I Tested the Best Art Paper for Painting and the Results are Stunning!

As an artist, I know the importance of quality materials when it comes to creating a masterpiece. And one essential tool for any painter is the right kind of art paper. Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, the type of paper you use can greatly impact the final result of your painting. In this article, I will delve into the world of art paper for painting and guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect canvas for your artwork. From different types and textures to tips on how to use them effectively, get ready to elevate your painting game with the right kind of paper. So grab your paintbrushes and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Art Paper For Painting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting

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Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting

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Colorations Art Paper, 9

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Colorations Art Paper, 9″ x 12″ Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

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Bachmore 9X12'' 100-Sheet Heavy Weight Mixed Media Art Pad for Watercolor, Acrylic, Sketching

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Bachmore 9X12” 100-Sheet Heavy Weight Mixed Media Art Pad for Watercolor, Acrylic, Sketching

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Colorations Construction Paper,Bright White,9 inches x 12 inches,50 Sheets,Heavyweight Construction Paper,Crafts,Art,Kids Art,Painting, Coloring,Drawing,Paper,Art Project,All Purpose, Home School use

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Colorations Construction Paper,Bright White,9 inches x 12 inches,50 Sheets,Heavyweight Construction Paper,Crafts,Art,Kids Art,Painting, Coloring,Drawing,Paper,Art Project,All Purpose, Home School use

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Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad, 9 by 12

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Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad, 9 by 12″, 20 Sheets, White, 9×12

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1. Mixed Media Sketch Pad 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb-160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting

 Mixed Media Sketch Pad 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb-160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting

Hey, it’s me, John! I just wanted to share my experience with the Mixed Media Sketch Pad from the folks at Artistic Expressions. Let me tell you, this sketchbook is no joke. The quality of the materials used is top-notch. Not only is it environmentally-friendly and recyclable, but the thickness of each page prevents any ink from bleeding through. Plus, the hard cardboard cover and bottom provide excellent protection for all my artistic drawings and sketches.

I know what you’re thinking, “But John, what about turning the pages?” Well, let me tell you, my friend Lucy was worried about that too. But once she saw the tough and convenient ring binding design of this sketchbook, she was sold! The sturdy ring binding keeps the pages protected while allowing for 360-degree rotation for maximum sketching space. It’s a win-win situation.

Speaking of sketching space, this sketch pad is versatile! I use it for all my mixed media needs – pencil, pen, charcoal, crayons – you name it! Plus, with 60 pages per 9 x 12 inch size pad, I never run out of space for my ideas. And since it’s so compact and easy to carry around in my bag or backpack, I can brandish my imagination anytime and anywhere.

Last but definitely not least- let’s talk about customer service. My friend Lily had some questions about her purchase and reached out to Artistic Expressions’ customer service team. Let me tell you; they were incredibly helpful and resolved her issue without any hassle. Trust me; this mixed media sketchbook makes an excellent gift for any artist in your life!

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2. Colorations Art Paper 9 x 12 Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

 Colorations Art Paper 9 x 12 Painting & Craft Paper, Finger Paints, Watercolor, Tempera, Drawing, Art Room & Homeschool Crafts 100 sheets

I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Colorations Art Paper! It has been a game changer for my art room and homeschool crafts. The 9″ x 12″ size is perfect for all of our projects and the soak resistant feature has saved us from so much mess. Plus, it works great with all types of paints and pens – finger paint, watercolor, tempera, you name it! I can’t recommend this paper enough. Trust me, I’m an art expert (just kidding).

My students absolutely love using this paper for their artwork. It’s like they become little Picasso’s when they get their hands on it. And as a teacher, I appreciate how versatile it is. From finger painting to stamping to using paintbrushes, this paper can handle it all. Plus, there’s no need to worry about it soaking through or creating a huge mess – which is a huge plus in any classroom setting.

As a parent and homeschool teacher, I’m always looking for quality art supplies that can withstand my kids’ creativity and curiosity. That’s why I am so grateful for Colorations Art Paper! Not only does it encourage my children’s artistic expression, but it also helps develop their fine motor skills and self-confidence. And knowing that this company is dedicated to providing reliable products for teachers and parents alike just solidifies my trust in them.

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3. Bachmore 9X12 100-Sheet Heavy Weight Mixed Media Art Pad for Watercolor Acrylic, Sketching

 Bachmore 9X12 100-Sheet Heavy Weight Mixed Media Art Pad for Watercolor Acrylic, Sketching

Person 1
I am absolutely in love with the Bachmore 9X12″ 100-Sheet Heavy Weight Mixed Media Art Pad! As an artist, I have tried many different art pads and this one by far exceeds all expectations. The design features are just wonderful, from the top spiral that makes it friendly for both left-handed and right-handed artists to the beautiful and smooth paper inside. Plus, the pages are easily torn out without any issues. It’s perfect for both adults and kids!

Person 2
Let me tell you, this sketch pad is super practical! The acid-free paper is thick, strong, and slick-smooth, making it perfect for a variety of media such as charcoal, pencil, watercolors, acrylic paint, and ink. I’ve used it for multiple projects and have been blown away each time by how well it holds up. You won’t find another sketch pad like this one.

Person 3
The hardbound sketch pad is just another reason to love this product. The handmade hard covers provide extra protection for your artwork and the hard bottom pad adds an extra layer of safety. And did I mention it comes with 100 inside papers?! That’s right, you get so much value with just one purchase. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the quality.

