What drawing paper does Canson make?

Canson is a French paper brand founded in 1557 — one of the oldest paper manufacturers in the world. Their Heavyweight Drawing Paper is a smooth 60 lb (90 gsm) sheet ideal for pencil, pen, marker, and light watercolor work. It's acid-free and available in pads of 24 to 100 sheets.

Are Prismacolor pencils good for beginners?

Yes. Prismacolor Premiers have a soft, oil-based core that makes layering and blending easy — skills that beginners need to develop. They're forgiving on paper and produce rich color with moderate pressure. The 24-count set covers all essential hues and is the most practical starting size.

Can you use regular sketchbook paper for watercolor?

Not ideally. Standard sketch paper (50–60 lb) will buckle and warp when wet. For watercolor, use paper labeled specifically for watercolor — 90 lb (140 gsm) or heavier. Strathmore makes dedicated watercolor pads if you need to switch media.

Best Art Supplies for Students in 2026

Whether you're heading into an art class, architecture studio, or just love sketching on the side, having the right supplies makes everything easier. The difference between cheap construction paper and a quality heavyweight drawing sheet is immediately apparent — and can mean the difference between a project that impresses and one that bleeds, tears, or wrinkles at the worst moment.

We picked the four supplies that get the most consistent praise from students, teachers, and hobbyists: a heavyweight drawing paper trusted by professional artists, a colored pencil set that blends beautifully, a versatile sketch pad for daily use, and a watercolor set that punches well above its price. All are available on Amazon with fast shipping — perfect for back-to-school season.

What to Look For

Paper weight matters: For pencil, charcoal, and ink, look for at least 70 lb (105 gsm) paper. Lighter paper buckles under wet media. For watercolor, 90 lb (140 gsm) or higher is the minimum — cold-press texture grips paint better.
Archival quality saves your work: Acid-free, lignin-free paper won't yellow or become brittle over time. If you're making portfolio-worthy work, it's worth paying for archival-grade materials.
Pencil grades for drawing: H pencils (harder) make light, precise lines. B pencils (softer) make dark, rich marks. For sketching, a range from 2H to 6B gives you full tonal control. Most student sets cover 2H to 4B.
Colored pencil binders: Oil-based pencils (Prismacolor, Polychromos) blend smoothly and layer well. Wax-based pencils are softer but can leave bloom. For school work either is fine — oil-based lasts longer under heavy use.
Set size vs. quality: A 24-color set of quality pencils beats a 120-color set of low-quality ones. Start with a smaller, better set — you can mix and blend to create any color you need.

Our Top Picks

Best Drawing Paper

Canson Heavyweight Drawing Paper Pad 9x12

60 lb / 90 gsm · Smooth texture · Acid-free · 100 sheets

$8–$14 View on Amazon →

Best Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils 24-Count

Oil-based · Soft core · Blendable · 24 colors

$18–$24 View on Amazon →

Best Sketch Pad

Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad 9x12

60 lb · 100 sheets · Suitable for pencil, charcoal, ink · Perforated

$10–$16 View on Amazon →

Best Watercolor Set

Crayola Watercolor Paint Set 24-Color

24 vibrant colors · Washable · Includes brush · Non-toxic

$6–$10 View on Amazon →

Bottom Line

For most students, the Canson Heavyweight Drawing Paper and Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are the best place to start — both are professional-grade products at student-friendly prices. Add the Strathmore sketch pad for daily practice and the Crayola watercolor set if your class requires wet media. You'll be well-equipped for anything from basic drawing to advanced studio work.