Introduction
Drawing is a universal form of expression that transcends language barriers. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a seasoned professional, or someone who simply enjoys doodling, the type of drawing paper you use plays a pivotal role in the outcome of your artwork. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the world of drawing paper, examining different grades and brands to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your artistic vision.
Understanding Grades of Drawing Paper
Drawing paper comes in various grades, each tailored for specific artistic needs. The grade of paper refers to its texture, weight, and surface quality, influencing how it interacts with different drawing mediums.
- Newsprint (Low Grade):
- Texture: Rough
- Weight: Light
- Best For: Sketching, quick studies
- Pros: Inexpensive, ideal for practice
- Cons: Prone to yellowing, not suitable for detailed work
- Sketching Paper (Medium Grade):
- Texture: Medium
- Weight: Medium
- Best For: Preliminary sketches, shading
- Pros: Versatile, affordable
- Cons: Limited durability, may warp with heavy applications
- Bristol Board (High Grade):
- Texture: Smooth or Vellum (slight texture)
- Weight: Heavy
- Best For: Inking, detailed illustrations
- Pros: Sturdy, excellent for fine details
- Cons: Expensive, limited tooth for certain mediums
- Watercolour Paper (Varied Grade):
- Texture: Rough, Cold Pressed, Hot Pressed
- Weight: Varied (measured in pounds)
- Best For: Watercolour, gouache
- Pros: Handles wet media well, diverse textures
- Cons: May be overkill for dry media, can be expensive
- Charcoal Paper (Specialised Grade):
- Texture: Grainy
- Weight: Medium to Heavy
- Best For: Charcoal, pastels
- Pros: Holds charcoal well, minimises smudging
- Cons: Limited versatility, may be too textured for some artists
Understanding the grades helps artists choose the right paper for their specific techniques and preferences. For instance, a quick charcoal sketch might be better suited for a medium-grade paper, while a detailed ink illustration would benefit from the smooth surface of high-grade Bristol Board.
Exploring Different Brands of Drawing Paper
The market is flooded with numerous brands offering a wide range of drawing papers. Each brand brings its unique qualities, catering to diverse artistic needs. Let’s explore some prominent brands and their offerings:
- Strathmore:
- Notable Products: Strathmore 300 Series (Sketch), Strathmore 400 Series (Bristol), Strathmore 500 Series (Charcoal)
- Strengths: Wide variety, consistent quality
- Considerations: Some artists find the surface of the 300 series too toothy for certain dry media.
- Canson:
- Notable Products: Canson XL Series (Sketch), Canson Bristol, Canson Mi-Teintes (Coluored Pencil)
- Strengths: Affordable, diverse range
- Considerations: Some users report issues with warping in XL Series under heavy washes.
- Fabriano:
- Notable Products: Fabriano Studio (Sketch), Fabriano Bristol, Fabriano Artistico (Watercolour)
- Strengths: High-quality materials, longevity
- Considerations: Premium Fabriano products can be relatively expensive.
- Moleskine:
- Notable Products: Moleskine Art Collection (Sketch, Watercolour)
- Strengths: Portable, excellent for on-the-go sketching
- Considerations: Some artists find the paper too thin for heavy applications.
- Arches:
- Notable Products: Arches Watercolour Paper
- Strengths: Renowned for watercolour, durable
- Considerations: Premium pricing, may be unnecessary for dry media artists.
- Canson Mi-Teintes:
- Notable Products: Mi-Teintes Touch (Pastel Paper)
- Strengths: Ideal for pastels, wide colour range
- Considerations: Texture may be too pronounced for certain techniques.
The Best of the Best: Finding the Pinnacle of Drawing Paper
Determining the absolute best drawing paper involves considering various factors, including personal preference, artistic style, and the specific requirements of a project. However, some drawing papers have earned a reputation for consistently delivering exceptional quality.
- Fabriano Artistico (Watercolor):
- Why: Widely regarded as one of the best watercolour papers, it offers durability, excellent colour retention, and diverse textures.
- Considerations: Premium pricing might be a deterrent for some artists.
- Strathmore 400 Series (Bristol):
- Why: Known for its smooth surface and heavyweight, making it ideal for intricate ink drawings and detailed illustrations.
- Considerations: The 400 series can be expensive compared to lower-grade alternatives.
- Arches Watercolor Paper:
- Why: A favourite among watercolour artists, Arches provides a sturdy, reliable surface that enhances the vibrancy of watercolour pigments.
- Considerations: Price may be a limiting factor for some artists.
- Canson Mi-Teintes Touch (Pastel Paper):
- Why: Specially designed for pastels, this paper provides an excellent balance between toothiness and durability.
- Considerations: The pronounced texture might be too much for artists who prefer smoother surfaces.
While these brands and products are considered top-tier, it’s crucial to remember that the “best” paper is subjective and depends on the artist’s individual needs and preferences.
The Not-So-Good: When Drawing Paper Falls Short
In the vast landscape of drawing paper, there are instances where certain brands or products may not meet the expectations of artists. Here are some aspects that might make a drawing paper less favourable:
- Inconsistency in Quality:
- Issue: Some lower-tier brands may struggle with maintaining consistent quality across batches.
- Impact: Artists may face unexpected variations in texture, weight, or durability.
- Limited Durability:
- Issue: Papers that are too thin or have insufficient weight may not withstand heavy applications of certain mediums.
- Impact: Warping, tearing, or bleeding of colours can compromise the integrity of the artwork.
- Yellowing or Fading:
- Issue: Papers with poor archival qualities may yellow or fade over time.
- Impact: Artwork may lose its vibrancy and longevity, especially if exposed to light.
- Incompatibility with Mediums:
- Issue: Some papers may not be well-suited for specific drawing mediums, leading to issues like poor ink absorption or excessive smudging.
- Impact: Artists may find their preferred medium does not perform as expected on certain papers.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Paper
In the vast realm of drawing paper, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best drawing paper for you depends on a myriad of factors, including your preferred mediums, artistic techniques, and budget constraints. While premium brands like Fabriano, Strathmore, and Arches are celebrated for their quality, they may be unnecessary for beginners or artists working on smaller projects.
Consider experimenting with different grades and brands to find the drawing paper that aligns with your artistic vision. Don’t be afraid to explore new possibilities, and remember that the beauty of art lies not just in the final piece but also in the process of creation—where the right drawing paper can make all the difference.
