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Introduction
Are you new to the world of art and drawing and feeling overwhelmed by the variety of paper options available? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Choosing the right paper is an essential aspect of creating beautiful artwork. With so many types of paper to choose from, each with its unique textures, weights, and characteristics, it can be challenging to decide which one will work best for your project. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help beginners like you understand the different types of drawing paper and their qualities. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and select the right paper that fits your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your artwork.
When selecting the right drawing paper, consider the following factors:
- Weight/Thickness – Does your project require paper with a heavier weight or paper that is thicker? Heavier paper is more durable and provides more tooth for drawing.
- Tooth – Consider the amount of texture you need for your drawing. Do you need a smooth texture or something more rough? Smooth paper has less tooth, while rough paper has more tooth.
- Type/Tone – What type is going to work best for your medium? Does your project require toned paper?
- Size/Format – What size of paper are you going to need for your project? Would loose sheets be best or would a sketchbook be better?
- Quality – What is your budget for this project? Higher quality paper is going to cost more.
- Archival Properties – Does your project need to last for the years to come? Are you in a position to properly store it?
Paper Weight and Thickness
When it comes to choosing the right drawing paper, two factors take precedence: weight and thickness. Paper weight, typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (GSM), refers to the weight of a ream of 500 sheets. A heavier paper offers greater durability, being less likely to wrinkle or tear, while also being able to hold more layers of pigment. Meanwhile, the thickness of the paper refers to the distance between the two surfaces of the paper (the front and the back). Thicker paper is less likely to bleed through, providing artists with a more reliable and robust canvas to create their works on.
Paper weight can range anywhere from 50lbs to 140lbs and the weight you select will depend on a variety of factors, including the drawing materials you plan to use, your preferred techniques, and your personal preferences. That said, for beginners, it’s often recommended to start with lighter weight papers such as 70lb or 80lb, as these papers are easier to handle and more forgiving. These papers are also more affordable, making them a great option for those who are just starting out. As you become more experienced, you can try experimenting with heavier paper weights to find the perfect match for your style and preferred medium.
Understanding Paper Texture (Tooth)
As an artist, understanding the texture or tooth of paper is an essential skill to master. The texture of paper can greatly impact the quality of your drawings and the overall feel of your artwork. There are several types of paper textures you can choose from, such as rough, smooth, and medium. Rough paper textures are great for creating a more organic, natural look to your artwork. It can also be great for creating depth and dimensionality for your drawings. Smooth paper textures, on the other hand, are perfect for creating detailed, precise artwork. This texture is ideal for ink and pen drawings or even for creating intricate pencil sketches. Medium paper textures offer a balance between rough and smooth textures. It provides enough tooth for the pencil to grip onto, but not so much that it makes it difficult to create fine details. When choosing a paper texture, it’s important to consider the medium you will be using, as well as the style of artwork you want to create. By understanding the texture of paper, you can create stunning and unique works of art that truly capture your vision.
Types of Drawing Paper
Sketch Paper
Sketch paper is a type of drawing paper that is ideal for quick sketches and initial drawings. It is usually made from inexpensive, unbleached paper and has a rough texture that allows pencils to glide smoothly. Sketch paper is perfect for practicing and experimenting with new techniques as it allows you to create a wide range of marks.
Bristol Paper
Bristol paper is a heavyweight paper that is commonly used for technical drawings and illustrations. It is available in both smooth and vellum and is highly durable. Bristol paper can handle a variety of mediums, including pen and ink, markers, and colored pencils. It is ideal for artwork that requires precision and detail, such as architectural renderings or technical drawings.
Charcoal Paper
Charcoal paper is a type of paper specifically designed for charcoal drawing. It is made from lightweight, acid-free paper that has a slightly rough texture. The texture helps to hold the charcoal in place and prevent smudging. Charcoal paper is also suitable for pastels and other dry media, but it is not recommended for wet media as the paper may buckle and warp.
Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is a type of paper that is designed for watercolor painting. It is available in both hot-pressed and cold-pressed varieties and comes in different weights. Hot-pressed watercolor paper has a smooth surface, while cold-pressed watercolor paper has a textured surface that allows for more natural and organic brushstrokes. Watercolor paper is highly absorbent and can handle multiple layers of paint without buckling or warping.
Pastel Paper
Pastel paper is a type of paper specifically designed for pastel drawing. It has a rough texture that helps to hold the pastel in place and prevent smudging. Pastel paper comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and various shades of gray. It is also available in different weights, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight.
Toned Paper
Toned paper is a type of paper that has a colored background. It is available in different shades, including gray, tan, and blue. Toned paper is ideal for drawing as it provides a mid-tone background that can be used to create highlights and shadows. It is commonly used for figure drawing, portraits, and still life compositions.
