Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 11x14 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Charcoal, Pen and Ink, Marker, and Pastel

I am a midlevel portrait artist.I have resumed my portrait drawings , and I have bought this paper to help me in my projectsthe paper is quite durable and of the right thickness and quality. It felt natural to move the graphite and charcoal pencils on this material. I also found it easy to use with charcoal and graphite powder.I believe it had provided me with what I want at this point. I haven't tried different brands yet, as I felt this brand provided me with exactly what I needed to complete my drawing projectsThe paper size I bought was 11X 14 in, and I felt that was the right size for my projects at this point .Photos included showed a family portrait I have recently completed using this paper…I would recommend for anyone who is interested in similar art projects.

While I would normally rate this product with 5 stars, (I've changed my review to 5 stars, see below) I have had to replace the pad teice in a row due to the item being either an obvious return or a way to sell off stock that could not be sold if on the shelf of an art store. In the past, several years ago the smooth bristol pad would arrive PRISTINE, no tears in the tape binding, perfect uncreased or otherwise damaged sheets. But the last two times I ordered, the pad was either completely separated from the tape with 3 corners crushed and oddly dirty, or with a gouge through the majority of the sheets making them unusable for tabloid illustration. I have ordered a third pad since I need it. Maybe this time it will be a proper new pad and not a return or otherwise undesireable/useless item. Strathmore store, you know better. Anyway, if you take the risk and get lucky with a new pad, you'll LOVE the bristol boards -- they are some of the best, perfect for ink and alcohol marker work.Edit: 5 Stars, on my third order, the smooth bristol pad came in and it was packaged in a box instead of an envelope, that was great! AND the product was in perfect shape, new, usable. I love the 300 series bristol so I was very happy to receive it in such good condition (after the last two debacles). I will order it agian when I need to, I am chalking up my experience to just bad luck.

my personal favorite paper for charcoal paintings.

This is my absolute favorite paper! It is excellent quality at an affordable price. I use it for sketching, and for drawing charcoal and graphite portraits. I haven’t used colored pencils with it, but only for a pop of color on my black and white drawings. The paper is even heavy enough for light washes of watercolor. Durable and easy to work with.

Muy bien producto, muy recomendado

I use this for dragon puppet making as a sturdy paper (if anyone knows about dragon puppets). Markers might bleed through, if pressed too hard, but otherwise, pencils, pens, they’re fine. I also used this with nail polish (I sound crazy I know, but it turned out good and I’m proud of it :)) on it sooooooooo… I recommend. Even my art school does.

Nice heavy duty paper. Great for airbrush

Nice quality art paper