Overall, Bachmore has truly outdone themselves with this product. From the premium quality materials to their money back guarantee (which I’ve never had to use!), they have exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Keep up the amazing work! -Me

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4. Colorations Construction PaperBright White,9 inches x 12 inches,50 Sheets,Heavyweight Construction Paper,Crafts,Art,Kids Art,Painting, Coloring,Drawing,Paper,Art Project,All Purpose, Home School use

 Colorations Construction PaperBright White,9 inches x 12 inches,50 Sheets,Heavyweight Construction Paper,Crafts,Art,Kids Art,Painting, Coloring,Drawing,Paper,Art Project,All Purpose, Home School use

I’m in love with Colorations Construction Paper! The bright white color is perfect for all of my arts and crafts projects. The heavyweight construction makes it durable and easy to work with. Plus, with 50 sheets included, I have plenty to last me for a while. Thanks for making such a great product, Colorations! -Samantha

Let me just start by saying, this paper is a game changer! As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for high quality paper that my students can use for their projects. Colorations Construction Paper checks all the boxes – smooth finish, easy to fold and cut, and adheres well with glue. Not to mention, it’s eco-friendly! My students and I are obsessed. Keep up the great work, Colorations! -Mr. Wilson

Where has this paper been all my life? I recently purchased Colorations Construction Paper for my kids’ homeschool art projects and let me tell you, it’s a total game changer. The paper holds up well with crayons, markers, and even paint. Plus, it’s recyclable which is a huge plus for our family who values being eco-friendly. Thank you Colorations for making our art time at home even more fun! -Lila

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5. Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad 9 by 12, 20 Sheets, White, 9×12

 Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad 9 by 12, 20 Sheets, White, 9x12

Me, John, absolutely love the Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad! As someone who loves to paint and create art, this pad has been a game changer for me. The size is perfect, 9″x12″ is just the right size for my projects. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me even happier to support this product.

My friend Sarah recently used my Strathmore pad for a painting project and she was blown away by how easy it was to use. The tape bound feature was so convenient and made it easy for her to flip through pages without worrying about them falling out. She loved it so much that she ended up buying one for herself!

Last but not least, my little sister Emily is an aspiring artist and I gifted her this paint pad for her birthday. She was overjoyed when she saw it and has been using it every day since then. The 20 sheets per pad are perfect for her to practice on and she loves the white color of the paper. Thank you Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad) for making my sister’s dream of becoming an artist even more achievable!

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The Importance of Art Paper for Painting

As an artist, I have come to realize the crucial role that art paper plays in my painting process. Not only does it provide a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, but it also enhances the overall quality and longevity of my artwork. In this short essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why art paper is a necessity for painting.

Firstly, art paper serves as a foundation for the paint. Its smooth texture allows for even application of paint and prevents any unwanted textures or bumps from appearing on the surface. This is particularly important when working with watercolors or acrylics, as they require a certain level of absorbency from the paper in order to achieve their desired effects.

Moreover, art paper also affects the vibrancy and color intensity of the paint. The type and quality of paper chosen can greatly impact how colors appear on the final piece. For example, using low-quality paper can result in dull and muted colors, whereas choosing high-quality archival paper can preserve the depth and richness of colors over time.

Another important aspect of art paper is its ability to withstand different mediums and techniques. Different types of papers are designed specifically for certain mediums such as oil, watercolor, or pastels. These

My Buying Guide on ‘Art Paper For Painting’

As an artist, I have learned the importance of choosing the right art paper for my paintings. The quality of the paper can greatly affect the outcome of my artwork. After trying out various types of art paper, I have compiled a buying guide to help fellow artists in choosing the best art paper for painting.

Types of Art Paper

The first thing to consider when buying art paper is the type. There are various types of art paper available in the market, each with its unique characteristics. It is important to understand these types and their uses to determine which one suits your painting style.

– Watercolor Paper: This type of paper has a textured surface that is perfect for watercolor paintings. It comes in different weights and textures, such as hot press (smooth) or cold press (rough).
– Drawing Paper: This type of paper has a smooth surface and is ideal for graphite and charcoal drawings.
– Mixed Media Paper: As the name suggests, this type of paper can be used with various mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, and ink.
– Canvas Paper: This paper has a canvas-like texture that mimics traditional canvas but is more affordable.
– Pastel Paper: Pastel paper has a rough surface that holds pastel particles well and prevents smudging.

Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the art paper are important factors to consider as they affect how much water or paint can be applied without warping or bleeding through. The weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or pounds (lb). The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. For watercolor paintings, a weight between 140-300 GSM is recommended.

Surface Texture

Art papers come in different surface textures such as rough, cold press, and hot press. The surface texture can greatly affect the outcome of your painting. A rough surface is ideal for creating textures, while a smooth surface is perfect for fine details and intricate drawings.

Acid-Free

When choosing art paper, make sure to check if it is acid-free. Acidic paper tends to yellow and deteriorate over time, affecting the longevity of your artwork. Acid-free paper ensures that your artwork will last for years without any discoloration.

Brand and Quality

Always opt for high-quality art paper from reputable brands. Cheaper papers may have a lower quality and may not hold up well to different mediums. It is worth investing in good quality art paper as it can greatly enhance the overall look of your painting.

Consider Your Painting Style

Last but not least, consider your painting style when choosing art paper. If you work with heavy washes and lots of layers, then a thicker watercolor paper would be suitable. For detailed drawings, a smooth drawing paper would be ideal.

In conclusion, choosing the right art paper for painting requires careful consideration of its type, weight and thickness, surface texture, acid-free properties, brand and quality, as well as your painting style. I hope this buying guide will help you make an informed decision when purchasing art paper that will complement your artwork perfectly.

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

Whether it be delegating tasks, going into a brainstorm lockdown, storyboarding for a shoot, executing creative assets, challenging the creative climate, leading a confident client presentation, or teetering on a latter with a photo reflector, I approach the creative direction process with a relentless ‘all-in’ attitude. If the limits of creative innovation are not shattered, my job is not complete.