Artist Papers

Artist papers serve as the essential foundation for a wide range of creative pursuits, offering a tailored surface for every artistic vision. Whether you’re a seasoned painter preparing for your next exhibition, a student sketching in your first life-drawing class, or a hobbyist exploring new mediums, the right artist paper can make all the difference. From the lively textures of cold-pressed sheets that bring watercolours to life, to the velvety smoothness of hot-pressed paper ideal for crisp ink lines, each type is designed to enhance your chosen technique. Summer in Canada brings longer days and bursts of inspiration, making it the perfect season for plein air painting or starting a new sketchbook. Many artists and creative minds find themselves drawn outdoors, seeking to capture the vibrant greens of June foliage or the changing light on urban landscapes. For these moments, having the right paper on hand—whether a sturdy pad for watercolour washes or a portable journal for graphite studies—ensures you’re always ready when inspiration strikes.

When choosing artist papers, it’s important to consider the medium you’ll be using, as well as the specific qualities you value in your work. Paper weight, measured in grams per square metre (GSM), is crucial: heavier papers (often 300gsm or higher) are best for water-based media, resisting buckling and allowing for rich, layered washes. Lighter-weight papers are perfect for dry media like pencils and charcoal, offering a tactile surface that holds marks beautifully. The texture, or “tooth,” of the paper can influence everything from the softness of pastel blending to the sharpness of pen and ink details. Cotton-based, archival-quality papers are a favourite among professionals for their longevity and ability to showcase artwork over time, while student-grade options provide an accessible entry point for experimentation and practice. If you’re exploring mixed media, look for papers specifically designed to handle both wet and dry techniques, giving you the flexibility to combine watercolour, ink, and collage in a single piece. Printmakers, too, benefit from specialized papers that absorb inks evenly and reveal the finest details of etching or lithography. Artist papers also make thoughtful gifts—imagine the delight of a young artist unwrapping a fresh sketchbook, or a friend receiving a pad of premium watercolour paper to inspire their next creative project.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of paper types or to find surfaces suited to more advanced techniques, a comprehensive selection of Fine Art Papers is available to explore. These options cater to artists at every stage, from beginners eager to try their hand at new mediums, to professionals seeking archival materials for gallery-ready works. With the right artist paper, every mark, wash, and impression is elevated—inviting you to experiment, refine your skills, and bring your artistic ideas to life, one sheet at a time.

Top Picks For Artist Papers

• EPSON 8.5"x11" Velvet Fine Art Paper, 20 Sheets - (S041636)
• EPSON Hot Press Fine Art Paper (S042325)
• BIENFANG Aquademic Watercolour Paper (R285631)