Paper & Card
Shop fine art paper for a variety of techniques and applications, from drawing and printing to painting with bold washes of colour.
Our range of fine art paper is available in a variety of weights, textures, and bindings to suit your medium. Choose from sketchbooks, gummed pads, spiral pads, stitched pads, paper blocks, and individual paper sheets and rolls. Our range is curated to include paper and card for all types of media and applications. This includes drawing paper, painting paper, as well as specialist art paper such as tracing paper, carbon paper, glassine, and more.
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 variety of stitched pads, perfect for drawing and painting with a range of 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, watercolour, 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 stencilling, 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: 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 fibres, 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.