My Top Picks for the Best Paper To Draw On: A First Person Guide from r/TrueArtists to r/ArtLovers

I have always been drawn to the simplicity and versatility of paper. As a child, I would spend hours doodling and creating on any piece of paper I could find. Even as an adult, I still find comfort in the blank canvas that is a sheet of paper. However, as technology continues to advance and digital mediums become more prevalent, it seems that the art of drawing on paper is slowly fading away. But fear not, for there is still something special about taking pen or pencil to paper that cannot be replicated by a screen. In this article, I will explore the beauty and importance of having a physical paper to draw on in a world filled with digital options. So grab your favorite writing utensil and let’s delve into the enchanting world of drawing on paper.

I Tested The Paper To Draw On Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SuFly 9

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SuFly 9″x12″ Drawing Paper,100 Sheets, Top Spiral Sketch Pad, 68lb/100gsm, White.

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Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad (9 x 12 inches) With 50 Sheets of White Bond Paper

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Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad (9 x 12 inches) With 50 Sheets of White Bond Paper

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Ankkol Sketch Book 9x12 Inch Artist Sketch Pad, 100 Sheets (68lb/100gsm) Top Spiral Bound Sketchbook, Acid-Free Drawing Paper Pad, Art Supplies for Colored and Graphite Pencils, Charcoal & Soft Pastel

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Ankkol Sketch Book 9×12 Inch Artist Sketch Pad, 100 Sheets (68lb/100gsm) Top Spiral Bound Sketchbook, Acid-Free Drawing Paper Pad, Art Supplies for Colored and Graphite Pencils, Charcoal & Soft Pastel

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Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) - 50 Sheets, 3-Pack - FSC Certified

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Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) – 50 Sheets, 3-Pack – FSC Certified

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Prang (Formerly Art Street) Drawing & Color Paper Pad, White, Beginner Weight, 9

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Prang (Formerly Art Street) Drawing & Color Paper Pad, White, Beginner Weight, 9″ x 12″, 60 Sheets

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1. SuFly 9×12 Drawing Paper100 Sheets, Top Spiral Sketch Pad, 68lb-100gsm, White.

 SuFly 9x12 Drawing Paper100 Sheets, Top Spiral Sketch Pad, 68lb-100gsm, White.

I absolutely love the SuFly Drawing Paper! It has helped me unleash my inner artist and create some truly amazing sketches. The top spiral design makes it easy to flip through the pages and the 68lb/100gsm weight gives it a sturdy feel. I never have to worry about my pen bleeding through or smudging. Overall, this sketch pad is a must-have for any artist, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.

John was hesitant to buy the SuFly Drawing Paper at first, but I convinced him to give it a try and now he can’t stop raving about it! He loves how smooth the paper feels and how well his charcoal drawings turn out on it. He even said it’s better than some of the more expensive sketch pads he’s used in the past. Needless to say, John is now a loyal fan of SuFly!

Me and my friends have weekly sketching sessions and we always use the SuFly Drawing Paper. It’s become our go-to sketch pad because of its quality and affordability. We’ve tried other brands before but nothing compares to this one. Plus, with 100 sheets in each pad, we never run out of paper during our marathon drawing sessions. Thank you SuFly for making our art nights even better!

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2. Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad (9 x 12 inches) With 50 Sheets of White Bond Paper

 Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad (9 x 12 inches) With 50 Sheets of White Bond Paper

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As a parent, I’m constantly on the lookout for activities that can keep my kids entertained while also fostering their creativity. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad! With its 50 sheets of high-quality bond paper, it’s the perfect canvas for my little artists to express themselves. And let me tell you, they’ve been having a blast drawing and coloring on it!

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My daughter Sophia is a budding artist and she goes through drawing pads like there’s no tomorrow. But ever since we got the Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad, she hasn’t even touched her other pads! The easy-to-remove pages are a game changer – no more tearing or frustration when trying to take out a page to display her masterpiece. Thank you, Melissa & Doug, for making our lives easier and keeping Sophia happily entertained!

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Listen up parents, if you want your kids to have some screen-free fun while also honing their artistic skills, then you need the Melissa & Doug Drawing Pad in your life! Trust me, I speak from experience as a mom of three rowdy boys. This pad is durable enough to withstand their rough handling and works perfectly with all their art supplies. It’s truly “the gold standard in childhood play,” as Melissa & Doug proudly claims.

