Strathmore Paper Review

Рет қаралды 52,688

6 жыл бұрын

I have wanted to make a video on the importance of paper and just how vital it is when creating our art, every bit as important as the pencils, paint, pastels or markers that we are using. Although I have created this video review, I think this has been by far my hardest video review to make however the written review is much more comprehensive. The only part I have had trouble with is showing the paper texture so I hope you are able to take something from this review.
Strathmore has always been my own personal favourite paper, it is a paper I trust and love the different grades and types of paper they provide. There are of course many other paper companies out there and this video will hopefully give you information about paper in general, information that can be transferred over to any paper company.
Written Review - bit.ly/2oUKjg0
Strathmore Home Page - bit.ly/2I8AGmW
Strathmore 200 Series Bristol - amzn.to/2FejUVp
Strathmore 200 Series Watercolor - amzn.to/2H1YVBE
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol - amzn.to/2I13LAq
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor - amzn.to/2FmFjLf
Strathmore 400 Series Bristol - amzn.to/2oEPlxZ
Strathmore Windpower Watercolor - amzn.to/2oIOOLr
Strathmore Toned Tan - amzn.to/2grSdKa
Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate - amzn.to/2FdgIp0
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Пікірлер: 140

@patriciaschoenberg1261 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I tried Crayola colored pencils on Strathmore best quality colored pencil paper and I noticed that even the Crayola looked great on the really good paper. Great review!

@DrawingWithFire 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Harry! 😁 You are so right. A lot of people focus on the supplies, but tend to forget about the paper. Depending on what you are trying to create, the paper may be the most important supply/tool for a successful piece. It can be quite frustrating making art & fighting the paper the whole time. I have to wonder how many people have walked away from creating because a piece didn't turn out or the frustration? 🤔 This was a very helpful video & I really hope those new to art see this. I hope you are doing well my friend. Take care! 🤗

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Val, hope you guys are doing well. Oh I watched your latest video and the work was absolutely amazing, awesome work Val

@aliveli-hq6zk 6 жыл бұрын

your right

@pocahontasseguinart7099 5 жыл бұрын

Valarie Connell /DrawingWithFire actrually im never forgetting about the paper and surplies or anything and I’m born with microcephaly similar to aurtisum and I know more of better. Please don’t say people are forgotten. It’s the save thing that stupid fools say to us people that’s born with a disability and tell us you have to go to art school or college to be an artist and get discovered. Fools tell us we are not an artist if you’d born dissabled and never gone to collage or finnish school and we are not artist when we tought our selfs. I’m a self tought artist. I look things up and ask questions before I buy but my life is a struggle and there’s a reason why I paint and why I want to be discovered.

@kimbearlysoriginal4276 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent review Harry. Perfect. Just what I have needed for a very long time. Have a great day.

@GrimlyYours 4 жыл бұрын

thank you SO MUCH for your thorough, in-depth reviews!! it's so hard to know which paper to go for, or even the difference between them when you're starting out with colored pencil and the like. this has been so, so helpful 😭😭😭 thank you!! ♡♡♡

@mademoiselle7706 10 ай бұрын

Such a detailed explanation! I love it!! Outstanding work!

@stevemurray6543 6 жыл бұрын

Thank You. Absolutely a great video for an in depth dive in to art paper. Very needed and job well done on your part. Can not imagine the amount of prep work done for this. What I very much enjoy is the information that is shared comes across with your personal style, which I personally find easy to digest. It is like talking with a mate/friend over a pint/cuppa about things that we have a passion for. Not stuffy or so academic that you just can't bear to take in the information. Please keep it your own, with that little bit of yourself that shines through in your presentations. I have ordered but have not yet recieved the new 500 series heavey weight mixed media paper. Hope you get that paper from them and are able to look at it and share your experiance.. I also very much like the idea of sharing what the paper medium is best suited for, not just some arbitrary is it good or bad or best or some ranking. Most good product, most people just do not know what it is best used for. The pairing of media and medium. I think similar to wine and food, Anyway, I have been off my rocked at times, but I am an admirer of your presentations in content, style and personality. Thsnks, be well, safe and stay positive.

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Steve mate, always appreciate your comments and support.

@franswey2 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. I’ve always love Strathmore paper. Thank you for sharing this information. Your artwork is beautiful

@techjunkie68smusicandtech56 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video Harry, It's very useful! As a person who like to use mostly colour pencils and alcohol markers it's important to get the right paper for the job.

@tasiachurch3785 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks I’ve been looking for a review of strathmore sketchbooks I’m going to try out the toned tan and maybe grey hopefully can order them soon once again thanks 😊

@ErmirsArt 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, I was looking for a good review of the bristol vellum/smooth. Thank you for the video👍

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

You are more than welcome, check out my written review of this video, the link is in the description section, you might find it better. Thank you so much for stopping by the channel.

