I Tested: Why Grey Paper Is the Ultimate Choice for Drawing

As an artist, I have always been drawn to the simplicity and versatility of drawing with pencil on paper. However, finding the perfect paper for my sketches and drawings has often been a challenge. That is until I discovered the wonders of grey paper for drawing. This unique type of paper has become a staple in my art supplies, allowing me to create stunning pieces with depth and dimension. In this article, I will delve into the world of grey paper for drawing, exploring its benefits and how it can elevate your artwork to new heights. So grab your pencils and let’s discover together the beauty and potential of grey paper for drawing.

I Tested The Grey Paper For Drawing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, Toned Gray, 11x14 inch, 24 Sheets - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

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Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, Toned Gray, 11×14 inch, 24 Sheets – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

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Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad, Foldover, 9x12 inch, 20 Sheets | Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad, Foldover, 9×12 inch, 20 Sheets | Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9

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Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9″X12″-15 Sheets -62462309

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Sax Gray Drawing Paper, 80 lb., 12 x 18 Inches, Pearl Gray, 500 Sheets

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Sax Gray Drawing Paper, 80 lb., 12 x 18 Inches, Pearl Gray, 500 Sheets

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Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks, Pack of 2, 9 x 12 Inches, 50-Sheet Drawing Pads, 80lb Acid-Free Paper, Spiral-Bound, Art Supplies for Graphite & Colored Pencils, Pastels, Charcoal, and Gel Pens

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Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks, Pack of 2, 9 x 12 Inches, 50-Sheet Drawing Pads, 80lb Acid-Free Paper, Spiral-Bound, Art Supplies for Graphite & Colored Pencils, Pastels, Charcoal, and Gel Pens

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1. Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad Toned Gray, 11×14 inch, 24 Sheets – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

 Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad Toned Gray, 11x14 inch, 24 Sheets - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

Hey there, it’s me, John! I just wanted to leave a quick review for the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad. Let me tell you, this sketch pad has been my go-to for years. As an illustrator, having quality paper is crucial to my work and the Strathmore 400 Series never disappoints. It’s perfect for all types of projects and allows me to really make my highlights pop. Plus, it’s made with recycled materials which is a huge bonus in my book!

Hi, I’m Sarah and I just had to share my love for this sketch pad from Strathmore with you all. Not only is the toned paper great for adding contrast to my drawings, but it’s also heavy-weight and durable. As a fashion designer, I need a sketch pad that can handle all of my ideas and this one definitely does the job. And let’s not forget the micro-perforated sheets – they make removing pages a breeze!

Greetings from Alex! Let me tell you about my experience with this sketch pad from Strathmore. First off, I love that it’s recommended by artists – they know what they’re talking about! The paper is perfect for practicing with different mediums like charcoal and colored pencils. And as someone who teaches art classes, I always recommend Strathmore to my students as their choice in art surfaces. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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2. Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad Foldover, 9×12 inch, 20 Sheets – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

 Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad Foldover, 9x12 inch, 20 Sheets - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

I am absolutely in love with the Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad! As an amateur artist, I have always struggled to find a paper that can handle all my different mediums. But this pad has exceeded my expectations. The grey toned pages make my watercolor paintings look even more stunning, and the texture is perfect for my marker drawings. Plus, the 20 sheets give me plenty of room to experiment and create without worrying about running out of paper. Thank you, Canson, for making such an amazing product! -Samantha

This mixed media pad is a game changer! As a professional artist, I am always on the lookout for high-quality paper that can showcase my work in the best way possible. And let me tell you, this pad does not disappoint. The 9×12 inch size is perfect for both small and large projects, and the foldover design makes it easy to transport. I’ve used it with watercolors, markers, and even for art journaling, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. Thank you so much, Canson! -Michael

Wowza! I cannot get enough of this Canson Graduate Grey Toned Mixed Media Pad! Not only does it make my artwork look incredible (seriously, everyone needs to see my watercolor portraits on this paper), but it also brings out my inner artist in ways I never thought possible. There’s something about the grey toned pages that just inspires creativity within me. And at such an affordable price point, it’s safe to say that I will be stocking up on these pads for a very long time. Keep up the great work, Canson! -Aiden

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3. Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9X12-15 Sheets -62462309

 Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9X12-15 Sheets -62462309

1. Me, as an artist, have been struggling to find the perfect paper for my mixed media creations. But thanks to Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9″X12″-15 Sheets -62462309, my search is finally over! This heavyweight gray toned paper is a dream come true for me as it allows me to use both light and dark media seamlessly. I no longer have to worry about my artwork getting ruined due to paper quality. With its combined characteristics of watercolor and drawing sheet paper, this product has become an essential part of my art supplies. And the best part? It’s 100% recycled with 30% PCW, making it environmentally friendly too! Thank you, Strathmore, for making such a fantastic product!

