It’s important to select the right drawing tools and equipment for your preferred kind of art. There are many different textures, weights, and types of papers to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the most frequently used papers used in art, along with their features:
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Newsprint
Newsprint is a low-cost, low-quality paper that’s ideal for practice work. This is the paper to use if you’re trying to refine a particular technique or if you want to make a quick and rough sketch that you’ll work on later.
Sketch Paper
It is best to look for Archival papers only newsprint are non archival.
Sketch—or sketching—paper is heavier than newsprint but lighter than drawing paper. This is the kind of paper found in sketchbooks. Just like newsprint, you can also use sketching paper for practicing or working with dry mediums.
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Drawing Paper
Drawing paper is heavier and of higher quality than newsprint and sketch papers. Its quality allows it to be used for finished work, but you can also use it for simple sketches. Drawing paper is more expensive, so using it for practice work is impractical.
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Charcoal Paper
Charcoal paper is lightweight and made from cotton fibres. Its slightly raised texture and laid pattern make it the go-to paper for charcoal drawings. Other mediums that pair well with charcoal paper include pastel, graphite, and drawing chalks.
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Pastel Paper
Pastel paper—also called Ingres paper—has two very different surfaces that give it versatility. It’s smooth on one side and textured on the other. The textured side works well with pastels, drawing chalks, and charcoal, whereas the smoother side is great for drawing with coloured pencils.
