If an artist is playing, sketching for their own enjoyment without concerns for long-term archival stability, then any paper or sketchbook will work just fine.

“Ultimately, the long-term archival stability of an artwork requires the artist to make decisions about their intentions and expectations for the artwork.”

Will oil soak through? Oil strike-through may occur depending on the paper used and the thickness of the application. How the linseed oil present in Drawing Oils™ will affect the paper depends on several factors.

Paper is susceptible to acid deterioration with or without art materials being introduced. Linseed oil applied to paper without proper preparation may result in haloing and could possibly lead to embrittlement.

Paper selection is key. Ultimately, the long-term archival stability of an artwork requires the artist to make decisions about their intentions and expectations for the artwork. Are they using a sketchbook for preparatory sketches, for play and practice? Or are they making finished artwork that will be sold into collections?

As artists, we don’t always know the answers to these questions at the outset, but considering them will help determine how to select and best prepare the surfaces we choose to work on.

It’s important to remember that paper, regardless of what art materials are being used on it, may present long-term conservation concerns. Fragility is inherent in paper. Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, light, and insects can all affect paper’s stability. Choosing an appropriate paper and proper preparation for your chosen medium is important. The great news is that there are so many papers to choose from.