How to Choose Right Paper for Your Drawing Medium
How to Choose Right Paper for Your Drawing Medium
This can greatly affect your artwork in the end when creating art, so keep this in mind as you choose that paper. Different types of paper create various textures and sometimes different weights as well and even absorbency. Drawing with pencil, charcoal, ink, or pastels sometimes can depend on knowing just how to select the right paper to fulfill your artistic vision. Here are some factors to consider when choosing paper for your drawing medium.
1. Paper Know-how Paper comes in different varieties depending on what you are using to draw. For instance, if you're using graphite or colored pencils you want to work on heavy, smooth paper that can take heavy layering without buckling. Smooth papers such as bristol board are very good for detailed work, while textured papers offer even more interesting effects.
Charcoals and pastels are equal in the appreciation for the tooth of papers that can hold onto the medium. Charcoal papers, in particular, are made to have enough tooth to hold on to the particles thus preventing smudginess.
Ink and watercolor call for paper with a greater ability to resist moisture. Generally heavier than other types of paper and usually textured, the paper is made to handle water without buckling; it's perfect for ink washes and bleeds.
2. Weight and Thickness
Paper weight can be measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). The heavier the paper, like 200 lb or 400 gsm, the more heavy-duty and capable of holding its own against liquids such as ink and watercolor without buckling. Very light papers, for example, 90 lb or 190 gsm, can only be called sketches or studies but will not hold up well under heavy layering or wet techniques.
3. Texture Counts
The texture of the paper is how your medium will adhere to it and what it will look like. Cold-pressed (not) and hot-pressed (smooth) papers can offer you different textures for different effects. If you want to do very expressive work with watercolour or mixed media, cold-pressed paper is the way to go. Hot-pressed paper is excellent for fine line work and detailed illustrations.
4. Experimentation is Key
Lastly, choosing just the right paper is a matter of personal preference. An artist will often dabble with several papers just to see how they act with the mediums they prefer. You could choose a sampler pack which includes various textures, weights, and types of paper. This will be hands-on experimentation to find out what will be suitable for your technique and style.
Conclusion
The best paper you've got for your drawing medium will really uplift your artwork and help boost your creativity as a person. With all this knowledge of all the different kinds of paper you can use, and consideration of weight and texture, and with the freedom to experiment, you're bound to be able to find the right surface for your vision to come alive. Happy drawing!
How to Choose Right Paper for Your Drawing Medium
