Paper

[Trebor]

I have been trying to buy some nice paper to draw on. As I have only just got back into it after having a long break I have used odds and ends to practice on. Now I want to move on from that. I read that Zindy goes for a smoother type. I have no experience here at all so I wouldn't know what feels nice and what doesn't. I just bought a 210gr art pad (thickish?) Don't know if this is good or bad but will give it a try. What paper do you use is it just normal paper u know copy stuff or is it good art stuff if so can u advise me on which? Any info would be a great help! How do you all store your'e drawings once completed and do you use fixative?

[Kane]

i use a 50 lb, acid free sketch pad to do drawings, it holds up and doesnt tear easily, but by the time im done doing a drawing the edges tend to start curling upwards, and the paper isnt thick enough by itself, so i usually mount it on something thicker, like bristol paper, which is 100lb, and nice and thick, but its not cheap either, which is why i dont just draw straight on it.

[golfiscool]

I draw on Fabriano Hotpress watercolor paper. I buy it in a block, which means that all the pieces are taped together and it's all wrapped and everything...which is nice because I know nobody has put their fingers all over my paper. The blocks that I buy are about $50 for 20 sheets. I get all my paper from http://www.dickblick.com though and I only pay about $25 for 20 sheets. I know it's kind of expensive for paper but it's worth it to me.

If you are looking for a good paper for a decent price, I'd go with what Kane said and get some Strathmore Bristol Smooth or Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper. The Vellum is a little bit more textured than the Smooth and if you are planning on doing dark drawings, vellum is a better choice. They are both 100 lb papers (260 g/m).

I store all my drawings in a big chest that I bought from a garage sale. After I bought it, I painted it and it looks like brand new.

Winsor and Newton Workable Fixative is a good all around fixative. DO NOT BUY KRYLON MATTE FINISH FIXITIVE! It really sucks.

[Trebor]

Thank you so much for your input. It all helps. My next question is about griding. How do you do it? What is the easiest way? Do many people use it? Is that what it takes to do an accurate portrait? Once again thanks for any input!