What is the name of paper for painting with watercolors? Paper for drawing with pencils
Paper for drawing and graphics
All you need to start drawing is essentially a pencil and a piece of paper! Sounds simple enough, but when you stand between the shelves in a store, the question becomes not so simple. There are so many varieties of paper before you, and each of them can give a completely different look to your drawing. Read our tips and then try different types of art or graphics paper again and again. This is the best way to find what's right for you. Experimenting is fun!
Here are some parameters to consider:
- what is it made of
Drawing paper is usually made from wood pulp or cotton. Probably the most important difference between the two is that wood pulp contains a polymer called lignin. It reacts to light, causing the paper to oxidize and the design to fade over time. Therefore, choose acid-free drawing paper.
The weight (and thickness) of the paper depends on its purpose and must match the material you are going to use to draw. For example, sketch paper is the thinnest, lightest paper and cannot be used for final drawings, but is economical and ideal for quick sketches and developing ideas. If you're drawing with charcoal, choose a heavier, more durable paper.
- surface quality
Hot-pressed paper has a smoother surface, while cold-pressed paper has a rougher, textured surface (grain). Why is this important to consider? Every line you draw is just graphite "dust" left behind by your pencil. It settles into grooves formed by the surface texture. This means that texture directly affects how your drawing will look.
- what material are you going to use
The paper for a graphite pencil is not the same as for a colored pencil. And the one you use for colored pencil is not a good choice for pens and ink. Experimenting is certainly fun, but you can save yourself from unnecessary mistakes by learning what certain types of paper are for. Here are some examples:
For pencil drawing you can purchase so-called “Bristol paper”. It is produced by various manufacturers, for example, Canson, Sketchbook XL BRISTOL, Winsor&Newton, Sketchbook BRISTOL, Sketchbook BRISTOL from Strathmore. This is a very smooth snow-white paper that is ideal for drawing details and can withstand repeated erasing.
For drawings with colored pencils Any paper that has a slightly grainy texture will work for you. The surface roughness ensures uniform adhesion between pencil and paper. This could be the SMOOTH SURFACE sketchbook from Winsor&Newton, the SKETCH sketchbooks from Clairefontaine, the SCHIZZI sketchbooks from Fabriano, the universal FOX&OWL sketchbooks from Maxgoodz.
Want to learn even more about drawing and graphics papers? Look at our extensive catalog and buy right now on the website or come to Peredvizhniki stores! Our consultants will help you.
Choose albums, sketchbooks and notepads from the best manufacturers of paper products:
The choice of materials in fine art is very important. After all, the result of the artist’s work depends on this. First of all, you need to choose the right drawing paper, which corresponds to one or another technique.
Graphic paper
A good option for beginning artists is whatman paper. This paper is universal, has an almost smooth, even structure and sufficient density. Drawing paper should be selected in accordance with several basic criteria: composition, density, texture, ability to absorb (for a pencil drawing this is also important).
So, one of the important properties of paper is its ability to absorb. More suitable for this indicator is paper with a density of 200 g/sq.m. For pencil sketches or sketches, you can afford options with a lower density.
According to texture, paper is distinguished: fine-grained (“smooth grain” as a result of hot pressing), medium-grained (produced by cold pressing), and coarse-grained (“coarse grain”, Torchon).
The texture and grain of the paper determines many important qualities of the created drawing. First of all, this affects the overall style of the work - coarse-grained textured paper creates a sense of volume of the image, in addition, the clearly visible texture gives the picture a special charm and style.
Texture also affects the clarity of strokes. On smooth or almost smooth paper you can easily work out small details, but on paper with a pronounced rough surface this will be a difficult and futile task.
If the drawing is created with colored pencils, it should be taken into account that on paper with different textures, the pigment may appear differently. As a result, colors will be more vibrant or duller.
The quality of paper is undoubtedly determined by its composition. In graphic paper, the percentage of cellulose or cotton, neutral pH, lack of chlorine and some others are important. Correctly selected pencil drawing paper, which meets all the above requirements, will not only give pleasure to the artist, but will also allow him to fully demonstrate his talent and skill.
Watercolor paper
For painting with watercolors, there is a special paper with the same name - watercolor. Unlike the usual watercolor paper designed to get wet. Watercolor is a water-soluble paint, and the pigment in it is 99% water. Therefore o One of the important qualities of such paper is its ability to preserve the properties of the colorful pigment in the drawing and not allow the paint to fade over time.
As the French artist and author of the famous book “Painting and Its Means” Jean Georges Vibert wrote: “For watercolors, paper should be made exclusively from rags with pure (linen) thread and should not be bleached with anything other than clean water, sun and air; but that rarely happens.”
