Best Drawing Paper For Colored Pencils (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the perfect drawing paper to use with colored pencils, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. Choosing the right paper can greatly impact the final result of your artwork. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
First, consider the texture of the paper. A rougher texture can help colored pencils adhere to the paper better, creating a more vibrant and rich color. However, a smoother texture may be better for detailed work.
Second, consider the weight and thickness of the paper. Thicker paper can handle more layers of colored pencils without becoming too saturated or wrinkled. Heavier weight paper is also less prone to tear or rip, making it a better choice for those planning to frame their artwork.
Lastly, consider the overall quality of the paper. High-quality paper will typically be acid-free, ensuring that the colors in your artwork won’t fade over time. It may also feature a higher level of opacity, preventing the colors of previous layers from bleeding through.
Are you tired of your colored pencil drawings looking dull or lackluster? Have you been searching for the perfect drawing paper, but feel overwhelmed by the options? Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the top drawing paper choices for colored pencils and help you choose the best option for your artwork.
10 Best Drawing Paper For Colored Pencils
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This product is ideal for artists, students, and anyone who uses charcoal, colored pencil, ink, pastel, or marker.
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The product is ideal for adult coloring, sketching and drawing, and can be used by beginners and kids as well.
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Ideal for adult artists, professionals, and colorists who seek high-quality colored pencils with soft core leads and organization.
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4
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This product is ideal for artists using colored pencils, gel pens, and oil pastels on heavyweight black paper.
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5
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This paper pad is ideal for artists of all levels who use charcoal, colored pencil, ink, pastel, and markers.
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6
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This product is ideal for artists of all levels who want a high-quality sketch pad for various drawing mediums.
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7
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A translucent drawing surface for various mediums such as lead, ink, charcoal, paint, and colored pencil.
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8
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It is an ideal sketchbook for both professional and amateur artists to use with markers, colored pencils, and charcoal.
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Ideal for artists who want to create drawings with a range of tones using tan paper.
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10
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This product is ideal for creating colorful artwork and designs using colored pencils.
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1. Canson C À Grain Artist Drawing Pad
The paper pad is an excellent choice for artists who prefer to work with pencils and colored pencils, as well as those who use pen, ink, and charcoal. The heavyweight paper is of French origin, making it a top-notch choice for final drawings. The pad features 20 sheets of 111 pound/180-gram paper, providing ample space for multiple artworks.
The paper pad is wire-bound and measures 18 x 24 inches, making it easy to carry around and store without worrying about creases or folds. The dual-sided paper is another great feature; one side is fine while the other boasts a medium texture. This allows the artist to choose the best surface for their work, depending on the desired outcome.
The fine side of the paper is perfect for creating intricate details and delicate lines. It provides a smooth surface that is perfect for pencil and colored pencil work. The medium texture side, on the other hand, is ideal for creating texture and depth in the artwork. It provides enough tooth for pen, ink, and charcoal work, allowing the artist to create a range of effects.
2. Soucolor 72-Piece Adult Coloring Pencils Set
The Soucolor colored pencils set includes 72 high-quality colored pencils and an eco-friendly tube for easy storage. With this set, you won't have to worry about struggling to find the color you need as all pencils are visible and accessible, making your coloring experience seamless.
These premium colored pencils have soft leads that make sharpening a breeze. You won't have to worry about them breaking, cracking, or crumbling when sharpening, ensuring that your pencils last longer.
With 72 individual colors, this set offers a wide range of choices to bring your artwork to life. The rich colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending, and shading, making them perfect for drawing, sketching, and adult coloring books.
Safety is a top priority, and these colored pencils are odorless and have earned the EN71 safety certificate, ensuring that they are safe to use. Note that these pencils contain small parts and are not suitable for children under the age of three, as they pose a choking hazard.
3. Castleart 72 Colored Pencils: Pro-Grade,organized Tin.
The Essential range of 72 pencils is designed to make coloring a breeze. The pencils are arranged in color families and are named, numbered and color-coded for easy selection. The presentation tin box has 3 layers that flip up to reveal your chosen pencil. The latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in soft, buttery cores that do not crumble under pressure and hold their point.