@lynnl2092 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry, another fantastic review! Strathmore is my go to paper as well, have a wonderful day!

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Lynn

@dadshoe7607 4 жыл бұрын

Pieaper, I’ve never heard anyone say paper like that

@Skawooga 4 жыл бұрын

I KNOW ISHOULDN'T HAVE LAUGHED AT THIS BUT IT'S FUNNYYY

@dadshoe7607 4 жыл бұрын

Sizzling Grill I’m afraid I’ve never heard of these “Irish” people you speak of. Oh, that’s sarcasm if you couldn’t tell, ever heard of it? Yeah I could kinda tell he’s Irish I was just saying I’ve never heard someone say paper like him. Is that such a problem?

@mortify1984 4 жыл бұрын

@mg4748 4 жыл бұрын

For the first few minutes I couldn’t concentrate on anything he said other than “paper”

@nerllybird 4 жыл бұрын

It's not a problem that you've never heard someone with an accent different to yours, no. Unusual, but not a problem. It's just rather babyish to point and laugh, so maybe - assuming you actually a grown up - that's the problem.

@mehditorkamani9890 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing review summary... thanks a lot!

@margaretbrownhill1193 5 жыл бұрын

Thankyou so much for this review Harry, I’ve just been asked to do a dig fir someone and I had thought of the 500 series and you’ve Confirmed that my instincts were right. I have a couple of their visual journals too but not the watercolour version I think I will get that as well.

@dakotatran9217 5 жыл бұрын

Hey, is your wallet okay because paper costs a fortune 🤣

@miaa1762 3 жыл бұрын

I have the toned gray, toned tan, and colored pencil paler so far. Which paper do you recommend me getting for oil pastels?

@willart6923 4 жыл бұрын

Hi there , great video which really helps me , but would you recommend the series 500 plate 2ply for charcoal and graphite pencil work ? Thanks 👍🏻

@steveebbage808 6 жыл бұрын

Great review again Harry. You're always very logical in the way you present these videos, which I think is why they are so popular. Easy to follow. Personally though, Im starting to prefer pastelmat for my work, whether it's pastels or coloured pencils

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried the Pastelmat mate but I have heard nothing but amazing things about that paper, I will certainly have to get myself some and try it out as I have a few pastel pencils and blocks to review soon. Thanks a million mate

@materialgirl338 Жыл бұрын

Thk you for your very informative video. Do you know if Toned Grey makes mixed media for watercolor?

@esme8694 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome, Harry! I personally love Strathmore and have been using them for years. They really do have a wide range of papers for just about any artist. I hope you're doing well~ 😊

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Esme I am doing well thank you so much for asking and thank you so much for stopping by the channel, always love your comments.

@joyfulldj 6 жыл бұрын

you have a suggestion for my bristol 300 vellum mixed media booklets? I find them rather hard to sketch on with pencil or liquid inks.. i am not much of an acryllic painter,but i guess the tube acryllics would work great on these.. it is just not what i baught them for so i got me the cheapes acryllics to play with for testing.

@astridgarcia888 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this special video ! I wanted to watch a review of different types of paper for a long time ago ! 😍😍😍😍

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Astrid

@craftygirlpurple626 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry you did it you solve a lot of people answers to what paper you explain it very well thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful video have a bless one keep the reviews and drawings coming I love it all

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

@Rebekahlow 6 жыл бұрын

Big thanks for this video!!!!!!!! I'm new to this and have been wanting to know about how paper affects drawing with colored pencils!!! Love from Vermont

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely comment

@gillinacook1477 5 жыл бұрын

The Toned Gray and Tan Green pads are they archival?

@MsAMJS 2 жыл бұрын

I like your presentation. Now I know a little bit more than I previously did. Thanks!

@carolrigby186 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great review!

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for stopping by and watching Carol

@capyboppy 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this Harry; I have also read your written review. I have recently purchased the 300 series of Bristol Vellum from Amazon Warehouse, and also have the brown drawing pad. I Lille the drawing pad very much and am still out on the vellum as I haven’t had much chance to experiment fully. The issue I have is this: I do adult colouring and like to print off pdfs onto my own paper. Because these are American sizes, it means I have to try and cut the paper down to A4 size to do this. I have failed miserably at this due to lack of strength in my hands and ended up ruining the paper. Any ideas on how I can get round this? I was wondering if Ryman’s or a print shop would guillotine them to the correct size?

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

I think Rymans would certainly help you out with that, I know exactly what you mean, I have A4 plastic sleeves to place my art work in and I had to buy A3 to fit the Strathmore paper as it is just a little bit bigger than our A4 but smaller than A3

@mridhutandon5858 4 жыл бұрын

Which paper will be good for Derwent Colorsoft pencils 🤔🤔

@drawholic9064 4 жыл бұрын

Would this be good for Prismacolor premiere colored pencils ?

