I have been asked about the types of drawing papers surfaces
that I use. My preference is usually an illustration board that will stay flat
in the frame for years to come. Unfortunately, getting it cut correctly to size
has been an issue lately. I have repeatedly had to recut board. Additionally,
the artist material companies and art stores do not sell board in sizes that
translate well into standard sized frames without huge amounts of waste and
unusable leftovers.
There are many papers and boards available, but the number
that take the ink well from a Micron archival pen are limited. I draw in pencil
lightly, apply the ink drawing, and then erase the pencil from the art board
surface. So, the paper must work with this process also.
I commonly use cold press illustration board and Bristol
board, plus, sometimes even hot press illustration board. The cold press
illustration board and Bristol board have excellent ability to take light
pencil sketches and ink applied in the final drawing. As the ink dries on the surface, it is
permanent. These boards allow you to erase the pencil while not degrading the
ink artwork. This is a great benefit to someone who works in the way that I do.
Hot press illustration board with a clay coating is not pencil friendly or ink
safe. If you attempt to erase the pencil drawing, you will lose about half of
your ink drawing. This is not a desirable effect.
Bristol board is actually a heavy paper
much like a stiff cardstock. The name comes from Bristol, England where its use
was popularized. (It is not a brand name, as some believe). Bristol paper or
the heavier ‘board’ comes in two textures; both of these textures are quite
smooth and work well with pen. The larger selling point for Bristol board is
that it comes in pads and in single sheets in workable sizes. Quality Bristol
board is also very economic compared to hot or cold press illustration board.
If you use pen and ink with watercolor
or ink washes, I would use the heavier board to prevent curling and surface
degradation. If you are looking for a rougher surface or a texture, I suggest
that you may wish to take a walk through the art supply store or go onto the
paper company website and requesting a sample packet.
Currently, I am creating my studio work
on Bristol board for pieces that are 11” X 14” or smaller and Crescent 300 cold
press illustration board for commissioned work and drawings that is larger than
11” X 14”. Choosing quality paper is important. You don’t want to have your art
deteriorate on someone’s wall in a few years because you saved a dollar or two.
But, quality paper can last for several decades without the ridiculous prices.
Take your time and find what works for you.
