Paper

Choose paper that is acid-free to ensure a long life for your artwork. Also be aware that heavier papers withstand erasing, scratching and rubbing better than lighter papers and do not warp as easily.

Charcoal Paper

Charcoal paper comes in varying degrees of tooth. Although designed for charcoal drawings, you can use it with other mediums such as pastels.

Vellum

Vellum is a nonporous surface with a slight tooth. It is a good surface for pen-and-ink work, graphite sketches and for oil pastels.

Pastel Paper

Like charcoal paper, pastel paper comes in different degrees of tooth and an also be used with other mediums.

Watercolor Paper

The surface of a paper greatly influences the look of the medium you apply to it. Watercolor paper, best suited for wet mediums, comes in three textures:

• Hot-pressed. This has a very smooth surface.
• Cold-pressed. This is moderately textured.
• Rough. This is highly textured.

Types of Paper

From left to right: vellum, charcoal paper, pastel paper (2)