Newsprint Paper
Newsprint paper is a type of lightweight paper commonly used for printing newspapers. It is also a popular choice for drawing due to its low cost and easy availability. Newsprint paper has a rough texture and is not suitable for detailed drawings. It is best used for quick sketches and practice drawings.
Vellum Paper
Vellum paper is a type of translucent paper that is commonly used for tracing and drafting. It is highly durable and has a smooth surface that allows for precise lines. Vellum paper is also suitable for ink and pencil drawings and is available in both heavyweight and lightweight varieties.
Paper Size and Format
While the type and quality of the paper are crucial, the size and format of the paper should also be carefully considered.
The most popular sizes for drawing paper are typically 9×12 inches and 11×14 inches. These sizes provide a good balance between space and portability, making them great options for both studio and outdoor use. However, it’s important to remember that larger or smaller sizes may be more appropriate for specific projects.
If you’re working on a larger piece or want to create a more immersive experience, a larger paper size like 18×24 inches might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re working on a more detailed piece or need to fit your work in a specific frame, a smaller size like 5×7 inches may be a better option.
It is also essential to consider the paper’s format, such as pads, blocks, sketchbooks, or loose sheets. Each has their own unique advantages, depending on the project you’re working on.
Pads and blocks are perfect for artists who are always on the go. They are designed for convenience, with their compact and portable format making them easy to transport. Pads are bound on one edge, while blocks are glued on all four sides to prevent the paper from buckling. They’re also available in a variety of sizes and paper types, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Sketchbooks are bound books filled with pages specifically designed for drawing. They often have a higher quality paper than pads and can handle a wider range of media, from pencil and ink to watercolor and markers. Sketchbooks also provide a convenient way to keep your artwork organized and in one place.
Loose sheets, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility in terms of customization. They come in larger sizes, making them ideal for creating large-scale artworks or projects that require more space. You can also choose the exact number of sheets you need, making them a cost-effective option for artists on a budget.
Ultimately, the size and format of your paper will depend on your specific needs as an artist. Consider the project you’re working on and whether you need portability or customization. Taking the time to carefully consider these factors can help you achieve the best possible results in your artwork.
Paper Brand and Price
The brand and price of the paper can also play a significant role in the decision-making process. For professional artists, high-end paper brands like Arches, Strathmore, and Fabriano are popular choices due to their exceptional quality and durability. These papers are often made from premium materials and undergo extensive manufacturing processes to ensure they meet the highest standards. However, such quality often comes at a premium price, which may not be feasible for everyone.
For beginners and those on a budget, a more affordable paper option like Canson can still provide a suitable surface for drawing. These papers may not have the same level of quality as the high-end brands, but they are still capable of producing satisfactory results for learning and practicing.
When selecting drawing paper, it is crucial to balance the paper’s quality with your budget to avoid overspending on materials. Consider the level of your skills and the intended use of the final artwork to determine the best paper option that fits your needs. With the right paper, you can take your drawing skills to the next level and create stunning artworks that will impress and inspire.
Archival Properties
Archival drawing paper is a type of paper that is designed to resist aging and degradation over time. It is made from high-quality materials that are acid-free, lignin-free, and pH-neutral. These materials help to prevent the paper from yellowing or becoming brittle over time, ensuring that the artwork or design will remain vibrant and intact for years to come. Archival drawing paper is available in a range of weights and textures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you are working with graphite, charcoal, ink, or colored pencils, archival paper can provide the perfect surface for your artwork. So if you are looking to create a piece of art or a design that will stand the test of time, consider using archival drawing paper. Not only will it help to preserve your work for future generations, but it will also ensure that your artwork looks as vibrant and beautiful as the day it was created.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drawing paper is a crucial aspect of creating beautiful artwork. When selecting the right paper, it’s important to consider the weight, tooth, type/tone, size/format, quality, and archival properties. Paper weight and thickness are significant factors, as heavier and thicker paper offers greater durability and can hold more layers of pigment. Understanding paper texture, or tooth, is also essential as it can greatly impact the quality of your drawings. There are several types of drawing paper to choose from, including sketch paper, Bristol paper, charcoal paper, watercolor paper, and pastel paper, each with its unique textures and characteristics. By keeping these factors in mind and experimenting with different types of paper, you can find the perfect match for your style and preferred medium, ultimately producing stunning and unique works of art.
I hope you found this article useful in getting a better understanding of drawing paper. If it was helpful to you, please don’t hesitate to share it with others. Remember, practice makes perfect and with the right tools and knowledge, you can create amazing art!
And as always,
Happy Arting! 🙂
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