Drawing paper comes in all sizes. It can start as small as 2 x 3 inches and go larger than 18 x 24 inches. If you’re preparing to take a figure-drawing class at an art school, you must get an 18-x-24-inch drawing pad. This size is ideal for a class/instructional setting where you can place a single large figure on the paper or draw multiple smaller figures on the same page. It’s also large enough for instructors to provide helpful instruction during class critiques. If the pad is too small, your figure drawing is difficult to see, and the size doesn’t allow you to go into as much detail as you want.
The extra real estate on my drawing pad was essential in art school because my figure-drawing instructor could use that space to draw and give demonstrations as he made his rounds through the classroom. I require my students to bring the larger 18-x-24-inch drawing pads because I use a thick red marker or charcoal stick to provide instruction.
In addition to having an 18-x-24-inch drawing pad, I carry smaller 5-x-7-inch and 8-x-10-inch artist sketchbooks with me whenever I’m away from my studio. They’re small enough to stuff in my messenger bag and take them out to draw the people around me in public. If you buy smaller sketchbooks for drawing outside the classroom or away from your studio, make sure these booklets have a thick hardcover on both sides so that your drawings don’t get damaged from being tossed around in your bag during transit.
Although these pads cost more than the cheaper cardstock paper, they’re worth the price. If you’re wondering what size is “too small,” measure with the size of your hand. If the pad is smaller than your hand, you may want to choose a larger pad.