@rakeshportraitart2945 4 жыл бұрын

Which paper is best for realistic drawings in charcoal medium

@tookiecookie2266 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have any KZfaq videos on how to draw with proportion!!!!!!!

@junktube4000 5 жыл бұрын

Do ink lines on the Strathmore 500 bristol plate paper still bleed. There were a lot of complaints about this in 2011, when people claim its quality went downhill. I was wondering if they fixed this problem.

@azad-4286 3 жыл бұрын

semen

@MsKala 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks you this review. I'm trying to get all the info I can before I get more paper.

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, it is difficult as there is so many wonderful supplies out there and especially in the word of colored pencils, this medium is becoming more and more popular every day.

@fv3503 4 жыл бұрын

Can someone please help me ? How can I print on Strathmore paper that is 9x12 size . I would greatly appreciate any advice , assistance with my dilemma.

@marialauramalventano4014 5 жыл бұрын

Hi! You are a great artist😉 I like your reviews because they are pretty complete and I think objective. What's your opinion on Fabriano mix media paper for watercolour pencils and pastel pencils? I have strathmore toned tan and toned gray that a friend brought me (I live in Argentina and these are not sold here).

@TheArtGearGuide 5 жыл бұрын

Hi there María thank you so much for your very kind comment. I am not sure about the Fabriano paper as I have not used it personally, however, I have just ordered some and when it arrives, I will test and review it on my channel for you. I have to review more paper any way, the paper is every bit as important as the materials we use to create the art and so I need to delve a bit deeper in to the paper. Thank you so much for commenting and I am so happy you like the reviews.

@marialauramalventano4014 5 жыл бұрын

The Art Gear Guide Thank you, Harry (is it, right?😊) for your kind reply. I'll be waiting for your review on Fabriano and others (affordable if it's possible😉😌). You are so right; I'm a beginner and now I realised the importance of getting the best paper one can afford. I like toned paper for pastel and charcoal pencils ( Strathmore sketchbooks. Love them) but I also use white sometimes and also with watercolour pencils.

@kimbearlysoriginal4276 6 жыл бұрын

I forgot to add that you are a awesome artist!

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

You are too kind, thank you so very much

@levanimaminashvili 6 жыл бұрын

great video. so can you tell us which one is the best for graphite pencil?

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

There are a few different types of paper for graphite, it all depends on the art you are creating. For example, if you are looking to do portraiture, were you might be blending graphite powder and the blends have to be seamless and smooth, the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate or 400 Bristol Smooth is perfect. If you are wanting to create a bit more texture with say landscape or animal portraiture then the Strathmore 500 or 400 Series Bristol Velum or Strathmore Hot or cold press again depending on the level of texture you are looking for. Creating trees and foliage on cold pressed paper makes the job so much easier in graphite, but you couldn’t obviously use that paper for human graphite portrait. I hope I have been able to help you out a bit.

@rbentesingkoarts8324 4 жыл бұрын

thank you for an jonest review.❤

@ccdani2 3 жыл бұрын

Hi , thank you so much for this! I just recently switched from graphite and started drawing with coloured pencils , I have no idea what paper would be the best , I am used to draw on Bristol smooth paper but the polychromos that I got don't lay easly on this paper , could you please recommend me a good paper ? Thank you!

@TheArtGearGuide 3 жыл бұрын

Hay Carlos my friend I hope you are well. The paper really all depends on the type of subject you want to draw. If you are drawing something like portraiture, you could use a Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper, something like Fabriano Artistico Extra White Hot Pressed Paper, it would have to be Hot Pressed as it has a smoother surface. When I draw a portraiture, with Faber Castell Polychromos, I use the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate which is a very smooth surface, however because it is 100% Cotton, despite the smooth surface the fabric of the paper takes the pencils beautifully. If I am drawing something that might need a bit more texture, I use something like Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Velum or perhaps the Strathmore Mixed Media Paper 400 or 500 Series, it is a beautiful paper with just enough texture. I hope this helps you out my friend.

@ccdani2 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide thank you so much for your help , I like drawing detailed portraits and anime characters I think Bristol vellum would be the best choice according to your expertise , I will order it and see how it goes , thank you so much!!

@parvathavarthinia7623 3 жыл бұрын

Which one will suit for Faber-castell Polychromos & Graphite's... Bristol smooth surface or Bristol vellum surface??

@marielaromero5020 2 жыл бұрын

También tienen a la venta esos pequeños blocs de muestra? No logro encontrarlos

@meyu1468 3 жыл бұрын

I’m looking to do hyperrealism with graphite, recommendations?? I’d also like to do them about 1m squared.

