooth of the paper provides a great base for the soft pastels. We have listed a variety of soft pastel brands below. Working on a mid-tone colour provides a good measure for the rest of the dark and light values in your composition.


            Soft pastel pencils on Fabriano Cromia Ochre coloured paper.

            After sampling the soft pastels we used Derwent Pastel Pencils on the ochre coloured paper, with some great results. We tested the original colours first, then layered them with a darker hue to see how they would layer up on the paper. The middle colour is the new hue created by the two colours either side of it. The fine tooth of the paper holds the pastels well and enables the layering of pigments to create new ones, it is also excellent for creating gradients.

             

            Derwent Pastel Pencils - Set of 24

            Derwent Individual Pastel Pencils

            Caran d'Ache Dry Pastel Pencils - Set of 12

            Stabilo CarbOthello Chalk Pastel Pencils - Assorted Colours - Set of 36

            Faber-Castell Pitt PASTEL Pencil Metal Tin of 36 Pencils

             

             

            Watercolour paint on Fabriano Cromia White coloured paper

            We would call the White Fabriano Cromia paper a warm white. We used our own Studio Set Artist Quality Watercolour Half Pans to swatch out the colours on the Fabriano paper and the colours remained vibrant. We used the colours relatively dry, but diluted enough to give a good coverage on the paper. The paper’s fine tooth created some amazing dry brush effects whilst still providing a good strong base for the watercolours. Over saturation may cause the paper to buckle slightly, however the paper will take small areas of wet into wet techniques where the fine grain accentuates  the granulation textures of the paint. 

             

              In conclusion to our testing of this fabulous paper we think Fabriano Cromia coloured paper is incredibly versatile, offering artists the flexibility to use a wide range of products with stunning results. From pencils, pastels, and charcoal to ink, markers, and even light watercolours, this premium paper handles each medium with ease. Its smooth texture and vibrant colours enhance the brilliance of any creative project, making it an ideal choice for both professional artists and hobbyists looking to experiment with different techniques. Whether for sketching, crafting, or mixed media art, Fabriano Cromia coloured papers provide the perfect surface for creative artistic expression. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on instagram #colouringthenation.

              Ellie Jakeman
              Ellie Jakeman

              I have had a strong interest in the visual and creative arts since a very early age. After completing an Art and Design Degree and Post graduate studies I have taught Art and Design, Fashion and Textiles, Textile design , Fine Art print and Illustration for over 20 years. Before teaching I was a freelance artist and illustrator and decided 4 years ago I would return to freelance and commissioned work. I have created many domestic and commercial murals for hospitals and hospices. I work part time for ARTdiscount as a content creator and product tester.


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