The pencils are a joy to use with intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors that provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending and burnishing. These pencils can be used on various surfaces such as paper, eggshell, canvas, wood and more.
The unique fold-out tutorial enables users to refine their colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning unicorn illustration on the sleeve cover. The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to help users improve their coloring skills.
The pencils have been tested by studio experts and have been proven to surpass competitors. The brand has gained the trust of over 1.5 million customers worldwide and is backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.
4. Black & Bold Sketch Pad (2-Pack)
Introducing the 2 Pack of 11" x 14" Premium Black Heavyweight Paper Sketch Pads, a must-have for any artist looking to add depth and contrast to their artwork. With 30 sheets in each pad and 60 sheets total, these sketch pads are perfect for creating cool effects using gel pens, metallic marker pens, colored pencils, graphite pencils, oil pastels, opaque pens, charcoal, chalk markers, ink, and more.
These high-quality sketch pads feature heavy-weight, 64 lb, 140 gsm, smooth texture black paper sheets that are acid-free and have a neutral pH, making them suitable for most types of dry media and all skill levels of artists. The black art paper allows you to see immediate contrast with white and colored media, making colors appear bright and vivid.
The sturdy top spiral-bound sketchbooks make for easy page-turning, and the pads have a heavy chipboard backing and cardstock cover for extra protection. These versatile and durable sketch pads are not just for drawing and sketching, but also for writing, making them ideal for aspiring artists, art students, and professional artists alike.
With artists' quality black sketch and drawing sheets, these premium black paper pads make an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys sketching, drawing, and creating art. Don't settle for ordinary sketch pads, upgrade to the 2 Pack of 11" x 14" Premium Black Heavyweight Paper Sketch Pads and make your artwork pop!
5. Draw With Strathmore: Premium Art Paper Pad
This student grade drawing paper is perfect for those who want to create final artwork with a medium weight paper. It is highly versatile and can be used with a variety of mediums including pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, sketching sticks, marker, mixed media, soft pastel, and oil pastel.
The paper boasts a 70 lb. / 114 gsm acid-free medium surface that allows for good pencil erasability, ensuring that your artwork looks neat and professional. The pad is 9"x12" Glue Bound with flip-over covers, making it easy to carry around and ideal for artists on-the-go.
Each pad contains 50 sheets, providing ample space for multiple projects. It is made in the USA, ensuring that you receive a high-quality product that meets all the required standards.
Whether you are an experienced artist or a beginner, this student grade drawing paper is an excellent choice for all your artistic needs. So, go ahead and create your masterpiece with confidence using this reliable and versatile paper.
6. Art-N-Fly's Ultimate Black Sketchbook
Are you an artist searching for a high-quality sketch pad to bring your imagination to life? Look no further than this sketchbook, which features silky black paper that is perfect for pastel-colored pencils, chalk pastels, gouache paint, white paint, or any pastel art supplies you prefer.
The micro-perforated paper makes this sketchbook ideal for on-the-go creativity. The convenient spiral allows you to easily tear out your sketches along the micro-perforated top edge of the art paper, providing a clean look that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
This drawing paper is cold-pressed with a saturated black dye that is acid-free, preventing fading and ensuring that your artwork stands the test of time. Weighing in at 140gsm or 88lbs, this black construction paper is super sturdy, allowing you to revisit your drawings for years to come!
This sketch pad also makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for anyone with a passion for painting, drawing, and art supplies. Whether you're a prolific doodler or a seasoned artist, this black notebook is the ultimate sketchbook for drawing.
Measuring 22.9cm x 30.5cm, this art book contains 32 sheets of paper, making it the perfect size for artists of all ages and skill levels. Don't settle for a subpar sketch pad when you can create your next masterpiece on this high-quality, black paper sketchbook.
7. Translucent Dura-Lar: Your Art's Best Canvas
The Grafix Dura-Lar Matte Film is a versatile and durable film that combines the best features of both Mylar and Acetate. Unlike other films, it is specifically designed to resist tearing, moisture absorption, and discoloration with age, ensuring that your projects stay in top condition for years to come.