Wieber wrote these lines in 1870, since then technology has stepped far forward, but even today real watercolor paper is made only from pure cotton, impregnated with gelatin, does not contain acids and has a natural whiteness without optical brighteners. The best quality paper is produced and culled only by hand.
But, of course, there is also mass-produced high-quality factory watercolor paper. Today, good watercolor paper certainly includes natural cotton. The addition of cotton gives the paper the properties of fabric - it absorbs water well, dries well, holds color and does not warp.
In order to watercolor paper absorbed moisture and pigments well and at the same time retained the strength and intensity of colors, the paper is sized, i.e. special hydrophobic substances are added to the paper pulp or to the surface of a finished sheet.
There are also types of watercolor paper based on texture: smooth or textured. Like graphics, textured paper gives an optical three-dimensional effect.
Paper for pastels and gouache
Pastel paper usually very dense, has an embossed surface and comes in a variety of colors. Pastels need a textured surface that has the properties to retain pigment. On smooth paper, particles of material will simply slide off.
There are three most common types of paper for pastels: pastel board made from tiny particles of cork; sandpaper in large format sheets; velvet paper, which has a velvety surface and allows you to soften pastel touches. These types of papers make erasing pastels almost impossible.
Whatman paper is suitable for gouache painting. Gouache is not as liquid paint as watercolor and the density of whatman paper will be quite enough.
Take watercolor paints and plain paper for printing on a printer and try to draw something. Oh yes, the paper will get wet and become transparent, distorted beyond recognition, because its purpose is to be office paper for printing texts, it is not at all suitable for drawing.
The paper matters; the condition of the drawing depends on its quality, density, texture, thickness.
Well, today it’s not very difficult to figure this out; go to a stationery store or a craft supply store and ask for this or that paper. If you want to draw with pencils, take regular white sheets of paper or a sketchbook, and if the pencils are watercolor and water will be used, then you will need thicker watercolor paper that can absorb water. The choice of paper is always based on the choice of material with which a person will create. After all, paper is a helper Ain realizing creative ideas!
Paper types:
Watercolor:
For watercolors, paper can be recognized by its thickness and texture; it is thick, coarse-grained, white or eggshell. It can be sold in separate sheets, glued together or in an album.
Professional watercolor paper contains cotton, which makes it better absorbs air and pigments. Premium quality paper is often marked with a watermark or embossing (photo at the beginning of the article). The best paper for drawing is considered to be from: Canson, Arches, Fabriano, Scholler, MONTVAL TORCHON (France)
Pastel
Colored pastel papers come in a wide range of colors from neutral browns and grays to vibrant shades. Has a soft surface. Sold individually, in sets, and as an album.
For drawing
A thicker sheet than printing paper (for printers), with a flat and smooth surface. But some companies have sheets that are too smooth, then it will be difficult to make corrections on such paper, not a single eraser will completely remove pencil sketches, it’s worth looking closely when buying, or trying to draw on different ones and then decide on the company.
This paper is used for drawings or for drawing with a simple pencil, colored pencils, or you can also draw with oil pastels.
Wrapping, kraft paper
Kraft paper
is a type of paper that falls into the category of packaging material. Most often brown or dark yellow. But this paper is also suitable for drawing with charcoal, pencils and pastels. 
Embossed paper
This paper is used for drawing with pastel or charcoal. This type of paper is available in both white and lightly tinted colors and can have various patterns.
Handmade paper
One of the most expensive types of paper, since each sheet of paper is prepared separately by hand. But I have not used this type of paper in my work, I do not judge how good or bad this type is in drawing.
Beginning artists rarely think about which paper is better for drawing with pencil, paint or pastel, and in the old fashioned way they use ordinary A4 sheets to sketch a fashionable dress or still life.
And it’s true: a scrap of any canvas will be suitable for such tasks, from empty margins on a newspaper page to a colored sticker. But if you are going to create a painting that will decorate the interior of a workshop, bedroom or office, it is important to figure out which pencil drawing paper is better for an artist than another.
Main characteristics
One of the reasons why craftsmen sometimes do not pay due attention to the issue of evaluating and selecting paper is that they do not have enough time. Pencil drawing paper for artists comes in a variety of options, and you only need to choose one.