@TheArtGearGuide 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Me Yu, with regards to your size you are going to have to order individual sheets of paper. A lot of artists who need these types of sizes, source a store that can provide the required size and work something out with regards to pricing, type of paper and delivery method if you get the paper in a roll and cut it yourself or order it pre cut. The Type of paper will depend on the subject you are wanting to draw, Landscape, Portraiture etc. I know you said Hyperrealisim so with that I would say something like the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate 100% Cotton or a 100% Cotton Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper like Arches, Fabriano, Canson etc. The list is extensive with regards to the brand of paper you get, but the type of paper I would suggest one of the types I have mentioned. Next you are going to need graphite, well there are so many different brands of graphite pencils that you can purchase it is unreal, but my suggestions if you are wanting to accomplish high quality art are, Caran d'Ache Grafwood, Staedtler Mars Lumograph, Conté or even TomBow. I have heard Generals are a good graphite brand but I personally have never tried them and so can't say one way or the other. Also if you are drawing on paper that big, you will need graphite blocks or powder this will help you cover larger areas fast as opposed to trying to cover with a pencil. The blocks or powder you use don't have to be the same as the pencils, there are so many brands out there it is just going to be a case of trial and error. I hope this has been a bit helpful and thank you so much for the question.

@Oblivion-xr1zt 5 жыл бұрын

I normally use mix media for markers and sketch

@paranoiarpincess 4 жыл бұрын

I'm looking for paper I can use for Inktober, where I can put down a wash, and use my fountain pen. So it has to be smooth for my lines, but also durable for the washes. I'm going to break down and just use the Bristol Smooth visual journal, and be careful, if I can't find something better, but I would prefer something that could take a bit more of a bearing. Kohinoor has a new pen paper, which is crazy resistant to ghosting, I've never seen anything like it. But it's a little thin, and it doesn't do well once it's decently wet from a wash. I'm guessing you'd probably suggest 400 Bristol Smooth, by this review. I used a hot press cotton Watercolour paper last year, but I'm hoping to get something pre-bound.

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

paranoiaprincess I think for what you want the Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media paper would be perfect. It has a beautiful surface for Pen and Ink and it can take a fairly decent beating when it comes to water or if you are wanting something with a higher Cotten content the Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media paper is the one. This paper is obviously much tougher given it is 100% cotton but it has a really beautiful smooth surface not quite Plate surface but smooth none the less. Hope this has helped.

@Corpsee. 3 жыл бұрын

I know I'm really late, but I've got a question for anyone scrolling by. I'm trying to do realistic drawings with Master's Touch 2H - 12B pencils on a yellow cover Strathmore 300 series paper for Drawing. Will it work?

@TheArtGearGuide 3 жыл бұрын

It should be fine although I have personally never tried the Drawing paper from the Strathmore range, I have always thought that the Drawing paper is a little bit thinner than the other papers. If this is a commission piece or a piece you would really like to keep, you could try the 300 Series Bristol Velum that is the yellow cover paper but the paper is a bit thicker and with it being velum has a little bit more tooth to the paper but still allowing a smooth enough surface to allow for detail or beautiful skin textures. Hope this helps but if you have anymore questions please don’t hesitate to ask

@lion.artzzz2397 4 жыл бұрын

Hey! I know this is very late! But PLEASE respond?? Umm what sketch book goes best with castle art colored pencils?

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

I would say the Bristol Velum is the best all round paper for Castle either the 300 Series amzn.to/2Ffcoti or 400 Series amzn.to/2KfcKCs the only difference is the quality the 400 is slightly better quality but either will do a good job for you

@lion.artzzz2397 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!😊😊

@joyfulldj 4 жыл бұрын

I think the ilustration board set with the different samples is Brilliant. Have not seen that in the store yet as a ringbound sample set. I guess that is a demonstration set they've sent you? Now I know this review is like two years old. But i was wondering if you can do a review of different pastel papers? I know jason morgan has done several but since I am new to the medium of colored pencils I would like to know if there is an equal kind of paper to a claire fontaine, bc the price is driving me BONKERS. But the paper keeps pulling me back to it bc it me use my polychromo's light over dark like it was a pastel pencil. I was wondering if there are more papers who are capable of doing that or is pastelmat a unique one of a kind in this?

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

Hi there my friend. There are indeed other papers that will allow you to use your polychromos and create light over dark, but unfortunately they are all in the same price bracket. I think the best paper I have used and I personally find it much better than Pastelmat is Lux Archival bit.ly/38cUFxh I did a review of it, but again it is expensive. Another paper similar to the Lux Archival is UART Sanded amzn.to/2GRU4Yp but it is cheaper than the Lux and sometimes the Pastelmat. I hope this has helped you out a bit my friend,

@joyfulldj 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Thanks. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet on the paperprice. I mean no more scratchy uneven lines with the derwent set I told you about is a true joy. Like a belated christmas thing having a new set of 72 pencils,lol. No chance in hell im gonna give that up :) the earth tones in that set are awesome.

