Drawing and Illustration
Type
Description
Application
Bristol
Provides a stiff surface (heavier than drawing paper). Basically, bristol paper consists of many sheets of drawing paper together, forming multi-ply sheets.
Smooth surface: Use marker, airbrush, pen, etc.
Vellum surface: Use graphite and colored pencils, mixed media, charcoal, and oil pastels.
Vellum surface: Use graphite and colored pencils, mixed media, charcoal, and oil pastels.
Charcoal
Paper with a toothy surface (perfect for applying layers).
Ideal for the use of charcoal but soft pastels, graphite, colored pencils, and sketching sticks may also be used.
Drawing
Smooth to medium surface with many series available for any artist level (beginner to professional).
Use for either sketching or finished pieces. Charcoal, soft pastel, graphite, colored pencils, sketching sticks, and markers may be used with this paper.
Mixed Media
A combination of both watercolor and drawing paper characteristics.
Use the media of your choice. Great for watercolor, pastel, collages, marker, acrylic, etc.
Newsprint
Natural-toned, light-weight paper in both smooth and rough forms.
Best used for quick practice sketches. Use graphite and colored pencils with smooth paper. Charcoal and sketching sticks can also be used with rough.
Pastel
A textured paper that comes in many shades.
Provides the ideal background for pastels. Graphite and colored pencils, charcoal, and sketching sticks can also be used.
Sketch
Light-weight, fine tooth paper.
Ideal for practicing new techniques with pencils, charcoal, sketching sticks and pastels.
Tracing
Smooth, transparent parchment paper.
Use pencils, markers, and ink to trace images, sketch, and create overlays.
Painting
Type
Description
Application
Acrylic
Heavy-weight (246 lb) paper.
The heavy weight of the paper is ideal for acrylic painting.
Canvas paper
Paper with a canvas texture.
Use for practicing oil and acrylic techniques.
Mixed Media
A combination of both watercolor and drawing paper characteristics. (Also listed under drawing paper.)
Use the media of your choice. Great for watercolor, pastel, collages, marker, acrylic, etc.
Palette paper
Poly-coated paper.
Used as a disposable palette for mixing paint.
Watercolor paper
Cold-pressed watercolor sheets in both 90 lb and 140 lb.
Use for watercolor painting. Great for both practicing techniques and finished pieces.
Original posting from Keeton's Office and Art Supplies