Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad 9X12-30 Sheets -62477900

Ive been drawing with color pencil for 4 years with fine mix media paper and fine Prismacolor pencil, color doesnt mix too well, and there are always small paperwhite spots on dark areas. I thought it was an inherent disadvantage of color pencil, but I was very wrong. with this paper, color mix better, and no spot is left in the shade (it has slightly fewer lines and texture as a trade-off, but I can finally draw deep shade), it made a world of difference.

It is advertised as Colored Pencil Paper. And yes, it is utterly sublime at that. But dont let that give you the wrong idea that is the only strength for this paper. It is, quite simply, the best overall drawing and art paper I have ever seen. It is AMAZING and utterly perfect for graphite drawing as well. Its amazing for pens and makers. Its the perfect thickness and strength, and its god the perfect tooth for not only colored pencil but also graphite. Its also brilliant white, so its clean and beautiful. If I could only choose one paper for the rest of my life to do drawing and art with, it would be this easily with no question. It also has a little trick to it. One the front side, you get a beautiful paper with a little bit of tooth to it - about as much as the Strathmore drawing paper series, that is perfect for grabbing that graphite and that colored pencil material and making then both dark and brilliant. But its not TOO much tooth. Its not so rough that it fights you. Its perfect. Just enough. But on the back side of each sheet, you also get a different surface that is smoother if you prefer. So think of the front side, as sort of a vellum kinda paper/board if you will, and the back side as a sort of bristle board or smooth if you will. You just get everything with this paper, and its even the perfect size. Honestly, you dont really even need to bother with research or even spending money on anything else. Just get a few of these pads and youll have all you need.

The rougher side of this paper works well with most brands of coloured pencils that I have: Polychromos, Pablo, Holbein, Luminance, Prismacolor Premier (and the old Berol ones) and Derwent Coloursoft. The Derwent Procolour and Artists struggled, but they dont do well on most papers (especially the lighter colours) as the cores are hard and reluctant to give up pigment, and work better on Pastelmat or similar. The other, smoother side of the paper worked best with the Pablos and Prismacolor Premiers. Holbein and Berol were ok, but the others didnt layer well. The grain of the paper (rougher side) is fairly uniform and non-directional, which I find a boon for tight realistic animal portraits...some papers have a crepe-paper texture which can put unintended highlights in your work. You get a nice traditional coloured pencil look with this paper. The white I ordered was not very white, more a pale grey, so may cause problems if being reproduced for illustration, but overall, I was pleased with the paper and will buy it again.

Great quality, affordable cost!

Great quality!!

This brand gas always been my favorite drawing paper. Great quality and workability.

This paper was a giant pain to try and work with when using both blending medium and a colored pencil blender (both Prismacolor and Caran DAche). I will stick with a mixed media paper like Canson for my colored pencil work.

Great tooth. Best paper I have used for my good color pencils. Held up well with blending with Gamasol.

Super!! Buena textura !!!

Excellent paper! Liked it so much I bought two more pads. Paper weight is perfect for colored pencils, no lines and smooth surface. Great job Strathmore!