Paper & Card
Explore fine art paper for a variety of techniques and applications, from drawing and printing to painting with bold washes of watercolor.
Fine art paper is available in a range of sizes and formats to suit different practices, including graphite, ink, and pastel.
Browse our selection of quality sketchbooks, perfect for producing quick sketches or detailed drawings using a variety of mediums.
Browse our broad range of gummed paper pads, perfect for painting and drawing across a range of media.
Shop a wide range of spiral pads, perfect for drawing, illustration, and a variety of painting techniques.
Browse our selection of stitched pads, perfect for drawing and painting with a range of dry and wet mediums.
Sheets of primed canvas and canvas textured paper suitable for oil and acrylic painting techniques.
Paper blocks are glued on four edges to keep the paper taut and free of buckles when applying wet paint.
Paper rolls are excellent for working on a large scale or cutting to a specific size. Suitable for drawing and painting.
Cut paper packs for a range of media including graphite, charcoal, pencil, pastel, watercolor, and inks.
Browse digital paper that will enhance the look of your prints, as well as make them more permanent and lightfast.
Shop our range of specialist paper and surfaces, for stenciling, masking, tracing, blotting, and more.
These rigid paper boards are able to withstand quick, gestural marks. Excellent for painting and drawing.
A perfect studio companion, our Paper Guide includes a history of paper, how it is made, and in-depth advice to help you choose the very best paper for your art practice.
Shop products that are useful for preparing paper, including paper stretchers, gum tape, and boards for paper stretching.
Paper & Card
We offer paper suitable for a wide variety of techniques and applications, from sketching and printing to bold washes of watercolour.
Paper & Card: Popular Questions from Artists
What is art paper and card?
Art paper and card are essential materials for artists. They come in various textures, weights, and sizes, each suited to different art techniques.
Art paper is made by pulping plant fibers, often cotton or wood, then pressing and drying them into sheets. Card, being thicker and more rigid, is ideal for heavier media or projects that need durability.
Both art paper and card can be coated or uncoated. This affects how well they absorb ink, paint, or other materials. Artists select these based on their qualities, such as smoothness, absorbency, and durability.
Artists use paper and card because they offer a versatile and accessible surface for creating art. For painters and sketchers, they provide a portable, affordable, and easily replaceable medium. Paper and card come in various weights and textures, allowing artists to choose the surface that best suits their medium and style.
These materials can be used for everything from light sketches to heavy paint applications, making them ideal for practice, experimentation, and finished works. Their ease of use and adaptability make them a staple for artists everywhere.
"The production of today's extensive variety of art papers benefits from centuries of papermaking traditions, as well as state-of-the-art modern technologies. Set apart from low-cost mass production, artist papers are tailor-made to suit the working methods of modern artists. We believe that understanding the qualities of your paper will help you to get the very best results.” - Lisa Takahashi, Jackson's Art Supplies Expert
Artists have used paper for centuries. Papyrus was the first material to have many of the qualities we associate with paper today. It was invented by the Egyptians around 3000 BC.
Examples that resemble modern paper date back to ancient China, around 105 AD. Papermaking then spread to the Middle East and Europe, where it became a staple for artists in the Renaissance, who valued it for its affordability and versatility.
In the art world, paper provided a new, accessible medium for drawing, painting, and printmaking, as opposed to sculpture, ceramics, or metalwork. Today, paper continues to be a foundational element for artists worldwide, used in countless artistic practices.
For more information, read The History of Paper on Jackson’s Art Blog.
Jackson’s Art Supplies offers high quality paper and card from trusted papermakers such as Arches, Fabriano, Hahnemuehle and more. The range of acid-free, archival-grade papers are suitable for professional and beginner artists.
We are committed to providing our customers with the finest materials, backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating. Browse our extensive collection and find the perfect paper and card for your next project.
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Ready to find the perfect paper for you? Browse our extensive range of paper, card, and board to start your creative journey today. Visit our Contact Us and Help & Advice pages if you need assistance.
What kind of art mediums can be used on paper?
Paper is suitable for most art mediums. Artists commonly use it for graphite, charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, and more. Heavier-weight paper can also handle paint, ink, mixed media and collage, as well as acrylic paint, heavy washes with watercolor, and dynamic printmaking techniques. This makes it a versatile choice for many art forms.
Why does weight matter when choosing art paper?
Paper weight affects its durability and rigidity. Heavier paper can handle wet media without curling or warping, while lighter paper may buckle. Choosing the right weight is important to ensure that the paper supports the work and maintains its quality over time.
For more information, read How Paper Weight is Measured on Jackson’s Art Blog.
What is the ideal art paper for drawing?
The best drawing paper depends on the medium. Smooth paper is great for graphite and ink, while textured paper works well with charcoal and pastel. Colored pencil artists often prefer paper with a slight tooth, which helps to hold the pigment better.
What is the ideal art paper for painting?
The ideal painting paper depends on the medium you are painting with. For oil and acrylic, heavyweight paper is best because it holds up to thick paint layers. Medium to heavyweight paper works well for watercolor paint, as it can handle washes without warping or tearing. Jackson’s offers a range of gummed, spiral, and stitched pads suitable for every painting medium.
How can I decide which type of sketchbook is best?
When choosing a sketchbook, consider paper quality, binding, and portability. Some sketchbooks lie flat, which is ideal for detailed work. Shape and size are also important, as they should suit the artist’s preferred style and allow for easy transport.
What are canvas pads best used for?
Canvas pads include sheets of primed canvas or canvas-textured paper. These surfaces are best for oil and acrylic painting. They’re also convenient for sketching and preliminary work, allowing artists to practice on a canvas-like surface.
What is paperboard?
Paper boards are a thick, durable type of paper, often more rigid than standard paper. It is used in art for backing, framing, and as a surface for mixed media. Artists use paperboard for projects that require a sturdy base, like collages or heavy paint applications.
How can I prepare my paper?
To prepare paper, artists may use foam board for backing, paper tape to secure edges, or gesso to prime the surface. This is common when working with watercolor paper. These steps protect the paper, prevent warping, and ensure it’s ready for the chosen medium.
What types of specialist art papers are available?
Specialist art papers include tracing paper, blotting paper, digital paper, and much more. Each type serves a unique purpose. Tracing paper is thin and transparent, while blotting paper absorbs excess ink or water for controlled results. Digital paper is designed for print reproductions of artworks.