Ita-Diaz advises to keep in mind the standard framing sizes when choosing the paper, plus where the artwork will be placed on the paper. 'My favorite is the cold press finish because it shows off the natural texture of the fibers and creates a page that feels like velvet.”įor oil painting, the paper must be properly prepared, meaning it needs to either be coated with gesso, or primed (aka sealed) to prevent oil from being absorbed into the paper. 'A cold press is a rougher, textured type finish while a hot press is a smoother finish,' Rawan Ita-Diaz, fine artist and co-founder of The Art Spread, explains. What to Look for in Sketchbooks for Painting Paper Finishįor mediums like watercolor and acrylic, there are two major options of press finish.

If you’re seeking a more economical option, the Strathmore 300 Series Media Pad is remarkably affordable and accessible, comes available in three sizes, and offers paper suitable for a mixture of both wet and dry media.

Our top overall pick is the Canson XL Mixed Media Paper Pad, a true mixed media paper that works with both acrylics and watercolor as well as a range of other media, both dry and wet.

Professional art sketchbook