@rowelljrlegaspi5194 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry! which paper would you most recommend for copic/ alcohol markers? thanks .🙃

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

Do So wDec hen I first started out with Copics ahave Thank nd markers, I messed up so much trying to find the right paper. There are lots of pads out their for Copic markers etc but the paper is as thin as printer paper, but it is coated so allows the markers to blend and mix nicely. However I wanted thicker paper, something that if I did a drawing for someone I wouldn’t be handing them printer paper it would be something a little bit more substantial. So the paper I use if I am just messing about is Frisks Bristol Board, it’s really cheap for 20 sheets but really nice paper. amzn.to/2NBNmJA or if I know I am going to do a really special piece or at least try to I use either xpressit blending card which is made for Copics and allows blending amzn.to/2L7MlqD or the other paper is Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate amzn.to/2W8VLY2. Incredible paper the blending is a little bit tougher than the other two papers but not much however it is incredibly archival and allows you to add colored pencil on top for detail if needed. Hope this helps my friend.

@rowelljrlegaspi5194 4 жыл бұрын

Oh jolly! thanks for the reply 🙂 I will for sure try out the papers you mentioned thank you!

@rowelljrlegaspi5194 4 жыл бұрын

And oh! Have you heard about the soft covered journals from strathmore? And if you have,I was wondering about the Mixed Media Softcover. Would it be ok for copics?

@vikneshwaranarumugam2283 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry, what would be the best option of paper for polychromos and copic markers?

@TheArtGearGuide 5 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the delay in replying to you. I can't tell you the best paper, I can only tell you what paper I use for marker and polychromos pencils. When I am using marker and any colored pencils combined in a piece I really want to do a good job with, I use Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate, which is a 100% cotton paper but a very smooth surface for the markers. The Cotton content does make the blending of the markers a little bit harder than say marker paper, but the finish is really nice. The 500 Series paper is quite expensive, so the next best paper is the Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Smooth. Again this paper has a nice smooth surface but is not 100% cotton. The cotton content of the paper makes it really strong and perfect for layering of the pencils. I hope this helps you a bit

@vikneshwaranarumugam2283 5 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Thank you so much for the guide. Really appreciate it. Have a nice day 😉

@debrap5758 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry! Happy to see your review on Strathmore paper. I have several types currently in my Dick Blick cart! I usually use vellum surfaces or hot press watercolor. However, sometimes there seems to be still a bit too much texture in the paper. I noticed that artists like Heather Rooney who work in a very realistic style as I do say they use the Bristol plate finish so I thought I would try it. But according to the info in the sample book that you showed in your video, Strathmore doesn’t necessarily recommend their plate finish for colored pencil drawing. So I will tailor my order accordingly. Does Strathmore sell that sample book? Thanks again for your good, informative work!

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Debra, you are right about Strathmore not recommending the Plate surface for Colored Pencils and that is simply because they have created paper specifically for Colored pencils and for the most part, colored pencil artists will tell you that a tooth is need on the paper. This is obviously true but only providing you are working by applying lots of layers. If you watch Heather Rooney, who in m y opinion is the finest hyper realist colored pencil artist about, she does not tend to apply lots and lots of layers. She does layer but not as much as say Lisa from Lachri Fine Art another simply amazing colored pencil artist. Neither way is the right way, just individual preference. Lisa needs lots of layers because she uses OMS, Heather on the other hand does not use OMS and again this is because she does not apply lots of layers.

@debbipinciotti7427 6 жыл бұрын

The Art Gear Guide - Hi Harry; thank you so much for solving that mystery for me! I think I will try the plate finish - the less time it takes to get the same look - the better!!! Thanks again. : )

@vsaturated 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@azerethroth5761 4 жыл бұрын

So would you recommend colored pencils on Vellum or smooth? Thanks. :)

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

Both Velum and Smooth work well with coloured pencils. Velum, although a smooth surface has more tooth that the Bristol Smooth. So if you wanted to draw a portrait the smooth paper would be a nice choice as it will help to give seamless blends and skin tone variations. The velum would be a nice choice for say Botanical or pet portrait. It very much depends on what you want to draw, the different papers are their to help us, make the process that wee bit easier, the paper can help you to portray texture. Hope this helps

@theoneitself 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Vellum works for Graphite Pencil ? Or is the Smooth better ? I only draw with graphite

@wokekeh 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide thanks Harry for your answer. It's helpful for me. I'm new to arts

@tracyvis2101 3 жыл бұрын

I was hoping you would tell us which brands work best on which papers not just a generic “colored pencils works well”. I checked your blog it’s not there either. Do you have a different video for that? I’ve been hearing from other you tubers that different brands respond differently to the different papers. Trying to find a consensus before I buy. 🙂

@TheArtGearGuide 3 жыл бұрын

You need to be a bit more specific there hard hundreds of different brands of pencils and Strathmore do about 64 different grades of paper, to test every pencil on every different brand of paper would take months and a video longer that KZfaq would allow on its platform. What type of pencils are you considering, what genre of art do you prefer and are you just planing on using Colored pencils, do you plan on adding a different medium like Markers or watercolours. If you let me know I can give you a pretty detailed account of which paper works best on which pencil. But to just do a generic pencil on Strathmore paper isn’t possible.