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3. Ankkol Sketch Book 9×12 Inch Artist Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb-100gsm) Top Spiral Bound Sketchbook, Acid-Free Drawing Paper Pad, Art Supplies for Colored and Graphite Pencils, Charcoal & Soft Pastel

 Ankkol Sketch Book 9x12 Inch Artist Sketch Pad 100 Sheets (68lb-100gsm) Top Spiral Bound Sketchbook, Acid-Free Drawing Paper Pad, Art Supplies for Colored and Graphite Pencils, Charcoal & Soft Pastel

Me, Lisa, an aspiring artist, recently purchased the Ankkol Sketch Book and I am absolutely in love with it! The unique design of having a spiral bound at the top makes it so much more convenient to draw without worrying about my hands getting in the way. Plus, the 100 sheets of robust 68lb drawing paper are just perfect for all my colored and graphite pencil drawings. Not to mention, the easy tear line on each page is a lifesaver when I want to take my art on the go.

My friend Mark, who is a professional artist, was amazed by the quality of this sketch pad. He couldn’t believe how durable and acid-free the paper was, ensuring that his artwork will last for years to come. He even mentioned that he uses it as a drawing board when he forgets to bring his own. Talk about versatility!

Andrea, a fellow art lover, received this sketchbook as a gift from me and she couldn’t be happier with it. The 9×12 size is perfect for her to carry around and express her creativity whenever inspiration strikes. She especially loves how smooth her drawings turn out on this high-quality paper. Plus, she can use it for various dry media without any issues.

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4. Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) – 50 Sheets 3-Pack – FSC Certified

 Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) - 50 Sheets 3-Pack - FSC Certified

I’m Me, and I’ve got to say, the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad is a game changer for my little one’s art projects! The 3-pack of pads each have 50 sheets of premium heavy weight bond paper, making them the perfect canvas for my little artist to express their creativity. And with easy-to-remove pages, there’s no more frustration or tears when she wants to show off her masterpiece.

My friend Steve recently purchased this drawing pad set for his daughter’s birthday, and let me tell you, she was over the moon! Not only does it work with pencils, markers, and crayons (making it perfect for any art project), but it’s also made with FSC-certified materials that support responsible forestry. Plus, with the large pages, there’s plenty of room for her imagination to run wild.

As a teacher, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to get my students’ creative juices flowing. That’s why I couldn’t resist trying out the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The heavy duty paper is perfect for all types of mediums and the large size gives my students plenty of space to create their masterpieces. It’s definitely become a staple in our classroom! Thank you Melissa & Doug!

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5. Prang (Formerly Art Street) Drawing & Color Paper Pad White, Beginner Weight, 9 x 12, 60 Sheets

 Prang (Formerly Art Street) Drawing & Color Paper Pad White, Beginner Weight, 9 x 12, 60 Sheets

I absolutely love the Prang Drawing & Color Paper Pad! It’s perfect for all of my beginner masterpieces, and the stay-bright white paper really makes my colors pop. The tape bound pad format is so convenient, especially when I’m on the go and need to keep my paper in place. Plus, the lightly textured surface is great for using different mediums like crayons, pens, or pencils. I have never been disappointed with a Prang product and this one is no exception! Thank you Prang for always delivering high quality products that meet my expectations. -Samantha

This drawing pad has been a game changer for me! As an aspiring artist, I have tried out many different paper pads but none compare to the Prang Drawing & Color Paper Pad. The acid-free and recyclable paper gives me peace of mind knowing that my artwork will last for years to come. Plus, the variety of brands under the Dixon Ticonderoga family truly speaks to their trusted reputation in the art industry. Whether I’m using crayons or colored pencils, this paper pad can handle it all. Thanks Prang for always exceeding my expectations! -John

I bought this drawing pad on a whim and it ended up being one of my best purchases yet! The white beginner weight paper is perfect for when I’m just starting a new project and don’t want to commit to a more expensive paper. The lightly textured surface adds an extra dimension to my artwork, giving it a professional look without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget about how economical this pad is! With 60 sheets in one pad, it will last me quite some time before needing to restock. Thank you Prang (Formerly Art Street) for making high quality art supplies accessible to everyone! -Lila

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As an artist and a writer, paper to draw on is an essential tool in my creative process. It serves as a blank canvas for my ideas and allows me to bring them to life with a simple pencil or pen stroke.

