Drawing and Watercolor Paper in Different Sizes and Weights

Drawing and watercolor paper is a high-quality specialty paper with various textures and weights, providing an ideal surface for precise drawings and artistic techniques, especially for watercolor, ensuring the best results. It is also an excellent choice for children in kindergartens, schools, and home creative projects.

Drawing Paper:

1. Texture and Weight:
◦ Drawing paper typically has a medium to heavy weight, ranging from 90 to 200 g/m². It is durable enough to withstand intensive drawing and erasing without damaging the surface of the paper.
2. Texture:
◦ The surface of drawing paper can be smooth or slightly textured (“grainy”). Smooth paper is ideal for precise lines and detailed work, while textured paper is better for charcoal, pastel, and pencil drawings as it holds pigments more effectively.
3. Usage:
◦ Drawing paper is suitable for a variety of artistic works, including pencil sketches, pastels, charcoal, ink drawings, and even light watercolor or gouache. It is a great choice for both rough sketches and detailed artwork.

Watercolor Paper:

1. Texture and Weight:
◦ Watercolor paper is much thicker and heavier than drawing paper, typically weighing between 200 to 600 g/m². Its weight prevents buckling and warping when water and paint are applied.
2. Texture:
◦ Watercolor paper comes in three main textures: hot-pressed (smooth), cold-pressed (medium-grain), and rough. Smooth paper is perfect for fine details, cold-pressed is versatile for various styles, and rough paper creates a strong texture, ideal for expressive techniques.
3. Absorbency:
◦ Watercolor paper is specifically designed for excellent water absorption and retention, allowing artists to control the spread of paint and create layers and glazes. High-quality paper ensures vibrant colors and even drying without blotches.
4. Usage:
◦ Watercolor paper is ideal for use with watercolor paints, as well as other water-based techniques such as gouache and ink. It is indispensable for controlling the spread of colors and creating layers and glazes.

Eraser and Technical Paper

Eraser and technical paper is a specialized type of paper designed for technical drawing and drafting. It is typically smooth and heavy, providing an optimal surface for precise drawings using various tools such as pencils, pens, and markers. Eraser and technical papers are durable and allow for clean, detailed lines in drawings.

Features:
• Smoothness: Eraser and technical papers have a smooth surface that makes it easier to draw lines and work out details.
• Weight: Available in various weights, usually from 80 g/m² to 300 g/m², affecting its durability and suitability for different drawing techniques.
• Color: Eraser and technical papers are typically white but also come in colored variants.
• Technical Applications: Ideal for architects, engineers, and artists working with precise blueprints.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about drawing and watercolor paper:

Where to Use Drawing and Watercolor Paper?

Where to use drawing paper?
◦ It is perfect for illustrations, portraits, architectural sketches, and other detailed works.
◦ Available in different colors and textures, allowing you to choose paper that matches a particular artistic style.

Where to use watercolor paper?
◦ It is used for painting landscapes, abstracts, and any projects where the flow of paint with water is necessary.
◦ The quality and weight of the paper are important for ensuring the longevity of the work and the vibrancy of colors.

How to Choose Drawing Paper?

• Weight and Thickness: Heavier paper provides more durability and better paint absorption, especially for watercolor.
• Texture: Choose the texture based on the desired effect and technique: smooth paper for precise details, rough paper for an expressive style.
• Material: High-quality watercolor paper is often made from cotton, which guarantees better paint absorption and durability.

What’s the Difference Between Watercolor and Drawing Paper?

Watercolor paper is thicker and more absorbent to handle water and pigment, while drawing paper is thinner and smoother, designed for use with pencils and other dry materials. Watercolor paper allows better paint flow and is optimized for watercolor techniques, while drawing paper is not designed for wet media.

What does g/m² mean on drawing paper?

g/m² (grams per square meter) on drawing paper indicates its weight and thickness, which affects the strength of the paper and its ability to handle various drawing materials. The higher the g/m², the thicker and more durable the paper is, and it will better hold up under pencils, charcoal, or markers without color bleed-through. Generally, the higher the number, the better the paper is for intensive drawing and preserving the work.

What Colors and Pencils Can Be Used on Watercolor Paper?

• Watercolor Pencils: These are specifically designed for use with water, allowing smooth transitions and effects.
• Regular Colored Pencils: Used for detailed drawings. When choosing colored pencils, ensure they are water-resistant to avoid smudging when water is applied.
• Watercolor Paints: These classic paints are ideal for watercolor techniques. They can be diluted with water to create transparent layers and vibrant colors.
• Pastels: Water-soluble pastels can be used to create effects similar to watercolor paints. They are convenient and allow for experimentation with textures.
• Acrylic Paints: Though not traditional watercolor paints, acrylics can be used on watercolor paper, though they are not transparent and create thicker layers.

What Drawing Paper Brands Can Be Found at Rolling?

• ABC Jums: This brand offers high-quality drawing paper, ideal for both students and professionals. The paper is thick and durable, allowing for various drawing techniques, including pencils and paints.
• Freko: Freko paper is known for its smooth surface and high quality. It is excellent for watercolor pencils and other wet materials, providing rich color retention.
• Happy Color: This brand offers paper designed for artists and creative individuals. It is thick and ensures a great texture, making it perfect for both drawing and coloring.
• Oxford: Oxford paper is renowned for its high quality and range of products. It’s an excellent choice for both home and school use, offering a pleasant surface feel and flexibility.
• SM-LT: SM-LT offers paper developed with different artistic needs in mind. It’s perfect for use with pencils, pastels, and other techniques, providing a pleasant and flexible experience.

Drawing and watercolor paper are essential tools for artists, allowing for creativity and achieving the best results using different techniques. Find the paper that works for you at Rolling’s online store.