There are several main characteristics that should be assessed first in order to: a) save time; b) choose a high-quality basis for a sketch of fashionable clothes or a future painting drawn in pencil:
Density: as a rule, this indicator is indicated on the product card and indicates the weight of a paper sheet with an area of 1 square meter. For example, office paper has a weight of 80 gsm. m, and newspaper - 60 g/sq.m. The canvas intended for applying watercolors is considered the densest. Its density is 500 g/sq.m. A base with a density of 90 to 110 g/sq.m. is suitable for drawing with a pencil.
Grain: This indicator is also often called “texture”. There are two options - smooth and grainy surface. The first is suitable for drawings and sketches of equipment, building plans, architectural objects, the second is for artistic sketches, since it gives the image volume and expressiveness.
Color: the whiter the leaf, the better. This principle applies not only to office paper, but also to canvases intended for creating sketches, drawings, and sketches using pencils. This is the only way to get clear and bright lines.
In addition, if you are going to scan finished drawings, then it is better to choose a completely white canvas so that the details of the picture are expressive even on the copy.
Finally, there is a fourth indicator that does not relate to the characteristics of pencil drawing paper, but is used by artists to check its quality. We are talking about working with an eraser.
If there are traces on the paper after you erased it with an eraser, and even worse - holes, then it is better to abandon this option immediately. Otherwise, you will focus not on the final result, but on not damaging the paper. And even with careful handling of such a “delicate” base, stains, dents, and marks from strong pressure on the pencil may remain on it, which will make the drawing less colorful.
Types of paper for pencil drawing
Now a few words about which paper is better for drawing with a pencil - office paper or writing paper. These are the options that masters use for sketches and sketches:
office: the main advantages of this option are perfect whiteness and smooth texture. The lines are clear and expressive. But there is one drawback - low density. If you often erase lines, there will be streaks and holes in the paper. It is also easily deformed. Working with such a canvas is suitable for experienced artists who make sketches with virtually no corrections. Plus it's a great option for scanning.
pissing: this is an option for beginners. It has a medium level of density and a light yellow tint. It is comfortable enough to work with an eraser: when erasing lines made with strong pressure, you do not need to worry about cosmetic defects remaining on the paper. But keep in mind that it is not suitable for scanning: due to the yellowish tint, image details on copies will be blurry.
Non-yellowing drawing paper for graphics: It is made from cotton and cellulose and has a grainy texture and a white tint. Paper density – from 90 to 250 g/sq.m. It's easy to work with - it doesn't tear when you erase lines, and it doesn't wrinkle if you move the paper without a structured folder.
Another advantage of this option is that the original image is preserved. Non-yellowing drawing paper for graphics is suitable for both young artists and experienced painters.
The choice of paper for pencil drawing depends on your level of preparation and purchasing budget. The least expensive option is writing paper. You need to buy it if you are just learning to paint and are actively practicing making pencil sketches.
For painters who have passed the preparatory stage, office or non-yellowing paper is suitable. But the price of these materials is much higher.
Review of branded painting products
If you haven't found the right drawing paper yet, take a look at the following samples. According to the artists, they are worthy of attention and will be an excellent basis for sketches made in pencil:
Fabriano Academia: paper from the famous Italian brand is suitable for both beginners and masters who have been painting for several years. The base is made of cotton and cellulose, has a white color and granular texture, density – 200 g/sq.m. Does not wrinkle or deform after erasing lines with an eraser. Suitable for sketches, sketches;
Canson: the products of the French manufacturer will appeal to beginners. This is white paper on which the pencil glides smoothly, and the lines are clear and expressive. Paper weight ranges from 125 to 224 gsm. By choosing the thickest option, you can work on the sketch until it is perfect, and not be afraid that stains and other defects will appear on the base due to the eraser;
Daler Rowney: albums from the British brand are praised by both beginners and experienced painters. This paper has a white color and fine-grain texture, which is ideal for pencil sketches. The only drawback noted by the craftsmen is the low density. This means that you will have to work with the eraser extremely carefully, and it is better to think several times before applying another stroke to the sketch. Some may consider this a great inconvenience and a serious barrier to creativity.
This is not a complete list of products from foreign brands that can be used to hone your skills. We recommend finding and testing different samples to find the paper that will make your creative experimentation easier.
Buying paper for pencil drawing
If you have not yet found suitable paper for preparing sketches, sketches, or simple pencil sketches, we recommend selecting samples in stationary stores. Here you can clearly evaluate the color, density, texture of the paper and conduct a small test: draw a line with a pencil and erase it with an eraser. Pay attention to whether streaks have appeared or whether the top layer of paper has been damaged. If not, then the paper is high quality and worth buying.
Take note of our tips, and choosing paper for pencil drawings will become a fairly simple task.
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This topic will focus on paper, which is one of the most important components of the artistic process.
