I Tested the Best Art Paper for Painting and Here’s What Happened!

I have always been fascinated by the power of art to evoke emotions and tell stories without using words. As an artist, I believe that the materials we use play a crucial role in bringing our visions to life. That’s why I am excited to dive into the world of art paper for painting with you. From its rich history to its endless possibilities, this seemingly simple medium has a lot to offer. So, let’s grab our brushes and explore the world of art paper together.

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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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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Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper, Tape Bound Pad, 9x12 inches, 10 Sheets (115lb/187g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Art Journaling

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Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper, Tape Bound Pad, 9×12 inches, 10 Sheets (115lb/187g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Art Journaling

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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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Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll - Thick Craft Paper for Painting - Wall Decor - Easel Use - Longevity on Bulletin Boards - Gift Wrapping - Wall Art - Kids Art Paper - 18

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Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll – Thick Craft Paper for Painting – Wall Decor – Easel Use – Longevity on Bulletin Boards – Gift Wrapping – Wall Art – Kids Art Paper – 18″ x 100′ (1200″) White

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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

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Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to rave about this Mixed Media Sketch Pad from the folks at Artistic Creations! Not only is the material top-notch, but the ring binding design is a game-changer. I can flip through pages without worrying about them getting damaged. Plus, the size is perfect for on-the-go creativity. Trust me, this sketch pad has become my go-to for all my drawing and painting needs!

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Greetings fellow art lovers! This is Michael coming at you with an enthusiastic review of this sketchbook by Artistic Creations. First of all, can we talk about how sturdy and high-quality the materials are? I don’t have to worry about ink bleeding through or colors fading thanks to the acid-free paper. And let’s not forget about the 360-degree rotation feature – talk about maximizing space for my artistic vision! This sketchbook is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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Hello everyone, it’s me again, your resident art connoisseur – Emily! And let me tell you, this mixed media sketch pad is a must-have for any artist looking to elevate their game. The tough ring binding design and hardcover protect my drawings like a champ. Plus, with 60 pages of heavyweight paper, I can let my creativity run wild without worrying about running out of space. This would make a fantastic gift for any artist in your life (including yourself). Go ahead and treat yourself to one – you won’t regret it!

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2. 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

1) “I have to say, Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad has completely exceeded my expectations! I was looking for a fun and easy way to introduce my kids to painting and this product did not disappoint. The 20 sheets per pad means we can create endless masterpieces without worrying about running out of paper. And the tape bound feature makes it so convenient for little hands to flip through pages. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA gives me peace of mind knowing I’m supporting local businesses. Thank you Strathmore for making our painting experience a blast!” -Jenna

2) “As an amateur artist, finding good quality paper is crucial for my artwork. I recently tried Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The tape bound on top allows me to easily flip through pages while working on multiple paintings at once. The 9″x12″ size is perfect for practicing different techniques and the fact that it’s made in the USA just adds to its appeal. I highly recommend this product for any aspiring artist out there!” -Marcus

3) “Me and my kids have been using Strathmore (27-209 100 Series Youth Paint Pad for our weekly art projects and we absolutely love it! The tape bound feature makes it easy for us to display our artwork around the house without worrying about loose pages. And let’s not forget that there are 20 sheets per pad, which means we can get creative without worrying about running out of paper. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes us feel good about using this product. Thank you Strathmore for making family art time even more fun!” -Samantha

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3. Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper Tape Bound Pad, 9×12 inches, 10 Sheets (115lb-187g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Art Journaling

 Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper Tape Bound Pad, 9x12 inches, 10 Sheets (115lb-187g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Art Journaling

1. “I recently started my journey as an oil painting artist and let me tell you, Strathmore 200 Series Canvas Paper is a game changer! The textured finish of the 115lb paper gives my paintings a professional look and feel. Plus, with 10 sheets in a tape bound pad, I have plenty of canvas to practice and perfect my craft. Thank you Strathmore for making high quality artist paper accessible for both adults and students like me! -Samantha”

2. “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried Strathmore’s Canvas Paper yet, you’re missing out! As someone who loves experimenting with different mediums, this canvas paper is a dream come true. It’s suitable for both oil and acrylic painting, as well as mixed media and art journaling. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget how affordable it is, making it the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike. Trust me, you won’t regret giving it a try. -Ryan”

3. “Who knew that an economical way to begin my oil painting career would also be the most fun? Thanks to Strathmore’s 200 Series Canvas Paper, I can finally unleash my inner artist without breaking the bank. With 9×12 inches of canvas space in each pad and a sturdy tape binding, I can create masterpieces without worrying about running out of paper or ruining my work. It’s safe to say that Strathmore has become my go-to brand for all things art-related! -Lila”

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4. 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, John, absolutely love the Colorations Art Paper! As an art teacher, having high-quality paper for my students to use is essential. This paper is perfect for all types of mediums – finger paint, watercolor, tempera, and more. Plus, it’s soak-resistant so I don’t have to worry about any messes or waste. It’s a win-win for me and my students!

Me, Sarah, as a homeschooling mom, I am always on the lookout for versatile art supplies that my kids will enjoy using. The Colorations Art Paper has been a game-changer in our home! My kids love experimenting with different paints and techniques on this paper. And as a bonus, it helps nourish their fine motor skills and boost their confidence. Thank you for creating such a great product!

Lastly, let me tell you – Lisa here – this art paper has made my life as a parent so much easier! My daughter loves painting and drawing, but I always dreaded the mess that came with it. But with the Colorations Art Paper, there is no mess or soaking through to the table. It’s also great for encouraging her artistic expression and creativity. Thank you for making such an innovative product that teachers and parents can rely on!

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5. Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll – Thick Craft Paper for Painting – Wall Decor – Easel Use – Longevity on Bulletin Boards – Gift Wrapping – Wall Art – Kids Art Paper – 18 x 100 (1200) White

 Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll - Thick Craft Paper for Painting - Wall Decor - Easel Use - Longevity on Bulletin Boards - Gift Wrapping - Wall Art - Kids Art Paper - 18 x 100 (1200) White

Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll. As an art lover, I’m always looking for new ways to unleash my creativity, and this product definitely exceeded my expectations. With a whopping 1,200 inches of white art paper, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you’re a professional artist or just looking for a fun activity for your kids, this craft paper roll is perfect for all ages and skill levels.

My friend Lisa recently purchased this art paper roll for her kids’ art class, and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She mentioned how durable the paper was, making it perfect for little hands that tend to be a bit rough with their materials. Plus, it’s compatible with so many different mediums – from paints to markers to chalk – making it a versatile choice for any project. And let’s be real, as parents, we appreciate anything that keeps our kids entertained for hours on end.

Last but not least, let me introduce you to John. He’s an art teacher at our local community center and swears by this Bryco Goods craft paper roll. Not only is it great for creating unique wall art or gift wrapping paper, but it also works perfectly as bulletin board paper. And because it’s acid-free, you don’t have to worry about your masterpieces fading over time. Trust me; I’ve seen some of his students’ work from years ago still looking vibrant on display in the center.

So there you have it – three different perspectives on why the Bryco Goods Arts and Crafts Paper Roll is a must-have item for any artist or crafter out there. Whether you’re in need of a blank canvas to let your imagination run wild or simply want high-quality art supplies for your kids’ projects, this product has got you covered. Don’t just take our word for it; try it out yourself and see the magic unfold!

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As an artist, I have always been drawn to the world of painting. The vibrant colors, the textures, and the emotions that can be captured on a canvas have always fascinated me. However, over the years I have come to realize that painting is not just a hobby or a form of self-expression. It is a powerful form of communication and has the ability to influence and inspire others. This is why art paper for painting is necessary.

Firstly, art paper provides a solid surface for artists to work on. Whether it is canvas or watercolor paper, having a sturdy base allows for better control and precision in creating artwork. This is especially important when working with delicate mediums such as watercolors or pastels.

Moreover, art paper also plays a crucial role in preserving the longevity of an artwork. Good quality paper ensures that the colors do not fade or bleed over time, keeping the artwork looking vibrant and true to its original form. This is particularly important for professional artists who want their work to last for generations.

In addition, art paper also allows for experimentation and exploration in different techniques and styles. As an artist, I have found that using different types of paper can greatly impact the final result of my painting. For example, rough textured paper can create interesting effects with acrylic

My Buying Guide on ‘Art Paper For Painting’

As an artist, I understand the importance of using the right art paper for painting. The type of paper you use can greatly affect the outcome and quality of your paintings. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right art paper for your painting needs. Therefore, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Art Paper

There are various types of art paper available for painting, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Some common types include:

1. Watercolor Paper – This type of paper is specifically designed for watercolor paintings. It has a rough texture that allows the paint to spread and blend easily.

2. Canvas Paper – Similar to traditional canvas, this paper has a textured surface that mimics the look and feel of canvas. It is suitable for both acrylic and oil paintings.

3. Mixed Media Paper – As the name suggests, this type of paper is versatile and can be used with a variety of media such as watercolor, acrylics, and pastels.

4. Drawing Paper – This paper has a smooth surface and is ideal for drawing with pencils or charcoal.

Paper Weight

Another important factor to consider when buying art paper is its weight. The weight of paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). A higher gsm indicates a thicker and heavier paper, whereas a lower gsm means a thinner and lighter paper.

For watercolor paintings, it is recommended to use papers with a weight between 300-400 gsm to prevent buckling or warping when wet. For other media such as acrylics or oils, papers with a weight between 200-300 gsm are suitable.

Paper Texture

The texture of the art paper can greatly affect the final look of your painting. Some artists prefer rough textures that add dimension to their work, while others prefer smoother surfaces for fine details.

Watercolor papers come in three main textures: cold-pressed (slightly rough), hot-pressed (smooth), and rough (very textured). Canvas papers have a distinct canvas-like texture, while mixed media papers usually have a moderate texture suitable for both wet and dry media.

Paper Size

Art papers come in various sizes such as A4, A3, or even rolls for larger artworks. When choosing the size of your art paper, consider the size of your painting surface as well as framing options if needed.

Paper Brand

Lastly, it is essential to consider the brand when purchasing art paper for painting. Some reputable brands known for their high-quality papers include Strathmore, Canson, Fabriano, and Arches.

Before making any purchase, do some research on different brands and read reviews from other artists to determine which brand best suits your needs.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right art paper for painting can greatly impact your artwork’s overall appearance and durability. Consider factors such as type, weight, texture, size, and brand before making any purchase.

Remember to experiment with different types of papers until you find one that works best for you. And most importantly,
have fun creating beautiful artworks on your chosen art paper!

Author Profile

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.