This frosted film is made of translucent polyester and can withstand temperatures ranging from -94℉ to 300℉ (-70℃ – 150℃), making it ideal for use with a wide range of embossing and heat tools. Its heat-resistant quality enables artists to explore their creativity with different mediums, such as lead, ink, charcoal, paint, and colored pencil.
The opaque film has a translucent drawing surface on both sides, providing ample space for creatives to showcase their imagination. Whether you are a student or an individual looking for an economical alternative to drafting film, the Dura-Lar Matte Film erases cleanly, ensuring that your work stays polished and professional.
This pad comes with 25 sheets of Dura-Lar Matte Film, each measuring 11 x 14 inches and 0.005 inches thick. The pad is made in the USA, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and meets all industry standards. With its many applications and features, the Grafix Dura-Lar Matte Film is a valuable addition to any artist's toolkit.
8. Bachmore 9×12" Sketchbook For Pro & Amateurs.
This sketchpad boasts of wonderful design features that make it friendly to both left-handed and right-handed individuals. The top spiral design allows for easy flipping of pages, while the paper inside is smooth and beautiful, making drawing a breeze. The pages tear easily from the notebook with punctures, providing convenience to the user.
It is super practical, with acid-free paper that is thick, strong, slick-smooth, and durable. This makes it suitable for use with any dry pens, including oily color pencils, charcoal, sketching sticks, and other dry media pencils.
The hardbound sketch pad is 100% handmade with hard covers that offer maximum protection to your artwork. The hard bottom pad on both covers adds an extra layer of security, ensuring your work stays safe while in storage or transit.
This sketchbook comes in a pack of one, with a size of 9’’ x 12’’ and 100 inside pages. Each paper has a weight of 68lb/100gram, which is much thicker and better than other similar sketchbooks offered by other brands.
In case of any dissatisfaction with this product or any other products from the same brand, a money-back guarantee is offered. Customers can contact the seller, and they will either receive a replacement or a full refund within one month.
9. Strathmore 412-9 Tan Drawing 400 Series Toned Sketch Pad, 9"x12", 50 Count
This product is sold as a single unit and is perfect for creating artwork with either light or dark media. The acid-free paper ensures that the artwork will not yellow with age, preserving its vibrancy and quality over time.
This sketch pad is ideal for both sketching and drawing with a variety of media, including graphite, chalk, charcoal, sketching sticks, markers, china markers, colored pencils, pens, and white gel pens. With 50 sheets of 80-pound basis weight paper, artists have ample space to create their works of art.
As an eco-friendly option, this sketch pad is made from 100% recycled material. Its high-quality paper provides a smooth surface for artists to work on, allowing them to express their creativity with ease and precision.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced artist, this sketch pad is a must-have for your art supplies. Its versatility and durability make it an excellent choice for any project, and its acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will stand the test of time. Trust this sketch pad to bring your artwork to life.
10. Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad 9"x12"-30 Sheets -62477900
This product is a must-have for artists who work with colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, or sketching sticks. It offers smooth and even coverage, and its surface is tough enough to withstand repeated erasures and reworking. The micro-perforated wire-bound sheets are easy to detach, and the clean white surface provides an ideal base for a wide range of colored pencil techniques.
The product is acid-free, ensuring that your artwork remains in pristine condition for years to come. It's also made in the USA, so you can trust in its quality and durability. Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, this product is an excellent choice for your art supplies.
With its smooth and durable surface, this product allows you to achieve the perfect finish you desire. The micro-perforated wire-bound sheets make it easy to remove your artwork without damaging it, and the clean white, toothy surface provides an excellent canvas for your creations.
This product is perfect for artists who want to use colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, or sketching sticks. It provides an even coverage, and its surface is tough enough to withstand repeated erasures and reworking. The acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Best Drawing Paper For Colored Pencils FAQs
Can any type of paper be used for colored pencils?
When it comes to using colored pencils for artwork, the type of paper you use can have a significant impact on the final result. While it may be tempting to use any type of paper available, not all papers are created equal.