As we know, for each type of paint or coloring pigment there is a certain type of paper. Paper for dry techniques and for various types of paints. Paper recommended for pastels, for graphite or colored pencils, for charcoal. Paper for acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc. is what we see on the cover of a folder or album. Paper varies in texture, density and absorbency.
Accademia Series
ALBUM FABRIANO ACCADEMIA 
Gluing FABRIANO ACCADEMIA Disegno 
Recommended for colored pencils.
Gluing FABRIANO ACCADEMIA Schizzi
Recommended for graphite and colored pencils, sanguine, charcoal.
When using colored pencils on this paper (Accademia Schizzi and Disegno), the drawing gains color and vibrancy as the layers are layered. The paper allows you to apply as many layers as required. Usually I apply at least 7-8, the drawing acquires volume, realism and bright color. Schizzi has a finer texture than Disegno. The drawing on Schizzi will look more matte, on Disegno it will look more shiny, luminous, glossy (very good in the case of drawing fruits and berries). The layers lay down softly, the colors blend easily with each other, the strokes are not visible, so you can draw quickly. Watercolor “sticks” very well.
Example of a drawing on Schizzi: 
Example of a drawing on Disegno: 
Paper FABRIANO SCHIZZI 
Suitable for sketches, sketches, pencil, sanguine. There are notebooks with sheets glued on top or with a spiral clip and perforation. Sizes 150-100-50 cm, density 85 g/m2 (very thin, suitable for sketches).
ALBUM IDEA 
Thanks to its slightly rough surface and good sizing, it is suitable for all dry techniques: charcoal, pencil, sanguine, chalk and pastel. The sheets are glued at the top. Thick paper: 200 g/m2, formats 21x29.7 and 29.7x42 cm, 50 sheets.
Fabriano drawing paper is also available in rolls.
LANA paper
A French company that produces various types of paper.
Line Dissin(Drawing) 
Main characteristics: density 130 g/m2, 150 g/m2, 220 g/m2, light and delicate, you can easily use an eraser or shading. Recommended for graphite and colored pencils, sanguine, charcoal, pastels, graphite, felt-tip pens, ink.
Line Esquisse(Sketch) 
Characteristics: density 96g/m2, you can easily use an eraser or shading. Designed for sketches and sketches in pencil, colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, sanguine, sepia. A variety of formats are presented. 120 sheets.
Canson paper 
A French company that represents a variety of paper lines, including drawing paper and sketch paper (folders, spring blocks, gluing papers).
For pencil and charcoal, you can use the "Dessin J.A." series. (drawing paper with a high level of roughness), or fine-grained “SaGran” (“C” a Gran). 
Density of Dessin JA: 90, 120, 160, 200 g/m2, different formats.
Density "C" and Gran: 125, 180, 224 g/m2.
"Crob Art": white drawing paper, with a slight level of roughness. Designed for pencil and charcoal. Loose: 80 g/m2. Different formats. 
"XL Sketch Pad" Notepads in A3 (29.7x42), A4 (21x29.7), A5 (14.8x21) formats, density 90 g/m2, bulk paper. For sketches in pencil, charcoal, pastel. 
Sketchbook "1557 Dessin"
White paper with soft fibers. Made from alpha cellulose (the purest, no wood fiber). 180 g/m2, formats A2 - A6. 
Sketchbooks "1557 Croquis". Density 120 g/m2, formats A2 - A5, 50 sheets each. 
Example of drawings made on Canson "C" a Gran paper:
Front side. The grain catches the eye. The effect of an old drawing is created: 
Reverse side. The result is more uniform:
Paper of this texture gives the drawing a special style: 
Author of the last 3 drawings: Noon (original)
Derwent, which produces world-famous pencils, offers sketch books. 
The paper is almost smooth, slightly rough. Density 110 and 170g/m2, formats A4, A5, A6. The strokes are clearly visible, so you need to work carefully and slowly.
To obtain brightness, you need to work with sharpened pencils of bright colors: 
In some cases, the result is pale and slightly cloudy: 
Colored paper 
In huge quantities, different companies present us with paper of various colors, which are usually sold individually. From my own experience, I realized that for drawings in colored pencil it is better not to use paper of bright, saturated colors - the color of the paper will show through and give the drawing an undesirable shade. Do not use paper with very coarse grain, intended for pastels - it will not be able to completely fill the sheet, and there will be unpainted gaps. Due to this, the drawing will seem unfinished. It is better to use paper that is slightly rough or has a medium grain - in this case, the drawing will appear textured. Drawings look great on black paper, especially if the drawing is in light colors.
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