I Tested And Reviewed 8 Best Drawing Paper For Graphite And Charcoal (2023)

I asked my mom, who is a professional artist, to try out this sketchbook and she was highly impressed. She mentioned that the sketchbook has very little tooth, which means that it has a smooth surface that allows for easy blending and erasing. This is a crucial feature for artists as it provides them with more control over their artwork.

The picture she drew using this sketchbook showcased the excellent quality of the paper. The page sizes are great and sturdy, making it suitable for various mediums. My mom used gel pens, color pencils, markers, and acrylic markers, and the paper handled all of them exceptionally well. The thickness of the pages added to the overall durability and allowed for a more enjoyable art experience.

I also purchased this sketchbook as a gift for my artistic granddaughter, and she absolutely loves it. She finds it perfect for sketching and has been using it regularly.

As a parent of two children who love drawing and coloring, I am always on the lookout for new art supplies. While my children are still in the early stages of their artistic journey and mainly use basic pens, pencils, crayons, and markers, I like to provide them with different materials to experiment with. This sketchbook has been a great addition to their collection.

The spiral binding is a convenient feature as it allows for easy flipping of pages and provides full access to the entire surface. The perforations are also a nice touch, providing the option to remove a page if desired. The size of the sketchbook is larger than their usual paper, which gives them the opportunity to work on larger-scale projects.

The paper quality of this sketchbook is commendable. It is thick and of decent quality, ensuring that the artwork looks vibrant and professional. Additionally, the fact that it comes with two pads is a great value for the price.

The travel-sized binder wire of these art sketchbooks is a great feature as it allows for safe storage of multiple pens or mechanical pencils. The small grain and rough texture of the paper prevent accidental smearing and make erasing easy. Additionally, the off-white/warm tan tint of the paper is easy on the eyes, enhancing the overall experience. This product is highly recommended for small-scale sketching and drawing.

If you're looking for a generous amount of art paper at a great value, this product won't disappoint. It offers plenty of paper for your money, although it should be noted that it is on the heavier side. However, if you prefer a different size, it is easily customizable by cutting it down to your desired dimensions. Overall, this is an excellent product that I have purchased before and will continue to purchase in the future due to its quality and the great service provided.

I bought these sketchbooks for my artist granddaughter, and she absolutely loves them. She has created numerous pictures for me and our family using these sketchbooks. Whether it's for drawing, sketching, or any type of artistic expression, these sketchbooks are perfect. The product matches the photo accurately, and I am highly satisfied with my purchase.

I purchased this drawing set for my 15-year-old granddaughter who has a passion for art, and I am thrilled to say that she absolutely loves it. The variety of items included in the set has sparked her interest in drawing even more.

What stood out to me about this set is the inclusion of 4 sketch pads. I had looked at several other options, but this one met all our needs. The sketch pads have proven to be a hit with my granddaughter, allowing her to explore different styles and techniques.

Not only did my 8-year-old grandson enjoy this drawing set, but he also appreciated the variety of drawing paper included. He specifically mentioned how amazing the set is, and I trust his judgment since I can barely draw stick figures myself.

As the saying goes, you have to start somewhere if you want to be an artist, and this drawing set provides the perfect starting point. It includes everything you need to begin your artistic journey. Personally, I have been using the tools in the set to practice drawing faces and shapes, and I am impressed with the quality and value it offers.

I am really impressed with the smoothness of the paper in this sketchbook. It has a thickness similar to craft paper, which makes it great for certain mediums like pen and marker. However, I wouldn't recommend using watercolors on this paper as it tends to buckle and warp. On the other hand, gouache and metallic watercolors work quite well with minimal warping. To make the colors pop even more, adding white to each color is a great technique.

The paper itself is very smooth and sturdy, thicker than regular copy paper but not as thick as cardstock. It would be ideal for projects with a Silhouette cutting machine if you prefer a thinner option. The perforated pages are a nice touch and they come out cleanly without falling out unexpectedly. The covers of the sketchbook are also very sturdy, making it suitable for taking along to the park or for kids to use during summer road trips.

