Best Paper For Graphite Pencil Drawing

Artists who use graphite pencils will probably rely on a specific set of standards.

Best paper for graphite pencil drawing.

Strathmore 300 series smooth bristol board this is a very smooth paper and similar to the 400 series bristol board but it doesn t have enough tooth to hold rich blacks. The charcoal particles will need that extra tooth to stick to. H and b grades of graphite pencils. Again the strathmore brand is my go to source of paper even with charcoal drawing.

They stay sharp longer and can be sharpened to a finer point. Printer copying paper generally has a weight of 20lbs 75 gsm. Prismacolor makes a graphite drawing pencil set that meets most artist expectations. A light hand is recommended since it is easier to scratch your drawing paper with these pencils.

100 percent cotton buffered acid free machine made. The heavier weight is better for drawing since it can take more erasure and can handle the constant pressure from the pencil better. A chemical is added to the paper to slow down the deterioration that is caused by ph. Stonehenge is a versatile paper available in white off white cream gray and natural.

For graphite drawings with a moderate degree of realism a drawing paper like strathmore series 400 is a good place to begin. The best paper for graphite drawing should be over 80 lbs. The h grades of graphite pencils contain a higher proportion of clay and make lighter marks. It s off white though so it won t give the snappy highlights you need for really crisp realism.

In general you re going to want paper that s slightly rougher more tooth for charcoal drawing as compared to what you would normally use with graphite pencil. Consumers greatly appreciated prismacolor s set of graphite drawing pencils. Mid range papers are made with a mix of wood cotton and linen fibers. Stonehenge is one of the most popular artist s papers recommended by many professionals for graphite and colored pencil drawing.

Rag paper is more expensive but is best for graphite drawing projects. The pencils served their artistic needs very well. Thinner paper will tear easier and ruin your work. Mid ranged papers are less expensive than rag paper and might work well for your projects.