The history
Canson® was founded in 1557 by the Montgolfier family. With over 450 years’ experience we have unrivalled expertise and know-how when it comes to paper and paper production.Canson® is the world leader within art paper.Canson® paper is the epitome of artistic paper, not least due to the collaboration with major renowned artists such as Degas, Ingres, Picasso, Matisse and Warhol.
Innovation is in the company’s genes.The Montgolfier family invented the first hot air balloon in 1782, but they were first and foremost paper manufacturers.The family is responsible for the development of many paper manufacturing methods, e.g. both vélin paper and later tracing paper.As early as 1865, Canson® managed to obtain a patent on photo paper which simplifies the developing process.
The paper
We produce paper for drawing, pastels, acrylics, oils and watercolours, graphic and digital art, photography, etc.
We aim to offer top quality products that are a source of joy and inspiration to all, regardless of whether they are professional artists or amateurs.
The environment
Both quality and the environment are important to Canson® and all of its products are therefore certified in accordance with Paper By Nature.The paper pulp comes solely from sustainable forestry and a minimum of additives are used.The production method itself is designed to cause the least possible emission of air and water as well as the rational use of water, energy and wood.
Paper for art
Watercolours
This is a technique which was known by the Egyptians as early as the second century BC and which has been used ever since.
The most important qualities with watercolour painting are its transparency and the light:Watercolour painting involves continuously painting in semi-transparent colours.The choice of paper is of the utmost importance as the process of watercolour painting involves the use of a lot of water, and the paper must therefore be able to absorb the water without becoming deformed and without the colours running out.
The whiteness of the paper also plays an important role, either by being visible through a light layer of colour or by functioning as the white colour, which doesn’t exist in watercolours.
Canson® offers a wide range of watercolour paper in sheets, pads and albums, in 100% cotton or cellulose with one thing in common:Exceptional stability even with the use of a lot of water and extremely good correctability (the paper’s ability to be washed with a brush for correction).
Oils and acrylics
Oil painting became widespread in the 15th century while acrylic paint belongs to the 1950s.The two types – often called wet techniques – share some common features.They are both opaque and sticky.They both also require paper with a high gram weight.
Drawing
Drawing is a fundamental discipline which covers countless techniques – pencil, charcoal, pastels, ochre chalk, etc.– and countless different methods.Drawing is often used in studies, and is a discipline in itself, used by the greatest artists.The range of Canson® drawing paper covers all these techniques and requirements.
Graphic art
Graphic art extends from the concept ‘beaux arts’ to cartoons, design, illustration and graphic design.
The Canson® Arts Graphiques range includes tracing, layout, Bristol and Plume® card.
School paper
Canson® sells a range adapted to the requirements of schools in all the countries where the brand is available:drawing pads, tracing paper, millimetre paper, class sets, etc.
Loose sheets
Loose sheets of white paper for drawing, coloured sheets of paper for gluing, cutting and sticking, and all paper used in art lessons are available in the Canson® range.