The black paper in this sketchbook is particularly great for using sparkle gel pens or metallic markers. It adds an extra level of awesomeness to your artwork. I believe it's important to take a break from electronic devices and indulge in the world of nature through art. This sketchbook provides a wonderful opportunity to enrich your brain with creativity.

I purchased this sketchbook specifically for practicing hand lettering with metallics and neons. The thick paper quality is similar to good cardstock, and it doesn't tear up my markers. It's a simple black notepad that serves its intended purpose perfectly. In fact, I bought multiple black pads and this one has the best paper.

I bought this sketchbook for my son so he could have a fun and boyish journal. He loves it, especially when using the metallic markers we bought to go along with it. I would highly recommend it to any child who enjoys art, drawing, and wants a unique and creative outlet.

I am very happy with this sketchbook as a travel journal, especially due to its convenient size. It's easy to pack and carry around. The paper has a thickness similar to construction paper, which allows you to use almost any medium without it bleeding through. It would be particularly great for white charcoal to make the art really stand out. The micro-perforations are a bonus, as I can easily remove pages to make to-see-and-do lists and have a clean edge all around. Another great feature is that the pad can lay flat, and I can even swing the pages around to have only the page I'm working on in front of me.

One challenge I faced was finding writing instruments that look the way I wanted on black paper since I mostly wanted to write rather than draw. I tried various pens, colored pencils, and gel pens, and attached is a photo showing the results. The pens on the left side of the photo are the clear winners, especially the Artistro Metallic Paint Pens (Acrylic) that I ordered from Amazon. They provide a smooth writing experience and the colors pop beautifully on the black paper. The pack includes 12 pens for under $16, making it a great value.

I recently purchased this art paper for my art course and I must say, it is truly amazing. I highly recommend it to any artists out there looking for high-quality paper.

My daughter needed a good drawing paper and this brand was recommended to her by one of her college teachers. She loves it and has been recommending it to others as well. The durability of this paper is impressive, making it a great choice for various art projects.

I was initially hesitant to buy this product due to some negative reviews. However, considering the affordable price and my intention to use it for mixed media art projects, I decided to give it a try. To my pleasant surprise, the paper is not too thin and it arrived without any folds. I couldn't be more excited about it!

In the past, I have worked with larger sizes of paper like 18×24 in art school. Now, I usually use 8×10 or 9×12 sizes. However, this 14×17 mid-size paper is perfect for quick sketching and provides more space to experiment without worrying too much about the outcome.

I also found this paper to be perfect for printing family newspapers. The quality is excellent, and the paper is well-made and thicker than I expected based on other reviews. It is thicker than computer paper and prints beautifully with bright and clear colors, as well as photo images. My sister, who is studying art in college, also used the excess paper and agrees that it is of superb quality.

The only drawback I found with this paper is that it is very difficult to tear and often rips if not handled carefully. However, this can be managed by taking your time when tearing it.

Arches Paper: A Versatile Medium for Artists

As a professional artist, I am always on the lookout for high-quality paper that can handle a variety of mediums. That's why I am thrilled with the Arches paper. It is perfect for graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils, making it a versatile choice for artists.

One of the standout features of this paper is its thickness. It is much thicker than any drawing paper I have worked with before, giving it a sturdy feel. While it may not be as thick as watercolor paper, it still provides a good heft that adds to the overall quality of the artwork. The surface has a mild texture that is smooth to the touch but has enough grip to hold onto whatever medium you lay down on it.

I have primarily used this paper with colored pencils, and it has exceeded my expectations. The paper grabs the pigment beautifully, allowing for vibrant and detailed artwork. I have yet to experiment with other mediums extensively, but I am confident that this paper will perform well with various combinations.

When it comes to shipping, I was pleased with the quick delivery of the product. While shipping times may vary, it is worth noting that Arches strives to provide efficient service.

