Art paper for beginners - Which paper and pad to choose ?

Drawing Papers and Pads

Drawing is often the first step in any artistic journey. It requires paper that can handle various dry media such as pencils, charcoal, and ink. The surface should allow for smooth lines, shading, and erasing without tearing or smudging.

DeSerres Stitch-Bound Pad - 80 Sheets

Designed for sketching and light dry mediums, this pad combines durability and elegance. The hard cover and stitch binding ensure it’s both portable and stylish.

• The acid-free, FSC-certified paper ensures that your sketches won’t yellow over time, preserving your work.
• Its surface is smooth yet provides enough texture for effective shading and detailing.
• The 80 high-quality sheets offer plenty of space for practicing techniques like cross-hatching and blending.
• Beginners often appreciate its hard cover for stability when sketching on the go, making it a great travel companion.

Whether you’re practicing simple line drawings or complex shading techniques, this pad offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability.

Canson XL Mixed Media Pad

While technically a mixed-media option, this pad’s smooth and vellum sides make it a versatile choice for drawing and sketching.

• The dual-sided paper allows you to choose between a smoother or slightly textured surface, depending on your medium.
• Its 160 g/m² weight makes it more durable than standard sketch pads, enabling you to layer and erase without damaging the paper.
• With 60 sheets, this pad offers plenty of opportunities to experiment, especially for students or hobbyists exploring different drawing techniques.

Canson Tracing Paper Roll

Tracing is an invaluable technique for beginners, helping with proportion studies, composition planning, and replicating designs. The Canson Tracing Paper Roll is ideal for this purpose.

• Its translucent quality allows for precise overlays and transfers.
• The smooth surface ensures clean, uninterrupted lines when using pencils, pens, or markers.
• A large roll provides plenty of material for experimentation and practice.

Tracing can also be an excellent way to study and replicate the work of other artists, helping beginners develop their skills and understanding of composition and form.

Watercolour Papers and Pads

Watercolor painting demands a robust surface that can absorb moisture without warping or tearing. The paper’s texture and thickness play critical roles in achieving vibrant washes and controlled details.

Canson XL Watercolour Pad

This pad is a staple for beginners exploring water-based mediums. Its 300 gsm cold-press paper is thick enough to withstand repeated washes and absorb pigment effectively.

• The cold-press texture strikes a balance between smoothness for detail and roughness for holding paint.
• The heavyweight paper prevents buckling, even with heavy water application.
• Its affordability makes it a great option for beginners who want to practice without fear of wasting expensive materials.

Beginners will appreciate that this pad can also handle gouache and acrylic paints, making it a versatile choice for exploring different water-based techniques.

Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Paper - Extra White

If you’re ready to explore professional-grade materials, this paper offers unparalleled quality. Made with 100% cotton, it provides superior absorbency and texture.

• The cotton composition ensures even pigment distribution and vibrant colors.
• Improved surface sizing allows for sharper details and smoother gradients.
• Its durability supports advanced techniques like wet-on-wet, glazing, and lifting.

The deckled edges and fixed point watermark add a touch of elegance to finished pieces, making it ideal for framing.

Mixed Media Papers and Pads

Mixed media involves combining different materials and techniques, such as watercolor washes with ink drawings or acrylic paint with pencil details. The paper must be versatile and durable to handle this variety.

DeSerres Mixed Media Pad by Fabriano

This mixed media pad is a versatile and sustainable option for beginners. Featuring 160 g/m² paper, it handles a variety of mediums, from pencils and markers to light watercolors.

• Its weight and texture support both wet and dry techniques, making it a true all-rounder.
• The glued binding allows for easy page removal, so you can display or store your work.
• With 150 sheets, it’s perfect for experimenting and discovering your preferred mediums.

Mixed media pads like this one are great for art students who want to explore techniques without switching between multiple pads.

Pastel Papers and Pads

Pastels require a surface with enough tooth to hold pigment while allowing for blending and layering. Paper with too smooth a surface won’t provide the grip necessary for vibrant pastel work.

Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pad

This pad is a favorite among pastel artists for its unique surface that holds pigment exceptionally well.

• The slightly coarse texture prevents pigment from slipping, enabling rich, saturated layers.
• Its durability eliminates the need for fixatives, preserving the vibrancy of your work.
• Crystal paper dividers protect your drawings, ensuring they remain smudge-free.

With 12 sheets, this pad is a fantastic introduction to the world of pastels, offering beginners the opportunity to experiment with layering and blending techniques without frustration.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paper

Match the Paper to Your Medium:

• Watercolor or gouache? Choose heavyweight, cold-press paper.
• Pencil or pen? Go for smooth, medium-weight paper.
• Pastels? Look for textured surfaces with a strong grip.

Start with Mixed Media Pads:

• These versatile options allow you to experiment without needing specialized papers.

Consider Durability:

• If you plan to erase often or layer heavily, opt for thicker papers with higher GSM ratings.

Look for Acid-Free Options:

• Ensure your artwork stands the test of time.

Buy in Small Quantities First:

• Test different papers to discover what works best for your style and techniques.

Understand Textures:

• Rougher textures are great for bold, expressive work, while smoother textures suit detailed and precise techniques.

Shop your papers and pads at DeSerres.

Your perfect paper for you is at DeSerres. Choosing the right art paper or pad as a beginner doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the requirements of each technique and the types of paper available—from drawing and watercolor to mixed media and pastels—you can confidently explore various mediums. 

With options like those you’re equipped to unlock your creativity. Check our collection today to discover these exceptional papers and start creating!