Paper

Over the years, paper has become an invaluable tool for recordkeeping and artmaking. Today, a variety of papers are both affordable and readily available. In the pages that follow, we'll look at the papers that offer the most practical surfaces for drawing and painting.

PAPER PROPERTIES

Material The majority of paper today is made out of cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp, cotton, or a blend of the two. Generally speaking, the higher the cotton content, the higher the paper quality. Papers made of 100-percent cotton are more durable and less likely to become brittle or yellow over time. Papers made from cotton rags are called "rag paper"; these strong sheets are made up of the longest cotton fibers. However, most cotton paper is made of cotton linter (shorter fibers) or a combination of rag and linter. Wood pulp paper is more affordable than cotton paper, and modern techniques for reducing the acid content make this option more appealing to artists.

Some papers are manufactured with an ingredient called "sizing" or "size." Sizing — which is usually gelatin or animal glue — changes the way a paper accepts a medium. The more sizing a paper has, the less likely it is to absorb moisture and pigment. Papers made specifically for ink or marker often have a good amount of internal sizing, which means that the sizing is mixed in with the pulp before the paper dries. This makes the ink less likely to bleed through or across the paper while keeping the color vibrant. Many watercolor papers are also coated with surface sizing, giving the artist control over the washes. (See "Sizing," here.) Sizing also keeps the paper from buckling under moisture.

Weight Paper weight is measured in either pounds (lb) per ream (500 sheets) or grams per square meter (gsm or g/m2). The measurement system of pounds depends on a sheet's size and varies between paper types, so there is no "across the board" conversion method for matching lb. and gsm. Using gsm to describe a paper's weight is more consistent and perhaps more descriptive; however, the pound system is more common in the United States. Below are some of the most readily available paper types and weights, listed in both lb and approximate gsm. Remember: The greater the lb or gsm, the thicker the paper.

Go Acid-Free! You may notice that some papers and canvases are labeled "acid-free." This desirable quality will help your artwork stand the test of time. Technically speaking, an acid-free surface has a pH of 7 or higher. To the artist, this means that the surface will not yellow or deteriorate as time passes. Some papers are buffered, which means they were manufactured with an alkaline additive to neutralize the paper. Unless you're drafting rough sketches, make it a point to work on acid-free surfaces. You never know which pieces you'll want to last!

BRIGHTNESS & COLOR

Art papers are available in nearly every color imaginable. However, most artists work on papers that range from bright white to cream, which provide light, clean surfaces that contrast well with graphite, charcoal, and other dark media. The brighter the surface, the brighter your colors and highlights will appear in the final work. You can also subtly alter the temperature of your overall work by choosing a paper that leans warm or cool. Remember that any medium you use will be influenced by the brightness and color of the support beneath.

Some artists like working on toned paper, with the most common choices being gray and tan. Artists use the tone of the paper as a middle value and apply the highlights and shadows using charcoal or Conté crayon. This is a quick way to develop a drawing that often produces dramatic results.

Texture & Finish To understand texture and finish, run your finger across several different papers. They can be glossy, bumpy, smooth, or ribbed. Aside from the actual feel of the paper, the surface quality plays a role in how the paper responds to and accepts the medium. Below are the most common terms relating to texture and finish.

Smooth, Medium & Rough Paper textures are generally described as smooth, medium, or rough. Rough papers have a prominent tooth, which refers to the bumps and grooves on the paper's surface. These raised areas catch your medium as you stroke across the paper. Smooth papers have little to no tooth, and medium papers have a tooth somewhere between rough and smooth. Dry mediums, such as pencil, charcoal, and pastel, rely on some tooth in order to adhere to the paper. The more tooth a paper has, the rougher your pencil or brushstroke will be and the more medium will catch on the paper. Papers with a fine tooth yield rich, dark colors when working with dry media; rough papers with a large tooth yield coarse strokes and complement an expressive, painterly style. However, more tooth is not necessarily better. Papers with minimal tooth are best for artists who work in fine detail, as smooth surfaces give artists more control over their media.

MEDIA ON PAPER TEXTURES

Laid-Finish Paper Papers with a laid finish feature fine, parallel grooves that simulate "chain lines" characteristic of old pressed, handmade papers. The grooves catch the drawing medium and give the artwork a ribbed texture. Charcoal, pastel, Conté crayon, chalk, and soft graphite work well with laid surfaces.

Wove Finish Papers with a wove finish are smooth with a subtle woven or mesh pattern. It is the standard finish for papers used for printing and writing, such as stationery. The uniform surface affords artists a good amount of control over a medium.

Matte vs. Gloss Two common words used to describe the finish of a paper are "matte" and "gloss." In almost all cases, artist paper has a matte or "uncoated" finish, which is nonreflective and receptive to wet and dry media. Gloss paper is slick and reflective; the lack of friction makes it difficult to accept and control a medium. It can also cause smearing and show fingerprints. Gloss paper can work for calligraphy or pen and ink, but it is mainly used for printing purposes. If you want your artwork to have a gloss finish, consider working on matte paper and then sealing your drawing with a gloss varnish.

FORMATS

Paper comes in a variety of formats, and your choice should depend on your requirements and personal taste. Below is a breakdown of available formats.

Pads & Books Paper pads consist of a stack of papers on a firm cardboard backing, which allows you to sketch without a table if needed. The papers are attached along one edge with tape, glue, or a plastic or metal spiral. These formats are available in a range of manageable sizes that suit artists on-the-go. However, many artists choose to remove single sheets and work on another surface to prevent indentations transferring to the papers beneath.

Rolls Paper is available in rolls, often a cheaper option per square inch...