Hello, Almost artists! I hope you’re doing great. Wondering what drawing paper would go well for your specific needs? Well, here you’ll know everything about the best drawing paper to choose for your specific medium and get the best out of it.
Choosing the right paper for your drawings can make a huge difference. There are different types of paper for a reason, you know. A specific medium interacts with a certain type of paper differently that’s why selecting the right drawing paper can change your drawings drastically. It not just effects the line quality but the shading and all the other stuff.
Let’s delve into the details:
1. Paper Texture:
The feel of the paper is what you call the texture of the drawing paper. You can feel it while running fingers on the surface and it appears when you start shading. It can affect the line quality and the details of the drawing.
Smooth:
- Ideal for detailed work.
- Offers precise lines and controlled shading.
- Example: Strathmore Bristol Smooth, 140gsm.
Medium(Vellum):
- Versatile for various media.
- Provides a good balance between detail and texture.
- Example: Canson Mi-Teintes, 160gsm
Rough:
- Creates a distinct, rustic feel with pronounced tooth.
- Example: Fabriano Ingres, 220gsm
2. Paper Weight(GSM):
The paper weight is measured in GSM which is grams per square meter. The higher the GSM number, the heavier will be the paper and the better it will perform with wet media and multiple layering.
90 to 120gsm:
- Lightweight
- Good for sketching and practice.
- Example: Canson Croquis, 90gsm
140 to 180gsm:
- Standard weight
- Offers good durability for most drawing media.
- Example: Strathmore 400 Series, 154gsm
220 to 300gsm or more:
- Heavyweight
- Ideal for wet media like watercolor and heavier mediums like pastels.
- Example: Arches Watercolor Hot Press, 300gsm
3. Archival:
Drawing papers come in acidic and non-acidic nature. Non-acidic is what you call archival.
Acidic:
- Good for practice work only
- Doesn’t maintain its texture and appearance for long.
- It decays, becomes yellow, and deteriorates over time.
Non Acidic:
- Made with a cotton rag or wood pulp treated to resist aging, ensuring your drawings stay vibrant for years.
- The paper can resist yellowing, decaying, and fading over time.
- Maintains its texture and appearance longer than acidic drawing papers.
4. Material Of Paper:
Papers are made of different raw materials that exhibit different properties while working with them. Anything cheap is fine for practicing but if you are going to make a piece then considering the drawing paper material would be a good idea as it can affect your drawing piece in the long run.
Wood Pulp:
- Affordable.
- Good for practice.
- Bleeds.
- May not be archival-quality.
Cotton Rag:
- More expensive.
- Highest quality, archival-safe, and durable.
- Best for drawings that are going to be a piece.
- Doesn’t bleed.
5. Paper Tone:
Paper tones can set a mood for your drawing. They can make your drawings pop, give them depth, provide midtones, save your time, and overall produce an interesting effect.
- White: It’s the most common and standard choice for clean, bright drawings. It doesn’t create depth automatically.
- Cream: It’s a natural and warmer tone that can add depth and richness to your drawings.
- Colored: It creates a unique base for your artwork.
6. binding Of Sketchbook:
I was not going to add this to my list but if you’re someone who loves to take your sketchbook anywhere you go then you might as well consider its binding.
- Spiral-bound: Lies flat, easy to draw on, good for quick sketches. (Spiral hardcover will be a good choice).
- Hardcover: More durable, protects your artwork, doesn’t lie flat and hard to draw on.
- Softcover: Portable and lightweight, doesn’t protect drawings, easily tearable, looks cheap.
Suitable Paper For Every Medium:
Graphite:
- Texture:Smooth or medium texture
- Weight: 140-180gsm
- Nature:Non-acidic or archival drawing paper
- Example:Strathmore 400 series
Charcoal:
- Texture: Medium or rough texture
- Weight:180-220gsm
- Nature:Non-acidic or archival drawing paper
- Example:Fabriano Ingres
Pen & Ink:
- Texture: Smooth or medium texture
- Weight:140-180gsm
- Nature: Non-acidic, bleed proof
- Example:Bristol Board
Colored Pencils:
- Texture: Medium or rough texture
- Weight: 180gsm or more
- Nature:Non-acidic or archival drawing paper
- Example: Strathmore Toned Tan
Pastels:
- Texture: Rough texture so it can hold pastels on paper
- Weight: 220-300gsm
- Nature:Non-acidic or archival drawing paper
- Example: Strathmore Pastel Paper
Watercolor:
- Texture:Heavyweight ( Textured or smooth)
- Weight: 300gsm or more
- Nature: Cotton rag, non-acidic or archival
- Example: Arches Watercolor Hot Press
Personal Choice:
Now that you know everything you need in order to choose the best drawing paper for your specific needs, it all comes down to your personal choice. Remember, experimenting is the key to discovering what suits your taste the best and creates a unique artistic expression.