When working with colored pencils, it's best to use a paper that has a tooth or texture to it. This texture helps the colored pencils to grip the paper and create a more vibrant and pigmented result. Smooth papers, on the other hand, can cause the colored pencil to slip and slide, resulting in a less saturated look.
That being said, not all textured papers are created equal. Some papers may be too rough, causing the colored pencil to wear down quickly and become dull. Others may not have enough tooth, resulting in a lackluster appearance.
The best types of paper to use for colored pencils are those that are specifically designed for the medium. These papers will have the right amount of tooth and weight to hold up to multiple layers of color and blending. Look for papers labeled as "drawing" or "sketching" paper, or those specifically labeled for use with colored pencils.
In summary, while any type of paper can technically be used with colored pencils, it's best to use a paper with texture and weight specifically designed for the medium to achieve the best results.
Can watercolor paper be used for colored pencils?
Yes, watercolor paper can be used for colored pencils. In fact, watercolor paper is a great option for colored pencil artists who want to create detailed and textured drawings. The rough surface of the paper allows the colored pencil to grip onto the fibers of the paper, which helps to create a rich and layered effect. Additionally, watercolor paper is able to withstand multiple layers of colored pencil without buckling or tearing, which makes it a durable choice for artists who like to work with multiple layers of color. However, it is important to note that watercolor paper is typically more expensive than regular drawing paper, so if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider using a less expensive paper that is specifically designed for colored pencils.
How does the quality of paper affect the final colored pencil drawing?
The quality of paper plays a significant role in the final outcome of a colored pencil drawing. High-quality paper is designed to hold the pigment from the colored pencils better, allowing for a smoother and more even distribution of color. On the other hand, low-quality paper can cause the colored pencil to skip or drag, making it difficult to achieve the desired effect.
When choosing paper for colored pencil drawings, it is important to consider the weight, texture, and tooth of the paper. The weight of the paper determines its thickness and sturdiness, which can affect how it accepts the colored pencil pigment. The texture of the paper can range from smooth to rough, and the tooth refers to the surface texture of the paper that allows the colored pencil to grip onto it.
In general, it is recommended to use heavier, high-quality paper with a medium to heavy tooth for colored pencil drawings. This will allow for better color saturation, blending, and layering, resulting in a more vibrant and professional-looking final product.
Is it necessary to use special paper for colored pencils, or can regular drawing paper suffice?
Using special paper for colored pencils is not necessary, but it is recommended for achieving the best results. Regular drawing paper can be used for colored pencils, but it may not have the same ability to hold the pigment and can cause smudging or bleeding. Special paper for colored pencils is designed to have a texture that will hold many layers of color and prevent the pigment from spreading or bleeding. These papers are often heavier and have a toothier texture than regular drawing paper, making them ideal for colored pencils. However, if you are just starting out and don't want to invest in special paper, regular drawing paper can suffice. Just be aware that you may not get the same results as you would with special paper designed for colored pencils.
Should colored pencil paper be smooth or textured?
The choice between smooth or textured paper for colored pencils depends on the specific artistic effect an artist wants to achieve. Smooth paper is ideal for achieving fine detail and sharp lines, while textured paper is better suited for creating texture and depth in an artwork.
Smooth paper has a hard surface that enables the colored pencil pigment to lay down evenly, allowing for a precise and controlled application of color. This makes smooth paper ideal for creating photorealistic drawings or artworks that require meticulous detailing. On the other hand, textured paper has a rough surface that enables the colored pencil pigment to create a grainy or speckled effect, perfect for creating dynamic textures and adding depth to an artwork.
Ultimately, the choice between smooth or textured paper is a matter of personal preference and the desired artistic effect. As an artist, it is essential to experiment with different papers to determine the one that best suits your style and artistic goals.
What are the best brands of colored pencil paper?
When it comes to finding the best paper for colored pencils, there are several brands that are highly recommended by artists and professionals. One of the top brands is Strathmore, which offers a range of high-quality papers specifically designed for colored pencil work, including their 400 Series Colored Pencil Paper.
