Drawing paper: types and specifications

Currently on the market represented a large number of different types of paper. Not every one of them is suitable for the artist. Therefore, the right choice is largely determined by the quality of the picture and is the basis of creativity.

It should be chosen on the basis of what tool the artist will use for drawing for his creative ideas.

When choosing a paper for drawing, you should consider some features. Consider more.

• A very important feature is sheet density. It is determined by the weight of 1 sheet with an area of ​​1 m². Low density does not allow you to work with an eraser or use watercolor, as the sheets are thin and loose, easily torn when wiped and deformed when wet. Such external influences will have practically no effect on paper with good density.
• Texture or grain sheet is determined by its smoothness. The texture can be pronounced or absent. With a high degree of graininess, the work will be voluminous and lively.

• Such a feature as work with eraser also very important. After all, there are species in which the pencil mark is almost impossible to remove. At the same time, it can tear or crease. Most often it is difficult to work with an eraser on sheets with a low density.
• White paper for drawing in some cases can be very important. For example, if in the future you will need to scan your work, then it is better if the sheets are of perfect whiteness. So the received scanned document will be clear and catchy.

The stores offer a huge selection of different types of paper products for a wide variety of purposes.

• Office paper. Snow-white sheets with low density and smooth texture. Under the influence of an eraser, they crumple and tear.
• To paint with watercolor. Sheets have a good density and coarse-grained texture. The color is usually white or egg. It can be purchased both in albums and sheets separately. Cotton is added to professional paper products of this type to better absorb pigments and air.

• Pastel paper. This species has a wide color gamut, including neutral and bright colors. The surface is soft and pleasant to the touch. On sale found in albums, glue or sets.
• Coated paper. Rarely encountered. It has a glossy surface on which it is convenient to perform graphic work. Suitable for ink or ink.

• For drawing. Differs in higher density in comparison with usual office sets, and also it is characterized by a smooth plain surface. Suitable for drawing and drawing with pencils and oil pastels.
• Craft wrapping paper. Dark yellow or brown packaging kraft, as it is called differently, is suitable for tools such as pencil, charcoal or pastel.

• Embossed paper. White or weakly toned sheets on which various patterns may be present. With the help of them in the process of drawing you can get a very interesting job. Suitable for pastels and coal.
• Rice paper. Used most often for Chinese painting. Very thin sheets, often rolled into a roll.On the one hand, smooth, on the other - rough. Requires careful treatment in the process of drawing.
• Handmade paper. All sheets are made by hand. It is made from vegetable raw materials on which its quality depends.

The most popular formats are A2, A3, A4 and paper in rolls. If the standard formats have a fixed length and width of the sheets, then choosing a roll product, you can measure the sheet size you need, which is very convenient.

The color range of each type of paper product may be different. There are species that are found only in one color. For example, kraft wrapping paper is only brown or dark yellow. And there are species with a wide range of colors. For example, you can buy colored pastel paper. It happens as light neutral tones (blue, pink, pale yellow), and quite bright (blue, red, black and other various colors).

Selecting paper for drawing should be based on what tools you will use. It will determine how much paper you need. If you most often draw in one technique, then it is much more convenient and cheaper to buy folders of at least 40 liters. Professional paper must be of high quality. Often on the package you can see the insignia indicating this.

Before you make a purchase it will be better to read reviews about the brand that you have chosen. They will help you not to be mistaken and take into account the advantages and disadvantages that buyers have already encountered.

• For gouache. It is better to paint in gouache on sheets with high density. Their surface should be rough, then the gouache will have a good grip and lie flat. With a smooth sheet of gouache can crumble after drying. Excellent options are drawing paper and cardboard.

• For oil paints. Traditionally, oil painters use canvas or plank. But it is much more convenient to use special paper or thick cardboard for oil to create quick sketches. On sale you can find sheets for oil painting, which in quality and texture are very similar to linen canvas.

• For acrylic. Acrylic is perfect for children's creativity. Almost all surfaces can be used for it. Choosing paper for acrylic paints, pay attention to its density. It should be quite high. Special sheets for acrylic - it is quite an expensive product.

• For a pencil. Artists who choose pencil as their main drawing tool should opt for sheets with a density of 90-110 g / m², which can withstand the test of an eraser. Lines should wear out well, without leaving a trace. Drawing paper is one of the best options for drawing with pencils.

• For chalk. Chalk drawing requires special chalk paper. It can be found on sale in the form of wallpaper for the walls, a special self-adhesive film that allows you to turn almost any surface into a chalkboard for drawings.

• For coal. For charcoal drawings, paper with a rough surface is best suited to help keep the design on the sheet. You can use watercolor paper or pastel.

See below for how to choose drawing paper.