@David-I0 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm a coloured pencil artist and i am interested in buying 500 plate series however I have bought smooth paper before and it hasn't really agreed with me. I like to layer a lot of colours and noticed when I started layering using smooth paper there was like a blotchiness to the colours on the paper like strange patches.( the paper wasn't taking too kindly to all the layering) I use toned tan 400 series and I don't have this problem with that paper. Can you tell me how good the layering is on the 500 series plate? Thanks

@TheArtGearGuide 2 жыл бұрын

Hi David First of all, with the smooth paper the blotches you are seeing might be if you touch the paper with your fingers or the palm of your hand, oil transfers from our hands to the paper and the blotches are only visible once pencil or even Watercolor is applied. I don’t know for definite if this is the case but it happens to so many people and it normally turns out to be their hands or fingers touching the paper. With regards to the Plate, first thing I have to ask is what genre of art are you drawing, because if you are doing landscapes for example a toothier paper might help you out more with this but if you are doing high detailed or portraits, then the smooth paper is the way to go. The reason I find the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Plate better to work with over a smooth, even though Plate has less tooth than Smooth is the fact the 500 Series plate is 100% Cotton. I don’t know the exact technical reasons, but to me 100% cotton paper always feels tougher and much more durable than other papers, it feels like the fingers of the paper are woven together microscopically thus lending itself to layering and blending on a much higher level to ordinary run of the mill smooth paper. For me personally I always layer much better on 100% cotton paper over any other and the 500 Series Bristol Plate is perfect. I hope this helps you out a bit.

@David-I0 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Thanks for the detailed reply. I can tell you the paper I was using was the Canson bristol extra smooth paper. I dont think It was the oil in my hands creating the blotchiness because I tested blending as an experiment with coloured pencil and I was still getting the same effect. I would consider myself a pop culture artist I like to draw a lot of marvel characters, star wars etc.. so my drawings are very colourful and I do highly detailed portraits aswell of these characters. I've never tried 100% cotton before so that definitely interests me in having a go. Do you have any recommendations where I can buy the strathmore bristol 500 plate series? I am from Ireland also and find it difficult to source this paper. Looking for 14x17" 😁 Thanks again for the help

@yennefer559 2 жыл бұрын

is the paper around A4 size would you say?

@kathleenmartell5891 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You Soooooo much for doing this very thorough look into Strathmore Art Paper. I appreciate how much time you put into preparing for this. I finally know what is available . You always present in a thorough and logical manner which makes learning from you so easy!

@orchdork775 Жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried the Strathmore mixed media visual journal? It's actually 100% cotton, which surprised me for the price. I'm a fan of it! It has a vellum finish and is 90 pound paper, and it comes in a spiral bound journal with 34 sheets. The full price a little over $15 USD, but you can usually find it on sale or with a buy one get on 50% off or something like that. I use mine with watercolor, colored pencil, watercolor brush pen, graphite, and it works well! You should try it!! Edit: I commented this before watching the whole video. I see you mentioned the visual journals! For some reason the new branding for the mixed media journal doesn't mention that it's 100% cotton, so I checked the website to check if it changed, and it still says it's 100% cotton which is good!

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ve tried all the Strathmore Visual Journals and they are amazing for the price. There is one that is like the Bristol Plate 100% Cotton

@orchdork775 Жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide Yea, the mixed media one is actually 100% cotton, too! They changed the branding on the front since I last bought one, so it doesn't say that it's cotton paper anymore, but I just checked the website and it's still listed as being 100% cotton. I have the watercolor, mixed media and drawing paper from the visual journal range, and I think I'm gonna try that Bristol smooth paper you mentioned, along with one of the toned drawing papers. I have been stocking up on art supplies because I recently got back into art after a long hiatus (I stopped back when I was 21 and now I'm almost 28), and I never really allowed myself to truly try at art when I was younger. I was afraid of failure, so I would only do more therapeutic and relaxed abstract drawings and paintings of shapes and patterns, even though I really wanted to paint from life. After seeing a new therapist and getting properly diagnosed with OCD, I have finally been able to overcome some of that fear and allow myself to actually try to capture something's likeness in a drawing/painting using a reference image and starting out with an idea of how I want it to look. In the few times I've been able to get myself to do that in the last 1-2 months, the drawings/paintings actually turned out so much better than I thought I would be capable of! My first time using colored pencils to actually draw something turned out amazing (relative to my level of experience), and I didn't use a tutorial or anything! Unfortunately, I'm still struggling to allow myself to try, especially now because I'm afraid that it will turn out bad and that the good stuff I made was all just a fluke. Logically I know that isn't true, so I'm gonna keep trying to push through that fear because I believe that if I can truly commit to art, then I actually have a chance at reaching a relatively high level of skill and maybe even becoming a professional artist.

