A Guide to Choosing the Best Paper for Graphite Pencil Drawing
Before we start, I want to let you know that there is a few explanations of certain terms at the end of this blog. If you don't know what terms such as "tooth" is or need some more clarification with "layering" skip straight to the end to have a quick look and come on back to the start when you're finished!
WHAT IS PAPER ACTUALLY MADE FROM!?
Artist paper is primarily made from materials like wood pulp, cotton, or a combination of both. These materials are processed into fibres, which are then pressed and dried to form sheets of varying textures and weights. The type of material and production method significantly impacts the paper's quality, durability, and how it interacts with art mediums like graphite, charcoal, or paint.
Wood Pulp vs. Cotton
- Wood Pulp: Most budget-friendly papers are made from wood pulp. While sufficient for practice and general use, wood pulp papers can yellow over time and may not withstand heavy layering or erasing.
- Cotton: High-quality artist papers often use 100% cotton, known as "rag paper." Cotton is more durable, archival (resists yellowing), and provides a smoother surface, making it ideal for detailed work and professional projects.
Differences Between Paper Types
- Machine-Made: Most artist papers are machine-produced, offering consistent texture and quality. These papers are widely available and affordable.
- Handmade: Handmade papers are crafted individually, often using cotton. They feature unique textures and natural imperfections that can add character to artworks but may be less predictable in performance.
- Hot Pressed vs. Cold Pressed: Hot-pressed paper is smooth and better for detailed work, while cold-pressed paper has a textured surface, ideal for adding depth and holding layers of graphite.
Sizing and Coating
Artist papers may also be "sized," meaning they’re treated with a gelatine or synthetic coating to control absorbency. This ensures the medium doesn’t sink too deeply, allowing for better blending and erasing.
Understanding these differences helps you select the right paper for their style, ensuring their tools perform at their best and their creations endure over time.
Why do I need to care about paper?
Choosing the right paper for your graphite pencil drawings is just as important as selecting the pencils themselves. The paper you use can dramatically affect the quality of your artwork, from how the graphite adheres to the surface to the overall texture and feel of the piece. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate artist, understanding the different types of paper and how they influence your drawings is essential.
Popular Paper Choices Among Artists
Here are some of the most popular types of paper and the brands that artists love:
1. Bristol Board
- Texture: Comes in smooth (plate) and vellum finishes.
- Best For: Smooth is perfect for detailed work, while vellum is ideal for softer shading.
- Popular Brands:
- Strathmore 300 & 400 Series Bristol: Known for durability and smooth finishes.
- Canson Bristol Board: Affordable and reliable.
- Price Range: $15–$25 for a pad of A3 size in
Australia.
2. Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper
- Texture: Smooth surface with slight tooth.
- Best For: Versatile; great for layering graphite and achieving fine details.
- Popular Brands:
- Arches Hot Press Watercolour Paper: Renowned for its exceptional quality.
- Fabriano Artistico Hot Press Paper: A favourite for its consistent surface and durability.
BE CAREFUL TO NOT CONFUSE THIS WITH COLD PRESSED WHICH IS MAINLY USED FOR WATER COLOUR PENCIL! (A mistake which I have also learnt the wrong way).
- Price Range: $20–$35 for A3 size, depending on the brand.
3. Cartridge Paper
- Texture: Medium tooth, affordable, and versatile.
- Best For: General sketching and practice work.
- Popular Brands:
- Jasart Cartridge Paper: Affordable and widely available in Australia.
- Derivan Cartridge Paper: Great for beginners.
- Price Range: $10–$20 for an A3 pad.
4. Stonehenge Paper
- Texture: Soft, durable, and with a fine tooth.
- Best For: Professional-level shading and blending.
- Popular Brands:
- Stonehenge by Legion Paper: Highly sought after for its quality and versatility.
- Price Range: $30–$50 for A3 sheets.
5. Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper
- Texture: Medium surface ideal for blending and creating smooth gradients.
- Best For: Finished pieces.
- Popular Brands:
- Strathmore 400 Series: This classic brand is a go-to for many graphite artists.
- Price Range: $30–$40 for an A3 pad.
Why Choosing the Right Paper Matters
The paper you use can elevate or limit your artistic potential. A poor-quality paper may not hold up to erasing or repeated blending, while the wrong texture can make it difficult to achieve the desired effect. For instance:
- Smooth papers are excellent for intricate details but may struggle with heavy layering.
- Toothy papers excel in capturing layers of graphite but might not suit hyper-detailed work.