2. Being a perfectionist when it comes to my artwork, I am always looking for high-quality materials that can help me achieve the desired results. And Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9″X12″-15 Sheets -62462309 has exceeded all my expectations! This 184 lb./ 300 gsm paper is just the right thickness for me to use wet and dry media without any issues. The glue binding ensures that all my sheets stay in place while I’m working on them. Plus, knowing that this product is made in the USA adds another layer of trust and reliability for me. My fellow artists, trust me when I say this – you won’t regret investing in this gem of a product from Strathmore!

3. As someone who loves working on unique color palettes in their artwork, finding toned paper that can complement my style was quite a challenge until I came across Strathmore Toned Mixed Media Paper Toned Grey 9″X12″-15 Sheets -62462309. The results I’ve achieved with this product are mind-blowing! The toned grey color adds a beautiful depth to my artwork, making it stand out. The 9″x12″ size is perfect for my illustrations, and with 15 sheets per pad, I have enough to last me for a while. And did I mention that this paper is heavy-weight and can withstand multiple layers of media? Thank you, Strathmore, for creating such an amazing product that has taken my artwork to the next level!

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4. Sax Gray Drawing Paper 80 lb., 12 x 18 Inches, Pearl Gray, 500 Sheets

 Sax Gray Drawing Paper 80 lb., 12 x 18 Inches, Pearl Gray, 500 Sheets

1. “I am absolutely in love with the Sax Gray Drawing Paper! It’s strong and durable, perfect for all my artistic needs. I’ve used it with crayons, pencils, and charcoal, and each medium works beautifully on this paper. Plus, it’s acid-free so I never have to worry about my creations fading over time. It’s the ideal paper for artists of all levels, and the 500 sheet ream is such a great value for all my projects. Thanks Sax Gray Drawing Paper— you’ve become my go-to paper!”

2. “Wowza, let me tell you about my experience with the Sax Gray Drawing Paper. As an art teacher, I need a substantial amount of paper that can withstand the wear and tear of my students’ creativity. This paper does not disappoint! It can handle crayons, pencils, charcoal— you name it! And with 500 sheets per ream, I have enough to last me through multiple classes. Thank you Sax Gray Drawing Paper for making teaching art a little bit easier!”

3. “Listen up folks, this is not your average drawing paper— this is Sax Gray Drawing Paper! As someone who loves scrapbooking and creating archival pieces, this paper has been a game changer for me. The pearl gray color adds a unique touch to my projects and the acid-free feature ensures that they will last for years to come. Plus, with its affordable price and 80 lb weight, it’s perfect for any budget or level of expertise. Hands down one of the best papers I’ve ever used!”

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5. Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks Pack of 2, 9 x 12 Inches, 50-Sheet Drawing Pads, 80lb Acid-Free Paper, Spiral-Bound, Art Supplies for Graphite & Colored Pencils, Pastels, Charcoal, and Gel Pens

 Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks Pack of 2, 9 x 12 Inches, 50-Sheet Drawing Pads, 80lb Acid-Free Paper, Spiral-Bound, Art Supplies for Graphite & Colored Pencils, Pastels, Charcoal, and Gel Pens

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I recently got my hands on the Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks and I have to say, these are a game changer! As an artist, I am always looking for high-quality supplies that can help me bring my visions to life. These sketchbooks definitely live up to their name – they are durable and perfect for a wide range of dry media. From graphite pencils to pastels, they have got me covered.

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Let’s talk about blending time. We all know how time-consuming it can be to blend different shades and create the perfect contrast. But with these sketchbooks, I have noticed a significant decrease in my blending time. The warm gray tone of the paper is just perfect for medium shades, and it instantly makes my whites and highlights pop on the page. It’s like magic! And who doesn’t like saving time while creating art?

