Choosing the right paper for colored pencils can be very confusing, but it is actually one of the most important things.
Actually even more important than the colored pencils.
Do I choose a paper type with more structure, or do I prefer smooth paper?
It is very important to draw what you like the best.
In this blog I explain the difference between the paper types and I will help you to choose which paper you can use for your colored pencils.
Over the years I have gained a lot of experience with many types of paper. I have tested many types of paper textures and after many tests, I have found my favorites.
When do you use smooth paper?
I use Smooth paper when I draw portraits. I really like the smooth texture of the paper. I draw on strathmore bristol smooth surface paper myself. This paper is ultra smooth. It is ideal if you want to draw portraits. It makes it easier, to draw smooth skin.
I also use the smooth paper for my wildlife art. It is so smooth for drawing fur. The only disadvantage is that you can not put a lot of layers on it, so don't press too hard on your pencils if you want to build up multiple layers.
Prons VS Cons:
Prons:
*beautifully smooth result.
*Fantastic for burnishing.
*Definitely suitable for portraits.
Cons:
*You can not work in a lot of layers.
*not suitable for solvent
This drawing I made on Strathmore Bristol smooth surface paper.
When do you use paper with more texture?
If you want to draw with muliple layers the paper with texture is a better choice for you. You have a lot of different brands and different grams. Grams means how thick the texture is.
If you want a thick texture paper and if you want to draw with solvent, then I recommend watercolor paper. You can make a lot of layers on this paper.
Solvent is a tool that used to allow different materials, to flow into each other. So you can get a smooth result with it. I recommend this only if you use watercolor paper.
Prons vs Cons:
Prons:
*Great for layering
*You can use solvent
*Very nice for drawing wildlife art
Cons:
*Not suitable if you don't like texture.
*Not really suitable for portraits.
This drawing I made on Schut texture paper 180 grams.
Toned papers:
Do you feel boring for only using white paper, then a toned paper is a good choice.
You have a lot different color toned papers. From gray, to brown or blue.
Prons vs Cons:
Prons:
*Good for a colored background.
*Great for cartoon drawings.
Cons:
*Not very good for layering.
My personal favorite paper for colored pencils.
My favorite paper for colored pencils is the Strathmore Bristol Smooth surface paper.
Because I draw a lot of portraits, this paper is my absolute first choice. I love how smooth the paper is and the result for portraits is very good.
List of different smooth paper brands:
* Strathmore Bristol smooth surface paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/JuPM7H
* Canson Bristol smooth paper
Here you can find the paper; https://ebay.us/s1OOf6
List of different texture paper brands:
* Strathmore Vellum paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/nz0Kgh
* Schut paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/LNAuoi
* Arches watercolor paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/zijDYG
* Strathmore watercolor paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/iQ6s2o
List of different toned paper brands:
* Strathmore Toned Tan paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/Ocz9Go
* Strathmore Toned Grey paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/iVM68l
* Strathmore Mixed Media Toned Blue paper.
Here you can find the paper: https://ebay.us/AiNA57
What is your favorite paper for colored pencils?
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