Cheap colored paper for drawing on?

Question

I want to draw on colored and gray-scale paper with charcoal and pastel. However, all the paper I see is sold by the sheet at more than $1 for a sheet of 18 X 24! Strathmore had some pads of colored paper, but the price was far too high. Canson Colorline Art Papers are a little cheaper, but appear to be more for rough crafts and less for drawing on.

Can anyone recommend some colored drawing paper, possibly in the form of a spiral drawing pad, that is cost-effective for someone who wants to experiment with drawing on color?

Colors I'm most interested include muted earth tones, demure blues, and gray scale.

Answer 1

For purely experimental purposes the rougher Canson papers will give you some interesting textures to play with in addition to the color tests. Children's colored paper, often found in grocery stores and lots of other stores, will be fine. Once you decide you want your work to move up to another level of quality you will have to begin purchasing the more expensive papers. These offer better surfaces for smooth or rough textures, longer lasting art work, and far less fading of the end product. Also, I must say, if you can find any Canson papers (a top name is artists' paper) for only a little over $1 each, you have found a real steal! My 16"X22' watercolor paper is $10 to $15 a sheet.

Answer 2

You need to go to a craft store and check out the paper supplies they have there. Many crafts use paper and you might be able to adapt some of these papers for your usage. Try JoAnn's or even Wal Mart or K Mart. These papers would be a lot cheaper than expensive art papers and since you are just experimenting, they would work well for you.
Also, you can buy end rolls from any newspaper. If you like newsprint to draw on this would be perfect for you. You can get three or four yards of paper from the end of the roll that they use for their press runs. It should only cost a couple of bucks or so too.