Paper and Sketchbooks
The right paper enhances every mark you make. It accepts media cleanly, holds up to your working process, and presents your work at its best. Whether you need a daily sketchbook, watercolour sheets, or specialty paper for a specific project, choosing appropriate paper makes a noticeable difference to your results.
This section covers paper products across formats and media types: bound sketchbooks for portable practice, drawing pads for dry media, watercolour paper for wet techniques, and specialty papers for printmaking, calligraphy, and mixed media work.
Our recommendations consider weight, surface texture, binding quality, and archival properties. We include options at different price points, from affordable everyday sketchbooks to premium papers for finished work. Each product is assessed based on material specifications and artist feedback.
Top Picks for Paper
Leuchtturm1917
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook
A versatile hardcover notebook favoured by artists and writers alike. The 80gsm paper handles fountain pens and fineliners well, while the numbered pages and index make it excellent for organised sketchbook practice.
- High-quality 80gsm paper handles most inks well
- Numbered pages and index for organisation
- Lay-flat binding makes drawing comfortable
- Some ghosting with heavy ink application
- Not ideal for wet media like watercolour
Mid-range, typically around £15-20
Check priceStrathmore
Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad
A reliable workhorse for dry media sketching. The cream-coloured paper has enough tooth to grab graphite and charcoal without being too rough, making it suitable for both quick sketches and more detailed drawings.
- Excellent tooth for pencil and charcoal
- Medium weight (130gsm) handles erasing well
- Good value for the quality
- Not suitable for wet media
- Spiral binding can catch on sleeve
Budget-friendly, typically £8-15 depending on size
Check priceKhadi
Khadi Handmade Paper Pack
Handmade cotton rag paper from India with distinctive texture and deckle edges. The 100% cotton composition makes this paper exceptionally durable and receptive to wet media, with each sheet offering unique surface character.
- Beautiful deckle edges and texture
- 100% cotton rag for archival quality
- Handles wet media exceptionally well
- Irregular surface not suited to fine detail
- Higher cost per sheet than machine-made paper
Premium, typically £15-30 for packs
Check priceWinsor & Newton
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Set
An excellent entry point to watercolour painting without compromising on handling characteristics. Cotman paints behave predictably and mix cleanly, helping beginners learn technique without fighting their materials.
- Student-grade quality at accessible price
- Good colour selection in compact sets
- Rewets easily and mixes well
- Less pigment density than professional grades
- Some colours less lightfast than artist quality
Budget to mid-range, £15-40 depending on set size
Check priceBuying Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
What paper weight do I need for different media?
For dry media like pencil and charcoal, 90-130gsm paper works well. Ink drawing benefits from 100-160gsm paper that resists bleed-through. Watercolour requires heavier stock, typically 300gsm or above, to handle water without buckling. Mixed media work often suits 200-250gsm paper as a compromise.
What is the difference between hot press and cold press paper?
Hot press paper has a smooth surface suited to detailed ink work and fine illustration. Cold press paper has more texture, which holds watercolour washes effectively and adds visual interest to paintings. Rough paper has the most texture and creates distinctive effects with dry brush techniques.
Does paper quality really matter for practice?
For basic practice and warm-up sketches, inexpensive paper serves perfectly well. However, using better paper for focused work helps you see accurate results from your techniques. Poor paper can make good work look worse through bleeding, buckling, or inadequate tooth.
What makes paper archival quality?
Archival paper is acid-free and lignin-free, preventing yellowing and deterioration over time. Cotton rag paper offers the highest archival quality and durability. For work you intend to keep or sell, choosing archival paper ensures your art remains stable for decades.