Drawing Paper: Have You Been
Using The Wrong Kinds? The drawing paper you choose can either make you a millionaire or put you
in the poor house!!
OK. Not totally true but it does effect the end result you will get. Some papers
have smooth finishes while others are rough. Some are thick with a very high
density and some are thin with almost no integrity but they all serve their purpose
somewhere or another. All art papers are labeled for specific uses; but I can tell
you that while some papers are more suited for certain projects, it doesn't really
matter what paper you use as long as you know what look or style you are trying
to achieve.
The labels they put on them are really just for guidance.
I have used a few different types of papers in my artistic ventures and have found
one type that I consistently return to and while it may not be the popular or most
correct choice it gets the job done for me.

What Paper I Use
So what is this paper you ask? Matte Board. That's right the same "paper" you use
to create those wonderful borders around your framed pieces! While searching for
a sturdy paper that could hold up to all my layers of graphite and or pastel with
little to no prep work; I found matte board to work great.
The Key Benefits of using Matteboard
 I chose this because of its size.
 The price is significantly cheaper.
I was creating a piece for an art contest that was going to be 30in x 40in and the

as there are lots of crevices or "tooth" that create peaks and valleys in the finish of
the paper. It's like drawing on cement with chalk. The chalk shows up, but not in a
smooth continuous line.
Rough
Rough drawing paper, which is generally cold press, tends to lend itself best to
soft pastel, watercolor and other wet media as it is a little heavier and the paper
has "tooth" or texture which is ideal for multiple applications of pastel layers.
Color Paper
Color drawing paper is best and most effectively used as a mid-tone color or base
color of the piece you are working on. Choosing a neutral color and using it as a
base tone for the piece can dramatically change the mood or effect of the entire
piece.
You can even use the color of the paper for dramatic effect such as choosing a
complimentary color paper for the colors that you are applying to it. This can
easily make your piece "POP". The possibilities are endless. I like to use black
paper as this give a stark contrast with almost any color I apply.
Choosing drawing paper is really a matter of choice
It doesn't even need to be "paper" as I mentioned the birch panels that I my friend
uses.You can draw on notebook paper or even envelops if that suits your needs.
There are way too many different options to choose from. The best way to find out
which paper works for you is to just use it.
Here is some simple advice for the more expensive drawing paper and mounts out
there. Only use them for important pieces and when you feel your skills are ready
and warrant that "high class" paper.