However, it is important to mention that this paper may not be suitable for wet media. It is relatively thin and soft, more akin to a velvet-like texture found in printmaking paper or textured newsprint. Therefore, I would not recommend using it with watercolors or other wet mediums.

Compared to other papers from the Arches brand, this particular one lacks the gelatine sizing that gives their watercolor paper its stiffness. Instead, it offers a softer texture that is ideal for soft mediums like pastels and 8B pencils. While it can handle color pencils, it may require a bit more pressure, which could potentially damage the paper. Erasing on this paper is also not recommended.

In terms of similar papers, BFK Rives and Arches Text Paper come to mind. BFK Rives has less sizing and a similar texture, available in different weights and colors. On the other hand, Arches Text Paper has more sizing. Additionally, some Stonehenge papers offer similar textures, but they are thicker and have more sizing.

I have been using this excellent paper for ink, brush, and pen work, as well as for framing purposes. The thickness of the paper is perfectly suitable for these techniques, although for watercolor, it is better to opt for a higher or equal weight of 180. When using ink, this paper does not lose its texture, shape, or fluff. If it warps a little, it can be ironed on the reverse side with a low heat setting, while protecting it with a towel. The texture allows for a very artisanal rendering of fine pen strokes on dry paper, enhancing the desired idea of fragility. The size of this sketchbook makes it easy to carry around, but personally, I prefer to separate the sheets and stretch them on a cardboard or board. Its exceptional chemical properties allow for long-term preservation of the artwork (provided the conservation criteria for each medium are respected, of course). This block lives up to the recognized quality of Arches and is intended for fine arts, with a price that is justified by the composition, paper quality, and the brand's incomparable and historic expertise.

From the moment you open it, you can immediately see the high quality of this cotton paper. I was not familiar with this brand, and I am discovering it with delight. I do a lot of drawing, and this is by far one of the best papers I have come across. However, the paper is too thin for watercolor. It is best suited for drawing with markers, pencils, pastels, charcoal, or for beautiful calligraphy with a pen.

This brand is the luxury reference when it comes to paper, often used in fine arts. The Arches Sketch paper accepts charcoal, pastels, ink, pen, markers, pencils, and sanguine (red earth-colored pigments). The paper's texture can be felt when touched, and it is quite thick (105g/m²). The format is 23cmx31cm, and the block contains 20 sheets. I am impressed by such quality.

This art kit is a fantastic choice for anyone in need of a comprehensive set. The sleek black case is not only visually appealing, but it also comes with a convenient pouch that has 12 extra slots for various types of pencils. This feature allowed me to easily store my colored pencils in the extra slots, making it incredibly convenient.

I found this kit to be perfect for my son to use at school or at home. However, I did notice that there were duplicate pencils included in the set. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to thoroughly go through the kit before we had to leave the next morning. So, I would recommend removing the pencil sharpener if you intend to take it to school, as it is actually a utility knife with a razor on one side, which may not be appropriate for a school setting.

As for the pencils themselves, they worked great and the erasers provided were cool. However, I couldn't figure out the purpose of the pencil lengthening tool. None of the pencils I had, whether from the kit or from my own collection, fit into the hole. I even tried using pliers to adjust it, but it rendered the ring useless and the pencils still didn't fit. Perhaps someone could provide more information on how to use it effectively.

Furthermore, the paper "erasers" included in the kit were not very effective at erasing. I tested them on some scrap paper and they didn't quite do the job. Additionally, all three charcoal pencils in the set appeared to be the same size and hardness. There were four 4B, two 2B, and two HB, while the rest seemed to be unique in their characteristics.

Regarding the strap, I couldn't determine its purpose. When rolling up the kit, there were a few inches of extra strap, which left me a bit puzzled.

On the positive side, the pencils in this kit are of good quality and the price is quite reasonable. As a beginner, I thoroughly enjoyed using this set. However, I would suggest investing in a separate sharpener as the provided razor blade, while functional, is not ideal in my opinion. The blenders, case, and charcoal sticks included are all great additions to the kit and enhance the overall experience.