Another popular brand is Fabriano, which offers a smooth, acid-free, and archival-quality paper that is ideal for colored pencil work. The company's Artistico line is particularly well-regarded.
Canson is also a go-to brand for many artists, with their Mi-Teintes paper being a favorite for colored pencil users. It has a velvety texture that allows for easy layering and blending of colors.
Other notable brands include Arches, which offers a range of watercolor papers that are also suitable for colored pencils, and Stonehenge, which has a reputation for being one of the best papers for colored pencil work due to its durability and ability to hold multiple layers of color.
Ultimately, the best brand of colored pencil paper will depend on your personal preferences and the specific type of colored pencil work you are creating. It's worth experimenting with different brands and types of paper to find the one that works best for you.
What are the characteristics of good colored pencil paper?
Good colored pencil paper has certain characteristics that make it suitable for use with colored pencils. One important characteristic is that it should have a toothy surface texture that allows the colored pencil to adhere well to the paper. The paper should also have a high level of opacity, meaning that it should not be too transparent or see-through, as this can adversely affect the appearance of the colors.
Another important characteristic of good colored pencil paper is that it should be acid-free and archival quality, so that the artwork created on it will be long-lasting and not prone to yellowing or fading over time. The weight of the paper is also important, as heavier papers tend to be more durable and less likely to tear or crease.
Finally, a good colored pencil paper should have a good color saturation, allowing the colors to appear bright and vibrant without being overly saturated or garish. Overall, a good colored pencil paper should have a toothy texture, high opacity, be acid-free and archival quality, have a suitable weight, and provide good color saturation.
What is the best type of paper for colored pencil drawings?
When it comes to colored pencil drawings, the type of paper you use can greatly impact the final result of your artwork. The best type of paper for colored pencil drawings is one that has a toothy or textured surface. This texture allows the colored pencil to grip onto the paper and create a more vibrant and layered effect.
One popular type of paper for colored pencil drawings is a heavy-weight, acid-free drawing paper. This type of paper is durable and can withstand multiple layers of colored pencil without smudging or smearing. Additionally, some artists prefer using colored pencil-specific paper such as Stonehenge or Strathmore because they are specifically designed for colored pencil work.
However, the type of paper you use ultimately depends on your personal preference and the type of effect you want to achieve. It's important to experiment with different types of paper to find the one that works best for your artistic style and techniques.
What is the best weight for colored pencil drawing paper?
The weight of the paper used for colored pencil drawing is an important consideration as it affects the overall quality of the artwork. The best weight for colored pencil drawing paper is between 90-110lb (190-250gsm). This weight range provides a sturdy surface that can handle the pressure and layering of colored pencils without buckling or tearing.
Using a heavier weight paper also allows for more erasing and blending of colors, as the paper can withstand the friction and pressure needed to achieve smooth blending. However, it is important to note that the weight of the paper is not the only factor to consider. The texture and tooth of the paper also play a crucial role in the final outcome of the artwork.
Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with different paper weights and textures to find the best fit for your personal style and preferences. Ultimately, the best paper weight for colored pencil drawing is one that allows you to achieve the desired level of detail, color saturation, and texture in your artwork.
What is the difference between hot press and cold press paper for colored pencils?
Hot press and cold press paper are both commonly used for colored pencils, but they have distinct differences. Hot press paper is created by pressing the paper fibers together using heat and pressure, resulting in a smooth, flat surface. This type of paper is ideal for detailed and precise work as it allows for fine lines and intricate details. However, it can be less forgiving as it does not absorb the pigment as well as cold press paper.
On the other hand, cold press paper has a textured surface created by pressing the paper fibers together without heat. This texture allows for better absorption of the pigment and creates a more organic and natural feel to the artwork. It is also more forgiving as it allows for layering and blending of colors, making it a popular choice for artists who want to create a softer and more blended look.
Ultimately, the choice between hot press and cold press paper depends on the desired outcome of the artwork. If precision and detail are important, hot press paper may be the better choice. If a softer and more organic look is desired, cold press paper may be the way to go.
