The best paper size for learning drawing

Question from Qui, Drawing Academy student

Is it really important to draw on A2 size paper? Do I need to use a drawing board or drawing on a desk is acceptable?

Thank you for your question.

This depends on what kind of art you would like to produce.

If you are planning to make only small artworks in a future, for example miniatures, book illustrations or comics, using the A4 and A3 paper size and drawing on a horizontal or slightly tilted desktop is acceptable. This will develop your fine motor skills because you would be using the “writing grip” to hold a pencil.

However, should you decide to make large-scale artworks later on in your art career, you need to develop good eye-hand coordination and the skills of handling a pencil with the “candle grip“.

Going small when you can make large artworks is easy. Going big when you only practiced small-scale drawing is difficult. That is why it is better to learn drawing on A2 sheets of paper fixed on a vertically positioned drawing board or an easel.

I hope this explains the importance of making the right decision at the beginning.

Kind regards,

Vladimir London
Art tutor

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