When you are starting out in art, one of the most overlooked but essential tools is the paper itself. Many beginners focus on pencils, brushes, or paints, but the surface you work on can have just as much impact on your progress. Paper affects how smoothly a pencil line glides, how richly colours blend, and even how long your finished piece will last. Choosing the right paper can make your practice sessions more enjoyable and your results more professional.
With so many options available, it can feel confusing to know where to start. Should you use a smooth cartridge sheet, a heavyweight watercolour block, or a textured pastel pad? The answer often depends on your medium, your subject, and sometimes personal preference. This guide will walk you through the key things to consider — weight, texture, archival quality, and format — so that you can make informed choices and get the best out of your materials.
Paper Weight — Why Thickness Matters
Paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square metre), and it makes a big difference to how your artwork behaves. Lightweight paper (under 150gsm) is fine for quick pencil sketches but tends to buckle if you add water or heavy layers. A medium weight (around 160–250gsm) is sturdier and works well for most drawing media. For painting, especially watercolour or acrylic, choose heavyweight paper (300gsm or more) so it can hold washes without warping.
- Measured in gsm (grams per square metre) – higher gsm means thicker, sturdier paper.
- 90–150 gsm (lightweight): Fine for quick sketches, but may buckle with wet media.
- 160–250 gsm (medium weight): Great for pencils, charcoal, markers – good all-rounders.
- 300 gsm+ (heavyweight): Ideal for watercolour, acrylics, mixed media, resists warping.
Texture — Smooth, Cold-Pressed, or Rough?
- Hot-pressed (HP): Very smooth — perfect for detailed pencil work, fine watercolour lines, pen and ink.
- Cold-pressed (NOT): Slightly textured — versatile and forgiving for most media.
- Rough: Prominent texture — great for expressive strokes and high grain detail.
- For dry media like pencil or charcoal, choose cartridge paper with a gentle ‘tooth’ to help grip the medium.
Acid-Free & Archival Quality
Look for acid-free or archival paper if you want your work to last. Acidic papers yellow and decay over time, while archival ones preserve brightness and strength, decades later.
Sketchbooks vs Loose Sheets
- Sketchbooks are brilliant for everyday practice. Spiral or sewn bindings lay flat and are transport-friendly.
- Loose sheets/pads give flexibility for framing or choosing larger formats — perfect when you’re ready to present or exhibit.
Try Before You Commit
There is no single “perfect” paper for every artist, which is why testing a variety is so valuable. Many art suppliers offer small pads or individual sheets of different paper types, so you do not need to invest in a large, expensive block straight away. Try sketching the same subject on smooth cartridge paper, then on a textured watercolour sheet, and notice how your lines and shading change. If you work with paint, experiment with how washes spread on cold-pressed paper compared to hot-pressed. Keeping a small folder or sketchbook of test sheets can help you track your preferences over time, and you may find that certain papers suit specific projects rather than becoming your all-round choice.
- Pencil or charcoal glides.
- Paint brushes or inks absorb.
- Washes spread or bead.
Where to Buy Paper (UK & USA)
If you’re in the UK or USA, here are some trusted stores:
- Jackson’s Art Supplies — A reliable UK-favourite with a wide range of professional papers.
- Great Art — UK-based art supply chain, student-friendly with frequent promotions.
- Blick Art Materials (formerly Dick Blick) — A go-to resource for US artists, offering everything from student pads to high-end watercolour sheets.
This video covers the essentials — tooth, texture, acid-free versus archival, and how different papers interact with various media.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paper is not just a small detail, it is a vital part of your creative toolkit. Whether you are working in pencil, pastels, watercolour, or mixed media, the surface you choose can make all the difference. The right paper allows your lines to flow, your tones to build smoothly, and your artwork to stand the test of time.
To inspire you further, we have included three wonderful drawings from our students in this blog post and we hope you love them as much as we do. Each demonstrates how paper choice can enhance detail, texture, and expression in very different ways.
We hope you have enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in understanding the importance of paper. If you have any questions about materials, techniques, or your own art practice, please feel free to post them in the comments below, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like structured guidance to build your confidence with drawing, why not explore our Beginners Drawing Course. It is the perfect place to start developing your skills with the right support and feedback.
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