Introduction to drawing paper
October 30th, 2007 | by Art Supplies |One of the essential of art supplies is the drawing paper. The importance of drawing paper can be deducted from the fact that there is a wide range of drawing papers available in market. You will need to have the exact information regarding each and every drawing paper as not all drawing papers all meant for all types of painting. However, most of these papers are made from cotton pulp instead of wood pulp. Most derive from industrial leftovers but still they are expensive supply thus adding to the overall cost of the drawing paper.
A paper is produced but pressing fibers into sheets under high pressure. With a little research you will find that the sheets are made from 100% original cotton or linen or less expensive wood pulps. There are three types of pressed papers available in any good art supply shop. These are listed below:
- hot-pressed
- cold-pressed
- rough paper
Hot-pressed papers are ideal type of paper when an artist is planning to make a painting that has great emphasis on details. This type of paper allows smoother blending of colors. However, if you want to use pastels then it is not recommended that you buy this type of paper.
The cold-pressed and rough papers have almost the same characteristics. They are both ideal for painting that involves pastels, charcoal and colored chalks. Due to the roughness of the paper you will get darker color results. This is because of the “tooth” of the paper that has the ability to hold more graphite.
An ideal art supply shop can offer you the following paper types which are useful for different type of painting.
- If you are looking for a paper for ink and graphite painting then the ideal paper for the purpose will be the “smooth paper”. It is a great paper when used for portraits as it allows excellent surface for contrast and shade effects.
- A very good paper for graphite and color waxing is the “Fine Grain Paper”.
- If you are interested in using pastels, crayons as well as watercolors and inks then you might want to have a look at “Medium Grain Paper”
- A very good and durable paper for watercolor work is the “Course Grain Paper”.
- A paper that has been available in market for the last 100 years is the “Ingres Paper”. It offers the painter with some tooth which makes them an excellent choice for charcoal, pastels and conte as well as ink and graphite.
- “Bristol Boards” are multipurpose papers that comes with medium or plate finish. This board is ideal for fine detailed work and it can easily sustain wash work.
- “Illustration Boards” are available in variety of both smooth and medium plates i.e. hot-pressed plates and cold-pressed plates.