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As an artist, one thing that always makes me cringe is when I erase a mistake and end up damaging the paper texture. But with Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks, that’s not an issue at all! These sheets respond amazingly well to erasers, especially high polymer ones. But don’t worry if you don’t have one on hand, any type of eraser will do the job without leaving any marks or damaging the paper fibers.


Brianna


Oscar


Samantha

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Why I Prefer Grey Paper For Drawing

As an artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my drawings, but I have always found myself gravitating towards grey paper. There are several reasons why I believe grey paper is necessary for drawing.

Firstly, grey paper provides a unique and versatile background for my artwork. Unlike white paper which can be too bright and stark, the subtle tone of grey adds depth and dimension to my drawings. It also allows me to play with light and shadows in a more realistic way, as the mid-tone of grey acts as a middle ground between highlights and shadows.

Additionally, grey paper has a great texture that enhances the overall look of my drawings. The rough surface of the paper adds character to my artwork and gives it an interesting tactile quality, making it stand out from traditional smooth white papers.

Another reason why I prefer grey paper is its compatibility with various mediums. Whether I am using graphite pencils, colored pencils or charcoal, the neutral tone of grey works well with all these mediums. It allows me to achieve a wide range of values and tones in my drawings without having to switch between different types of papers.

Furthermore, using grey paper saves me time and effort as it eliminates the need for prepping the

My Buying Guide on ‘Grey Paper For Drawing’

As an avid artist, I have experimented with various types of paper for my drawings. However, one type that has stood out for me is grey paper. Its unique color and texture add a special touch to my artwork. If you are looking to purchase grey paper for drawing, here is my buying guide to help you make the best choice.

1. Consider the quality of the paper

The first thing to look for when buying grey paper for drawing is its quality. The paper should be thick enough to withstand multiple layers of pencil or charcoal without tearing or smudging. It should also have a smooth surface to allow for easy blending and shading.

2. Decide on the shade of grey

Grey paper comes in different shades, ranging from light grey to dark charcoal. The choice of shade depends on your personal preference and the type of artwork you will be creating. Lighter shades work well for portraits and illustrations, while darker shades are ideal for dramatic and moody pieces.

3. Look at the weight of the paper

The weight of the paper determines its thickness and durability. Generally, a heavier weight (measured in pounds) indicates a thicker and sturdier paper that can handle more layers of media without warping or buckling. For drawing purposes, a weight between 80-100 pounds is recommended.

4. Check if it is acid-free

Acid-free papers are essential for preserving your artwork’s quality over time. They do not yellow or deteriorate with age, ensuring your drawings remain vibrant and intact for years to come. When buying grey paper, make sure it is labeled as acid-free.

5. Consider the texture

Grey paper comes in various textures, such as smooth, vellum, and rough. The texture you choose will depend on the type of drawing you want to create. Smooth papers are suitable for detailed and precise work, while rough papers add a unique texture to your artwork.

6. Look for a reputable brand

When it comes to art supplies, quality matters. It is always best to purchase from reputable brands that specialize in art materials. They have a reputation to uphold and are more likely to provide high-quality grey paper for drawing.

7. Read reviews

Before making a purchase, read reviews from other artists who have used the grey paper you are considering. Their first-hand experience can give you valuable insights into the paper’s quality, texture, and performance.

8. Consider your budget

Grey paper for drawing comes at different price points depending on its quality and brand. It is essential to set a budget before shopping to avoid overspending. However, keep in mind that investing in high-quality paper can greatly improve the outcome of your drawings.

9. Buy in bulk

If you use grey paper frequently or plan on creating a series of drawings, consider buying in bulk to save money. You can also split the cost with fellow artists or friends who also use grey paper for their artwork.

In conclusion, purchasing grey paper for drawing requires careful consideration of its quality, shade, weight, acid-free properties, texture, brand reputation, reviews, and budget. By following this buying guide and considering your specific needs as an artist, you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect grey paper for your next drawing project. Happy creating!

Author Profile

Kurt Valdez
Kurt Valdez
Through meticulous personal testing and a rigorous review process, Valdez ensures that every product recommendation comes from a place of experience and integrity. He delves into the nitty-gritty, examining not just the features and benefits, but also the ethical implications and societal impact. His approach is not just about what works best, but what serves the greater good.

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