Choosing the Right Paper for Your OilBased Colored Pencil Art
If you're a fan of oil-based colored pencils, you already know how amazing they can be. Their smooth, rich colors, and the ability to blend them together, make these pencils a favorite for many artists. But one aspect that's often overlooked is the importance of choosing the right paper.
Why the Choice of Paper Matters for Oil-Based Colored Pencils
Oil based colored pencils have unique characteristics that set them apart from other art mediums. They are known for their smooth and buttery consistency, allowing artists to easily layer and blend colors. The pigments in oil-based colored pencils are more intense and vibrant, resulting in rich and luminous artwork.
However, to fully unleash the potential of these pencils, choosing the right paper is crucial.
What's So Special About the Paper?
Just like the stage matters for a performance, the paper matters for your artwork. It plays a key role in how your oilbased colored pencils interact with the surface, influencing the final result. The texture, thickness, and color of the paper can affect the look of your drawing.
Image Credit: Prismacolor
Texture
The texture of the paper is all about how bumpy or smooth it is. This quality of paper is also referred to as its "tooth". Paper with a lot of tooth feels rough, and it's great for creating layered and detailed drawings. That's because the bumps catch and hold onto the colored pencil, helping to build up color.
Smooth paper, on the other hand, is best for fine details and sharp lines. You'll get a different kind of look with smooth paper, but it might be harder to build up the color because there isn't as much for the pencil to hold onto.
Thickness
Paper thickness matters too. Thin paper can tear easily, especially if you like to press hard with your pencil. For oil-based colored pencils, heavyweight paper is often a good choice. This can stand up to the pressure you're applying without ripping.
Color
Finally, consider the color of the paper. White is the most common, but don't be afraid to experiment with other colors. You might be surprised at how different your drawings look on a black or colored background.
What Kind of Paper Should You Choose?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on what you want to draw and the effect you're going for. For detailed, layered drawings with a lot of texture, try heavier, rougher paper. For fine, detailed work, go for a smoother surface.
It might take a bit of trial and error, but don't be afraid to experiment. The right paper can make a world of difference in your oil-based colored pencil drawings. And remember, what matters most is that you enjoy the process. Happy drawing!
