For more expressionistic or contemporary works, rich earth tones, dynamic pastels and bright crayon colors are also available in high quality papers of low surface texture and great tooth. These are suitable for all types of dry art techniques. Some companies offer variety packs in which a variety of colors are offered within a specific style of paper. This gives the artist an opportunity to test and experiment with a variety of background colors without purchasing mass quantities. Pads of acid-free paper are excellent for ink drawing, pencil sketching, conte crayon and some pastel works.
Pads are convenient for transporting works in progress as well as permanent storage of work.
Some pads of watercolor paper are available and can be used successfully while in the pad if water quantity is limited. Watercolor paper blocks are manufactured for use with a variety of watermedia techniques and can stand up to even the heaviest application of fluid. All edges of the block are bound with glue except one small area that allows the sheets to be gently separated with the edge of a palette knife or other thin blade. The one advantage to using a watercolor block for watercolor painting is that no taping or tacking of the paper is necessary because the glue binding holds the page flat. Storage of paper is important.