A Newbie’s Information to Artist’s Drawing Paper

Undecided what drawing paper to purchase? Listed here are one of the best drawing papers for drawing with graphite or charcoal.

Paper is the most typical floor for drawing, and it’s usually missed in its significance. The floor on which you draw has as a lot, and even higher, affect in your success as an artist as your different supplies do. Experiment with completely different manufacturers and types of drawing paper to see what works finest on your type and most popular medium. There are papers made for common drawing that can be utilized with numerous media, and others which might be extra specialised. Charcoal paper is designed to carry charcoal with its tough texture. Clean paper would possibly work nicely for graphite, however not charcoal. Some papers “launch” materials simply, permitting the graphite or charcoal to raise off the paper.

For those who discover that your graphite or charcoal isn’t erasing or having bother sticking to the paper, strive a unique model or kind of paper. Paper can fluctuate in its stiffness (weight), smoothness, and materials. My favourite drawing floor is heavyweight cotton rag paper. Whereas most papers are created utilizing wooden pulp, rag paper is created utilizing cotton. The tooth (floor really feel) of rag paper works finest for me when working with charcoal, but it surely’s not proper for all drawing purposes. For instance, I choose a smoother drawing paper when creating detailed drawings with graphite, or once I need to work with white charcoal on toned paper.

Charcoal Drawing Papers

Hahnemuhle Nostalgie Sketch Ebook

Hahnemuhle makes glorious paper. This is without doubt one of the finest sketchbook for drawing with charcoal, that includes premium paper that works nicely for quite a lot of media. It additionally makes for a superb journey sketchbook!

Strathmore Charcoal Spiral Paper Pad

It’s onerous to beat this Strathmore Charcoal paper. Designed particularly for charcoal, it holds charcoal very nicely, whereas additionally erasing cleanly. The “Laid” floor permits for an everyday, predictable texture

Arches 100% Cotton Dessin Drawing Paper Pads

Working with Arches Drawing paper is an absolute deal with! It’s constituted of 100% cotton and freed from optical brighteners, giving your work a novel texture and sturdiness like no different. Whether or not you’re utilizing graphite pencils, charcoal or pastels – this particular rag has received all of the instruments for creating stunning completed artwork items in pen & ink.

Graphite Drawing Papers

Strathmore Drawing Paper

A well-balanced paper, the medium floor of this paper works nicely for graphite and quite a lot of different drawing media. For those who’re unsure what to get, it is a excellent spot to start out! Balancing value, high quality and flexibility, this is without doubt one of the finest choices for an all-around paper possibility.

Strathmore Bristol Drawing

The sleek floor of Bristol paper permits for a better degree of element than different surfaces. Bristol paper can be difficult to be used with charcoal. With different drawing media, like ink, marker, and coloured pencil, it makes for an distinctive floor.

This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. We might earn from qualifying purchases.


For recommendations on methods to put these to finest use, be at liberty to take a look at the next: