currently I'm using a printer paper but when i"m started using charcoal pencil there's a lot of tooth and the outcome is not what i wanted in my drawing..
need help..any suggestions.
I almost always use acid free printer paper, weight 24 and brightness of 96. If a customer requests any other type paper then I will use what they desire. In my experience, I can find no reason to use any other type paper. The 96 brightness allows me a greater contrast and range of values, and it is acid free, so it should not yellow or deteriorate with age. Every brand of "Drawing Paper" looks "offwhite" compared to the 96 brightness I use. The 24 weight is heavy enough for me when I use graphite pencils and has a smooth texture, or tooth, that I find great for graphite pencils. For charcoal or pastel you may want to go to a heavier paper with more "tooth".
I have a drawing I did nearly fifthy years ago on "non acid free printer paper" and it has yellowed with age but it is still flexible. Actually the paper may have been stored for years before it was given to me by a news paper publisher. So my thinking is if that paper has lasted this long then why worry about paper which is acid free and is brilliant and has just enough "tooth" for graphite pencils.
Also, with charcoal, or pastel, I would recommend a fixitive.
Bobby.
I have a drawing I did nearly fifthy years ago on "non acid free printer paper" and it has yellowed with age but it is still flexible. Actually the paper may have been stored for years before it was given to me by a news paper publisher. So my thinking is if that paper has lasted this long then why worry about paper which is acid free and is brilliant and has just enough "tooth" for graphite pencils.
Also, with charcoal, or pastel, I would recommend a fixitive.
Bobby.
QUOTE (bobbyburcham @ Jun 20 2009, 02:36 AM) 
I almost always use acid free printer paper, weight 24 and brightness of 96. If a customer requests any other type paper then I will use what they desire. In my experience, I can find no reason to use any other type paper. The 96 brightness allows me a greater contrast and range of values, and it is acid free, so it should not yellow or deteriorate with age. Every brand of "Drawing Paper" looks "offwhite" compared to the 96 brightness I use. The 24 weight is heavy enough for me when I use graphite pencils and has a smooth texture, or tooth, that I find great for graphite pencils. For charcoal or pastel you may want to go to a heavier paper with more "tooth".
I have a drawing I did nearly fifthy years ago on "non acid free printer paper" and it has yellowed with age but it is still flexible. Actually the paper may have been stored for years before it was given to me by a news paper publisher. So my thinking is if that paper has lasted this long then why worry about paper which is acid free and is brilliant and has just enough "tooth" for graphite pencils.
Also, with charcoal, or pastel, I would recommend a fixitive.
Bobby.
I have a drawing I did nearly fifthy years ago on "non acid free printer paper" and it has yellowed with age but it is still flexible. Actually the paper may have been stored for years before it was given to me by a news paper publisher. So my thinking is if that paper has lasted this long then why worry about paper which is acid free and is brilliant and has just enough "tooth" for graphite pencils.
Also, with charcoal, or pastel, I would recommend a fixitive.
Bobby.
thanks sir...
I was just going to say talk to Bobby and here he is lol
While all papers can be suitable for drawing, I have to disagree with using printer paper. Its great for sketching out ideas and can hold complete drawings, as Bobby has said. However, it is pretty smooth and won't hold a lot of layers of graphite. It usually isn't acid free and that often isn't a challenge, but if you're completing a detailed drawing with lots of layers, you'll end up frustrated at the capabilities of printer paper.
You are also limited in size with printer paper and it doesn't have enough tooth to hold charcoal well.
However, you will and should experiment with a variety of papers before you find one that suits your needs. There are as many papers as there are artists it seems and it increases constantly. Don't be afraid to experiment and while we all have our favourites, there is no standard for a particular medium. Only you can decide.
My word of advice? Buy the best you can afford, a sheet at a time if you can or a variety pack so you can experiment.
You are also limited in size with printer paper and it doesn't have enough tooth to hold charcoal well.
However, you will and should experiment with a variety of papers before you find one that suits your needs. There are as many papers as there are artists it seems and it increases constantly. Don't be afraid to experiment and while we all have our favourites, there is no standard for a particular medium. Only you can decide.
My word of advice? Buy the best you can afford, a sheet at a time if you can or a variety pack so you can experiment.
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