I'm not one for buying thin paper but I needed a couple of spiral bound pads so that I could keep all my doodles together. I decided to try this Strathmore 400 series 9" x 12" 135 g smooth surface pad.
My first impression was that it was very well made. My first effort was a simple graphite sketch of 2 apples. Although very smooth the surface had enough tooth to lay down a reasonable amount of graphite. I found blending quite easy and I had no trouble lifting unwanted graphite from the paper with a putty eraser.
My second attempt was with coloured pencils. In this case I chose the most difficult CPs that I had, "Spectrum Noir".
The CPs were a bit difficult to work but it gave favourable results. The CP was a bit more difficult to layer but just needed a bit more elbow grease. The colours looked a bit weak but I'm inclined to think that was the CP and not the paper.
In all I think this paper is really good for sketching and doodling. My only reservation would be in using wet media including fixatives as I don't think the paper is thick enough to handle the wet without serious cockling. Great for graphite though.
My first impression was that it was very well made. My first effort was a simple graphite sketch of 2 apples. Although very smooth the surface had enough tooth to lay down a reasonable amount of graphite. I found blending quite easy and I had no trouble lifting unwanted graphite from the paper with a putty eraser.
My second attempt was with coloured pencils. In this case I chose the most difficult CPs that I had, "Spectrum Noir".
The CPs were a bit difficult to work but it gave favourable results. The CP was a bit more difficult to layer but just needed a bit more elbow grease. The colours looked a bit weak but I'm inclined to think that was the CP and not the paper.
In all I think this paper is really good for sketching and doodling. My only reservation would be in using wet media including fixatives as I don't think the paper is thick enough to handle the wet without serious cockling. Great for graphite though.