Best Paper For Graphite Pencil Drawings

The surface of the sketch paper shouldn t detract from a sketch but it often doesn t add anything either.

Best paper for graphite pencil drawings.

The best paper for graphite drawing should be over 80 lbs. Graphite pencils are created by mixing and grinding graphite and clay together then encasing them in wood. If you want a stronger texture through your sketch consider a medium surface drawing paper such as lana dessin. Best drawing paper for pencils graphite unless you re specifically going for a rough look in your artwork you re going to want to use paper that has less tooth when shading in pencil.

Thinner paper will tear easier and ruin your work. The heavier weight is better for drawing since it can take more erasure and can handle the constant pressure from the pencil better. What to look for in drawing paper. The surface of the paper determines the fineness of detail and the range of value a draftsperson is able to create.

Printer copying paper generally has a weight of 20lbs 75 gsm. Paper surface and texture. Stonehenge is a versatile paper available in white off white cream gray and natural. Below is a list of my favorite drawing papers.

Smoother paper will allow your pencil work to be really precise and as a result heighten the details of your drawings. Below is a list of high quality paper used for graphite drawings. The best drawing paper for graphite pencil. Over the last 30 years i have used several different kinds of paper for my graphite drawings and have found each one to be unique.

Bristol paper is a high quality paper that can be used for pencil drawings fine art colored pencil and mixed media. Best paper for graphite drawings. Scroll to the bottom of this post to download a printable practice shading chart. Most drawing paper has a coarse texture and that will work against.

It should also have a fine texture that allows you to create the illusion of smooth surfaces such as glass metal or skin. Simply slip a sheet of graphite paper between your image and the drawing surface with the graphite covered side facing downward and use a sharp tipped pencil or pen to trace over the contours of. Reviews of the best drawing papers with examples. For detailed realist graphite pencil drawing you need a sturdy paper that can cope with repeated erasing and working.

There s no need to use the very best paper for quick doodle sketches for example. Try printing it on a variety of drawing surfaces so you can experiement with each technique on different textures. The vast majority of my day to day graphite drawings and sketches are completed on standard drawing paper. The double sizing gives a firm drawing surface while the even grain gives sketches a distinctive.

Stonehenge is one of the most popular artist s papers recommended by many professionals for graphite and colored pencil drawing. Ruth jenkinson getty images. Below is a variety of bristol smooth surface paper and bristol vellum paper.