10 Reviews: Best Sketchbook for Artists (Sep 2023)

The XL Series Mix Paper Pad from Canson contains 60 sheets of 98 lb heavyweight fine-texture paper that can be used for both wet and dry media. The pages are sizing-coated, allowing for a smooth application with little feathering and bleedthrough. Both portrait and landscape configurations are offered for the XL pad. It has a metal spiral binding on the side of the pad, as well as a micro-perforated edge for easy paper removal.

Crazy about this lovely, inexpensive sketchbook. For the broke and/or budgeting artist, this is perfect.

by Taylor Johnson

Strathmore has been engaged in a lot of projects, and this paper was created with student artists in mind. While the 300 series is labeled as a medium-weight drawing paper, it really falls into the heavyweight category at 119 lb. Watercolor, gouache, acrylic, graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, marker, pastel, and other wet and dry media may all be used on the thick paper, including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, marker, pastel, and more.

Great paper for watercolor or something of that nature. It’s thicker a than I was expecting. I was looking for more of a thin paper so if you want thick cardboard like paper this is it.

by Megan H

Canson’s universal series is an excellent choice for new artists and practice sketching. The flexible notebook is made of 65 lb fine texture paper and may be used with a range of dry mediums. It has good erasability and smudge resistance. The sheets are micro-perforated for easy removal and the pad is constructed with durable double-wire binding. It’s available in a variety of sizes and orientations, including portrait and landscape.

It was a whole lot bigger than I expected but that’s my fault for ignoring the clear measurements in the heading. It’s great paper, one of my favorites for sketching and using any markers. It doesn’t bleed through as easily but it will with a few layers. Recommend it 100%

by Jessica

The Strathmore 400 series was created to meet the needs of both advanced artists and serious students looking to advance. This pad has a variety of textures and tougher surfaces that work with a greater range of media and styles. The consistent surface of the 60-pound sketch paper is great for sketching. Pen and ink, pencil, crayon, charcoal, light paint washes, and markers are all easily accepted. There are 100 micro-perforated wire-bound sheets in this package.

It has thick pages and it's pretty big. I love the design of the notebook and overall feel. No damages and should buy.

by Julia Ortez

Drawing pens are loaded with either pigment ink or dye ink, both of which are thinner than the thick, oil-based ink found in ballpoint or gel pens due to their water-based nature. When working with ink or markers, thin paper can cause bleedthrough, whereas wet media paper is overly thick. Canson’s Marker Pad offers a happy medium, with 18 lb semi-translucent paper with an extra smooth texture that’s great for ink, marker, and graphite.

This paper is translucent and smooth! If you use with a light box you can use it as tracing paper.

by Mavy

When it comes to drawing with markers, choosing the right paper is crucial. When employing layering and blending methods, ideal paper for markers has a smooth surface for blending, no bleedthrough, and won’t allow the ink to dry too rapidly. The artist series marker pad from Canson is suitable for use with pen, pencil, and markers. The semi-translucent, ultra-smooth paper is bleed-proof and can easily handle both solvent and alcohol-based markers.

Smooth, smooth, smooth! I love these pads for calligraphy because you can see your guidelines through the sheet. My nib glides over the surface. I just wish they were a better bargain.

by GaleDar

Wet media sketchbooks must have thick, long-lasting paper. The 140 lb dual-sided paper in Arteza’s professional watercolor pad is ideal for both wet and dry media applications. Even better, the double-sided sheets offer a smooth and textured surface on one side. Despite the fact that both sides are good for wet media, the side you pick will be determined by the overall aesthetic you desire for your finished product. The paper resists fading and absorbs water swiftly with no bleedthrough.

The products were very well made and worth the price.

by Amazon Customer

Unlike white paper, where the focus is on the highlights rather than the shadows, drawing on black paper teaches the artist to see things in reverse. Both seasoned amateurs and professional artists may put their abilities to the test using black sketch paper. The black sketch pad from Arteza is made of 90-pound acid-free paper with a fine tooth surface. Dry media such as graphite, color pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, gel pens, and chalk work well with it.

It’s very good paper especially when you use it the right way, and I know anyone that purchases this you will be happy

by marta

Artists can create a wider range of values with toned sketch paper. Drawing on toned paper, like drawing on black paper, allows you to push your drawing skills by allowing you to focus on highlights and shadows for a more realistic look. The 400 series toned paper from Strathmore is a great option for both seasoned painters and students. It comes with 50 micro-perforated sheets of 80 lb weight paper that can be used for dry media applications like graphite and chalk.

I bought it for sketching but I use it for the final artwork because the quality is great.

by JOEL CHALEN

Consider the Strathmore Art Journal, a portable journal notebook suited for travel, if you prefer to create on the move. The journal is 8.5 by 11 inches in size and contains 64 pages of acid-free mixed media paper with a lightly textured matte cover. It has a strong Smyth-sewn binding that enables pages to lie flatter, giving the user more space to work with. The paper is a sturdy 90 lb weight that can readily withstand watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and other mediums.

Purchased for a gift. Very sturdy, great quality and was just as described! Very happy with this purchase.

by mylittlestar