The Ultimate Guide to Drawing Paper: Types, Sizes, and Techniques for Every Artist

Drawing is a fundamental art form that allows us to express our creativity, develop our skills, and capture the world around us. The right drawing paper can significantly enhance your artistic experience, providing a suitable surface for your pencils, pens, and other drawing tools.

Types of Drawing Paper

1. Sketching Paper

This affordable, low-quality paper is ideal for quick sketches and rough drafts. It typically has a smooth or slightly textured surface that allows for easy blending and shading.

2. Newsprint Paper

A thin, inexpensive paper commonly used for newspapers. Newsprint has a rough texture that can give your drawings a unique and expressive character.

3. Bristol Board

A smooth, heavy paper with a sturdy surface. Bristol board is ideal for detailed drawings using pens, pencils, and markers. It is available in various weights, from lightweight to heavyweight.

4. Cartridge Paper

A versatile paper with a slightly textured surface. Cartridge paper is suitable for a wide range of drawing techniques, including pencils, charcoal, and pastels.

5. Tracing Paper

A transparent paper that allows you to trace existing drawings or create your own by placing it over another surface. Tracing paper is commonly used for transferring designs or creating precise lines.

6. Charcoal Paper

A rough-textured paper specifically designed for drawing with charcoal. The surface helps to retain charcoal particles and create rich, expressive marks.

Sizes of Drawing Paper

Drawing paper comes in various sizes, each suitable for different purposes:

Choosing the Right Drawing Paper

Consider the following factors when selecting drawing paper:

• Your Drawing Style: Different paper types support specific drawing techniques. Choose paper that aligns with your preferred style and tools.
• Weight: Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper is more durable and can withstand multiple erasures and reworking.
• Texture: Paper texture can affect the appearance and feel of your drawings. Smooth paper is suitable for fine details, while textured paper creates more expressive marks.
• Opacity: Opaque paper blocks light from passing through, allowing you to layer opaque media without showing through.
• Price: Drawing paper is available at various price points. Consider your budget and the quality you need.

Drawing Techniques for Different Papers

Sketch Paper:

• Layering: Sketch paper allows for multiple layers of pencil or charcoal, creating a range of values and tones.
• Shading: The smooth surface of sketch paper facilitates smooth shading with pencils and charcoal.
• Blending: Tortillons and blending stumps can be used to blend charcoal and pastel on sketch paper.

Newsprint Paper:

• Expressive Lines: The rough texture of newsprint creates bold, expressive lines that can be enhanced by using pens or markers.
• Washes: Newsprint can absorb water, allowing you to create subtle washes with ink or watercolor.
• Collage: Newsprint's thinness and texture make it suitable for collage and mixed media artwork.

Bristol Board:

• Precise Lines: The smooth surface of Bristol board allows for precise line work with pens and technical pencils.
• Detailed Shading: The dense surface of Bristol board holds pigment well, enabling you to create detailed shading with pencils or charcoal.
• Inking: Bristol board's durability makes it ideal for inking with a variety of pens and markers.

Cartridge Paper:

• Mixed Media: The slightly textured surface of cartridge paper can accommodate a range of media, including pencils, charcoal, pastels, and markers.
• Tonal Range: Cartridge paper's medium tooth allows for a wide tonal range, from subtle shading to bold darks.
• Erasure: The surface of cartridge paper can withstand multiple erasures without tearing, making it suitable for developing your drawings.

Tracing Paper:

• Transferring Designs: Trace existing drawings onto other surfaces by placing tracing paper over them.
• Creating Templates: Trace shapes or patterns onto tracing paper to create reusable templates.
• Lightboxes: Use a lightbox to illuminate tracing paper, allowing you to trace drawings with greater accuracy.

Charcoal Paper:

• Bold Marks: The rough texture of charcoal paper traps charcoal particles, creating bold, expressive marks.
• Smudging: Use your fingers or a tortillon to smudge charcoal on the paper, creating soft, velvety textures.
• Highlighting: Use a kneaded eraser to lift out charcoal, creating highlights and fine details.

Tips and Tricks

• Protect Your Work: Use a drawing board or drafting table to keep your paper flat and prevent smudging.
• Use a Variety of Pencils: Different pencil grades (e.g., HB, 2B, 6B) create varying degrees of hardness and darkness.
• Experiment with Blending: Use blending stumps or tortillons to smooth out transitions and create subtle effects.
• Work from Light to Dark: Start with light pencil strokes and gradually build up darker tones to avoid overworking the paper.
• Use a Reference Image: Drawing from a reference image can help you capture accurate proportions and details.
• Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace them and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Pressure: Applying excessive pressure can damage the paper and cause it to tear or buckle.
• Overworking the Paper: Repeatedly working on the same area of the paper can damage its surface and affect the quality of your drawing.
• Smudging: Hold your hand slightly above the paper to avoid smudging your drawings with your fingers.
• Using Poor-Quality Paper: Cheap or low-quality paper may not provide the ideal surface for your artwork and can limit your results.
• Ignoring the Grain: Drawing with the grain of the paper can prevent tearing and improve the quality of your lines.
• Storing Paper Incorrectly: Store drawing paper flat in a dry environment to prevent warping or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best type of drawing paper for beginners?

Sketching paper or cartridge paper is a good choice for beginners due to its affordability and versatility.

2. How do I choose the right weight of drawing paper?

Consider the techniques you plan to use and the amount of erasing and reworking you anticipate. Heavier paper is more durable and can withstand more handling.

3. What is the difference between hot-pressed and cold-pressed paper?

Hot-pressed paper has a smooth surface, while cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface. Cold-pressed paper is often preferred for drawing because it provides better tooth for pencils and charcoal.

4. How do I prevent my drawing from smudging?

Use a fixative spray to protect your finished drawings from smudging or wear.

5. What is the best way to sharpen pencils for drawing?

Use a sharpener designed specifically for art pencils, such as a mechanical sharpener or a hand-held sharpener with adjustable settings.

6. How do I remove pencil marks from drawing paper?

Use a kneaded eraser or a white vinyl eraser to lift out pencil marks without damaging the paper.

7. What is the best way to store drawing paper?

Store drawing paper flat in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

8. Where can I purchase high-quality drawing paper?

Art supply stores, online retailers, and art galleries offer a wide selection of drawing paper from various manufacturers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drawing paper is essential for maximizing your artistic potential. By understanding the different types, sizes, and techniques associated with drawing paper, you can select the most suitable surface for your needs. Remember, experimentation and practice are key to mastering the art of drawing and developing your own unique style.