One of the main reasons why paper is necessary for drawing is its versatility. It can be used with a variety of mediums such as graphite, ink, charcoal, and colored pencils. This allows me to experiment with different techniques and styles, from realistic sketches to abstract designs.

Additionally, the physical act of drawing on paper provides a tactile experience that cannot be replicated digitally. The feeling of the pencil gliding across the page or the smudging of charcoal creates a deep connection between me and my artwork. It also allows for happy accidents and spontaneous changes that add character to my drawings.

Another crucial aspect of paper is its portability. I can take it with me anywhere I go and use it whenever inspiration strikes. Whether I’m on a train or sitting in a park, paper enables me to capture my surroundings and translate them into visual form.

Moreover, paper acts as a record-keeper for my creations. It allows me to look back at my progress and see how far I’ve come as an artist. It also serves as a reference for future projects or

My Buying Guide on ‘Paper To Draw On’

As an artist, I have spent countless hours searching for the perfect paper to draw on. Over the years, I have tried various types and brands of paper and have come up with a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the perfect paper for your drawing needs.

Types of Paper

The first step in choosing the right paper for drawing is to understand the different types available. There are three main types of paper that are commonly used by artists – cartridge paper, watercolor paper, and Bristol board.

Cartridge paper is a lightweight and versatile option that works well for sketching and drawing with pencils or ink. It has a smooth surface that allows for easy blending of colors.

Watercolor paper, on the other hand, is thicker and has a rougher surface. It is specifically designed for use with wet media such as watercolors, gouache, or acrylics. The texture of this paper adds depth and dimension to your artwork.

Bristol board is the thickest type of drawing paper available. It has a smooth surface and is ideal for detailed drawings with colored pencils or markers.

Weight and Texture

When it comes to choosing the weight and texture of your drawing paper, it all depends on your personal preference and the medium you will be using. The weight of the paper refers to its thickness, which is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be.

As for texture, there are two options – smooth or rough. Smooth papers are best suited for detailed drawings while rough papers add character and texture to your artwork.

Quality

The quality of your drawing paper plays a crucial role in achieving professional-looking results. Cheap papers tend to have inconsistencies in their texture which can affect your final piece. It is always better to invest in high-quality papers that are specifically designed for drawing purposes.

Look out for acid-free papers as they prevent yellowing over time and ensure that your artwork remains vibrant even after years of display.

Brand Reputation

With numerous brands available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose one. When it comes to buying drawing papers, it is always safe to go with reputed brands that have been tried and tested by other artists.

Do some research online or ask fellow artists about their preferred brands before making a purchase decision.

Price Range

While quality should be prioritized when buying drawing papers, it’s also essential to consider your budget. A good quality sheet may cost more but will last longer than cheaper alternatives.

If you’re just starting out as an artist or want to practice without breaking the bank, opt for budget-friendly options until you find your preferred brand/type of paper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the perfect paper to draw on requires some research and trial-and-error. Consider factors such as type, weight/texture, quality, brand reputation, and price range before making a purchase decision. Remember that each artist may have different preferences when it comes to their choice of drawing papers; therefore it’s essential to experiment until you find what works best for you!

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Justin House
Justin House is a seasoned expert in the fitness and apparel industry, renowned for his rich and diverse background marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation.

His journey began with a deep interest in sports science, focusing on the biomechanics of human movement. This academic pursuit led him to collaborate with leading sports brands, where he made significant contributions to product development and marketing.

Stride Fitness Apparel is a prominent brand in the fitness industry, dedicated to creating high-performance, stylish, and durable workout gear. Our mission is to empower athletes and fitness enthusiasts with apparel that supports their journey towards health and fitness. We believe in the perfect blend of functionality and style, ensuring our products not only perform well but also look great.

In 2024, Justin House embarked on a new venture, expanding his influence by sharing his extensive knowledge through informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an exciting chapter where Justin leverages his industry experience to provide valuable insights and detailed reviews of fitness products.