What are the best surfaces for drawing?

Introduction

When it comes to drawing, there is no single best surface. The best surface for drawing depends on the type of drawing, the level of detail, the medium used, and personal preference. In this blog post, we will take a comprehensive look at the best surfaces for drawing. We'll discuss different types of surfaces and factors to consider when choosing a surface. Then we'll summarise the best surfaces for each type of drawing, level of detail, and medium.

The best surfaces for drawing – a comprehensive guide.

Types of surfaces

The best surfaces for drawing can be broadly divided into four categories: paper, canvas, metal, and wood. Each surface type has unique properties that make it more or less suitable for certain types of drawings.

Factors to consider when choosing a surface

There are several factors to consider when choosing a surface for your drawing. The most important factor is the drawing you want to create. Other important factors include the level of detail you want to achieve, the medium you will use, and your personal preference.

The best surfaces for drawing – a summary

Paper is the best surface for most drawings, including detailed drawings and those done in pencil or pen. Canvas is better suited for paintings and other drawings done in wet media such as watercolour or gouache. Metal surfaces are ideal for dry media, such as pastels or charcoal, while wood surfaces are best suited for mixed media drawings that combine wet and dry media.

Surface types in detail.

Paper

There are many types of paper, each with properties that make it better or worse for drawing. For example, Bristol paper is smooth and durable, making it ideal for detailed drawings, while watercolor paper is absorbent and textured, making it ideal for washes and broad strokes. The type of paper you choose should be based on the drawing you want to do.

Canvas

Canvas is another popular surface for drawing. Unlike paper, the canvas is a sturdy fabric that can be stretched over a frame. This makes it ideal for larger drawings or paintings. Canvas comes in various weights and textures, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Metal

Metal is another great surface for drawing. It's smooth and non-porous, so it's perfect for detailed work. Plus, metal surfaces are easy to clean and don't require any special preparation before use. However, they can be expensive and difficult to find in some sizes or shapes.

Wood

Wood is another popular surface for drawing. Like metal, wood is smooth and non-porous, making it ideal for detailed work. Wood surfaces are also easy to clean and don't require any special preparation before use. However, they can be expensive and difficult to find in some sizes or shapes.

Factors to consider when choosing a surface.

The type of drawing

The type of drawing is the most important factor to consider when choosing a surface. Different types of drawings require different surfaces. For example, pencil drawings need a smooth surface to render the fine details, while charcoal or pastel drawings need a rougher surface to grip the medium.

The level of detail

The level of detail is also an important factor when choosing a surface. A more detailed drawing will require a smoother surface, while a less detailed drawing can be done on a rougher surface.

The medium

The medium is another factor to consider when choosing a surface. Some mediums, such as pencil, work best on smooth surfaces, while others, such as charcoal or pastel, need a rougher surface to grip the medium.

Personal preference

Personal preference is also an important factor to consider when choosing a surface. Some people prefer smooth surfaces for their drawings, while others prefer rougher surfaces.

The best surfaces for drawing – a summary.

The best surfaces for each type of drawing

The best surfaces for each type of drawing vary depending on the artist's desired effect and level of detail. For example, a detailed pencil drawing may require a smooth Bristol board, while a looser charcoal sketch could be done on a newsprint. Some artists even use unconventional surfaces like wood or metal for a unique finish.

The best surfaces for each level of detail

The amount of detail in a drawing will also affect the surface choice. A very detailed drawing may need a smooth surface to prevent the pencil from skipping, while a less detailed drawing can be done on a rougher surface like a canvas or watercolour paper. The texture of the surface can also add interest to a drawing.

The best surfaces for each medium

Different mediums also require different surfaces. For example, watercolours will bleed on an absorbent paper, so the hot-press watercolour paper is often used to avoid this issue. Acrylics can be used on nearly any surface, but they adhere better to primed canvas or board. Oils should only be used on oil-compatible surfaces like linen or prepared panel boards – using them on an incompatible surface can cause the paint to crackle or peel over time.

The best surfaces for personal preference

Ultimately, the best surface for drawings is the one that suits the artist's style and preferences. Some artists prefer to work on toned papers for a more muted effect, while others enjoy the challenge of working on the dark ground like black cardboard. Experimenting with different surfaces is part of the fun of being an artist – so don't be afraid to try something new!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best surfaces for drawing depend on the type of drawing, the level of detail, the medium and personal preference. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the right surface for your needs.