@tookiecookie2266 4 жыл бұрын

very helpful!!!!

@patriciabarbosa3656 Жыл бұрын

A like fabriano 4L to use with graphite

@vyshnavkalladapadi2312 4 жыл бұрын

I brought the strathmore vellum surface for doing a colorpencil realistic drawing,, did that not works well 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 plss reply,, i don't have money to buy smooth 🥺🥺🥺

@TheArtGearGuide 4 жыл бұрын

There are other less expensive brands out there that you can buy, Daler Rowney do Bristol Smooth pad and they are normally quite inexpensive. There is also a brand called Frisks which sell Bristol Smooth pads and they are excellent quality very inexpensive. Finally another brand called Seawhite are very inexpensive but they also sell Bristol Smooth. Hope this helps

@lindsaykorth2713 11 ай бұрын

Has anyone tried Strathmore Heavyweight for colored pencils? The rare written reviews are pretty vague about this medium in particular. I'm new to colored pencils and I'm struggling to find a paper that actually works for me. But I might be doing something wrong in the process. 😌😄 Thanks in advance.

@TheArtGearGuide 11 ай бұрын

I have the Strathmore Mixed Media Heavy Weight paper but to be honest with you, the texture of the paper is exactly the same as the Strathmore Mixed Media paper, the only difference is the fact it is a really thick paper, almost like card. I’ll make a short video talking about it for you. What pencils do you use and what genre of art are you trying to create? Portraiture, pet portraiture, landscape, fan art. All these variables matter and I might be able to help you better knowing.

@lindsaykorth2713 11 ай бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide thank you so much for answering so quickly. I just got a Derwent Drawing 12 pencils set. I feel they are quite different compared to the Faber Castel super soft or the few Polychromos I've got. I must emphasize that I'm new to colored pencil layering and blending, just tried a few tutorials. I'd like to use it for children's book illustrations at first, but pet portrait is something I'd like to try as well. I'm finding it hard to get smooth transitions from shadow to light, for instance. It seems it gets too heavy and crispy on the paper, even working with no more than 3 or 4 layers. I found the heavyweight drawing (400 series, I suppose) at a good price, but can't find much info about it. Many people recommend Bristol Vellum (300) but I'm not quite convinced yet, as I've been testing all my watercolor papers (pulp and cotton made) and still haven't found the results satisfactory. However, I've been studying watercolor for 3 and a half years, so, besides everything, I might need to get my eyes adjusted. 😄

@cabral6722 11 ай бұрын

Obrigado

@potatosmith3482 4 жыл бұрын

Ive been looking for strathmore paper that is available here in my country. There are some few shops that sell them but not near my area so I have no choice but to buy online. I came across 3 options; 300 series bristol vellum, Toned gray, and Coloured Pencils. What would you recommend among the 3 for colored pencil portraits and animals? Ive tried buying cheap vellum paper and hate its slippery texture (too smooth for my taste) so im scared to try the bristol vellum assuming it might feel the same. As for toned gray and coloured pencils, ive heard that coloured pencil paper has some tooth and im afraid that its too rough for my taste (but watching this vid of yours kinda made me doubt my opinion) and also heard that toned gray has smoother surface but i wanted white paper.

@potatosmith3482 4 жыл бұрын

I dunno if this will be a major factor but im using prisma

@azad-4286 3 жыл бұрын

nu notepad

@choochoochooseyou 6 жыл бұрын

I had no idea they made that legend pad. Been looking for something like that for a long time.

@TheArtGearGuide 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah just email Strathmore and ask them about the pad and I am sure they will help you out, they have always been amazing when I have spoke to them.

@choochoochooseyou 6 жыл бұрын

Contacted them that day, Harry, they didn't seem to know about this but have agreed to send me some samples of 500 which is the main thing I wanted to try.

@SpudKai Жыл бұрын

Picking up some bristol 500, wish me luck.

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

Which one is it the Bristol Plate or Bristol Velum? And what are you using it for?

@Strobot1234 Жыл бұрын

lo cierto es que tambien depende del dibujante que tan bueno quedara el dibujo

@Drumaier 3 жыл бұрын

Cool, very interesting video. Let me say that some pro comic artists prefer the strathmore 200 bristol pads (the one with the girl robot, and cat on the cover) as the best of the best for drawing and inking. But is weird because even if is 200 series.. is the most expensive of them all as far as i can tell.