I have made the mistake of choosing the wrong paper a few times now. I have tried our paper that could not handle the amount of work that I had for it. The results? Details in my drawing that I did not want, sections that have worn away, eraser marks that won't come away and ripped paper! There is nothing worse than finishing a project and your paper beginning to rip!
How to Test Paper for Your Needs.
Finding the perfect paper can involve some experimentation. Here’s how you can test it:
1. Smudge Test: Try blending a patch of graphite to see how the paper holds the pencil marks.
2. Eraser Test: Use an eraser to see if the paper maintains its integrity and doesn’t tear or warp.
3. Layering Test: Apply multiple layers of graphite to gauge how well the paper handles it without losing texture.
Ways to Determine the Best Paper for You.
1. Consider Your Style: Are you focused on detailed realism, or do you prefer loose, expressive strokes?
2. Think About the Project: A portrait might call for smoother paper, while landscapes benefit from more texture.
3. Test Sample Packs: Some art supply stores, such as Riot Art & Craft, offer sample packs of different papers, allowing you to experiment before committing.
4. Seek Advice from Experts:
- Talk to Fellow Artists: Fellow artists often have firsthand experience with different paper types and can recommend options based on your goals.
- Ask Your Art Teacher: If you're taking classes, your teacher will likely know the best paper for your current skill level and project type.
- Consult Art Store Clerks: Staff at art supply stores are typically knowledgeable about the products they sell. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations and discuss your project needs.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Project
The size of your paper depends on your project:
- Small Projects (A5 or A4): Ideal for studies, practice, and smaller compositions.
- Medium Projects (A3): Suitable for detailed works with enough space to add intricate elements.
- Large Projects (A2 or larger): Best for ambitious compositions or pieces where you want to capture fine details on a grand scale.
Larger papers often cost more, with A2 sizes typically priced at $25–$60 per piece depending on the brand. So if you are conscious of your money and are thinking about doing a bigger project, do some research before committing to any particular brand!
Cost and Quality: What to Keep in Mind
While premium papers can be expensive, they often provide superior results and durability, making them worth the investment for finished works. For practice, more affordable options like cartridge paper are great. Eventually you will find some favourites for your particular projects, explore, have fun! Its what it's all about!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paper is a journey of discovery and experimentation. Start with a few options, test them thoroughly, and see how they complement your drawing style. Remember, the right paper not only supports your creativity but also enhances the final quality of your artwork.
If you’re looking to improve your skills and receive expert advice on tools and techniques, sign up for one of our drawing classes today! At Luke’s Fine Arts, we’re here to guide you through every step of your artistic journey.
Explore more tips and class options on our website.
TERMS YOU MAY NEED MORE CLARIFICATION ON!
What is "tooth?"
Tooth refers to the texture or surface roughness of paper, which plays a significant role in how the paper interacts with graphite. A paper’s tooth can range from smooth (no texture) to highly textured (rough). The tooth is essential because it affects how well graphite adheres to the paper and how easily you can blend or layer your marks. Papers with more tooth, like cold-press watercolour paper or textured sketch paper, allow more graphite to grip the surface, making them ideal for layering and blending. On the other hand, smooth papers, such as hot-pressed watercolour paper or bristol board, offer a finer, even surface that’s perfect for detailed work and fine lines.
Knowing the tooth of your paper helps you choose the right one for your drawing style. If you want detailed work, smooth paper is better, but for soft shading and rich, layered tones, a paper with more tooth is ideal.
What do I mean when I say layering?
Layering in drawing refers to the technique of building up multiple layers of graphite on paper to create depth, shading, and texture. By gradually adding layers, artists can achieve smooth transitions, rich tonal values, and intricate details. Each layer of graphite is applied lightly, allowing the artist to control the intensity of the shading and the overall effect. Layering also enables artists to blend or refine areas without overworking the paper. This technique is essential for creating realistic drawings, as it mimics the way light and shadow naturally build up in the real world. It can be done using tissues, blending stumps, make up brushes even cotton wool!
Paper sizes
For those of you who don't know the sizes by their names, or simply want to geek out. Here are the actual metrics for A5, A4, A3, A2, and A1 paper sizes in both inches and centimetres:
- A5 Paper
- Inches: 5.8 x 8.3 inches
- Centimetres: 14.8 x 21 cm
- A4 Paper
- Inches: 8.3 x 11.7 inches
- Centimetres: 21 x 29.7 cm
- A3 Paper
- Inches: 11.7 x 16.5 inches
- Centimetres: 29.7 x 42 cm
- A2 Paper
- Inches: 16.5 x 23.4 inches
- Centimetres: 42 x 59.4 cm
- A1 Paper
- Inches: 23.4 x 33.1 inches
- Centimetres: 59.4 x 84.1 cm