@TheArtGearGuide 3 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely correct and I don't know why I missed that, the Sequential Illustration Boards that they make are as you say 200 Series but are more expensive than other Bristols in the 300 and 400 Series and to be honest I am not exactly sure of the reasons because I have never used the 200 Series Sequential Illustrator Boards. I think, and this is only a guess, that the Sequential Illustration Board as they call it, is specifically designed and cut for Cartoonists. They have a standard size of board that they need to submit to print and I think Strathmore have that all sorted for them. If you look at the sizes of those SIBs they are quite a bit bigger than the standard A4 UK Sizes. I could be way off on this but I will order a pad so that I can fully understand the difference and reason for the higher price tag and amend my review. Thank you so much mate for pointing that out and as soon as I get to the bottom of it I will let you know as soon as I have updated the review.

@Drumaier 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheArtGearGuide thanks so much for listening and for the answer! Your video holds up perfectly as it is, that pad is the only weird exception in the otherwise very straightforward naming convention. It would be great, just for academic purposes, to understand why that block seems to be top of the line, both because of the extra lines but also regarding paper quality at least in relation to what a comic book artist may need (maybe not necessarily cotton? But different manufacture process?). There is an interesting video of inker Jimmy Reyes explaining why he prefers the 200 sequential pad over the other ones. If you want to check the video, i don't want to put a link here, is called "BEST PAPER for comicbook inkers". Cheers!!

@marcwheeler4406 2 жыл бұрын

Oh I agree I thought I was being thrifty and bought a roll of arches it took me a yr of saving up for it I thought I could use it for everything watercolor: arcylic :marker: and lead and graphite watersolutble sketching......but I was wrong...lol.....altho you can use it personally to me arches feels really bumpy to use markers and pencils on it but I'm coming from drawing on vellum for my horticultural landscape business I used forever ...but my friend told to use the opposite site of arche I'm like theres two sides to watercolor?????🤯lol. ...I can deft feel the difference between drawing on arches and verus strahmore im more comfortable drawing on strahmore paper it feels more smoother....I've still have so much to learn as I bought a couple of smaller size strahmore to try out just at the begining of my watercolor and drawing journey but felt that strahmore buckled alot when you use watercolor on it , I've come along way in two years in my knowledge of art material thanks for doing these reviews it helps me out so much.......so much to learn...🎨✍

@TheArtGearGuide 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Marc, Arches is a really fantastic paper, but as you have discovered, only for certain mediums. If you are using Markers and Colored Pencils you need a paper with less tooth and less absorbability, a paper that is going to allow you time to blend the marker. Arches is designed to absorb up watercolors and so Markers won't play well with it. For me personally, and again, paper is such as personal selection, I like to use either Bristol Velum, Bristol Plate or some Mixed Media papers. The Mixed Media papers you need to be cautious of, some of them have a wonderful surface for markers, like the Strathmore Mixed Media 400 and 500 Series I use, but there are others that simply absorb the ink too fast, which is absolutely fine because when companies are making the paper, they aren't all aiming for the same outcome. One company may view mixed media as watercolor and other media on top and some really consider the use of markers. My best advice to artists in search of the best paper for them is to contact the companies and ask them for a sample pack. You might have to pay a few ££ but they will send you so many different paper types that you can play about with and decided which paper is best for you and then start buying pads. You will save so much money doing it this way.

@sarahlouise8851 5 жыл бұрын

Great Description, Great accent! :-)

@TheArtGearGuide 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sarah, really appreciate that.

@sylvianedaniel9710 Жыл бұрын

Dommage que ce n'est pas traduit en français merci

@TheArtGearGuide Жыл бұрын

I apologise for not having the review translated to French. There is so much work involved in making and editing these videos, to then do the translation thing is a lot of extra work. I would love to have all my videos translated so that other people around the world could watch and understand, but it is only me, I don’t have a team of people helping me, or anyone for that matter. I don’t make enough money to pay for help. But if I am ever in a position to translate my videos I promise I will.

@Ds-iv2tz 3 жыл бұрын

I rather buy quality drawing paper made in the U.S.A. Strathmore is my go to paper. If money is a issue it is best to shop for sales. I always buy my Strathmore from Hobby Lobby when it gets marked down or buy one get one free deals.

@fiery.mercaba 2 жыл бұрын

First, The Art Gear Guide, I've got to say, wirh regard to your remarks at "1:39," come on, man! God the Creator made Adam & Eve, & they were both made matured & thus were adults when they were united in matrimony. That's it. As simple as that. Any other combining is aberration. That said, I can move on to saying, your review of Strathmore's various paper types is greatly appreciated by me, as I can see it is by many others. It is their brand & products I've been mostly familiar with as a graphic artist -- using a variety of media, but primarily watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, graphite pencils, etc, being not so much into oil painting or even acrylic painting like, say, my inspiring father was -- from early in my youth. Admittedly, it is only in recent years that I've been more focused on learning more about the different papers & which are best for a particular medium versus another. But, as you noted in your video, Strathmore does a pretty good job on their covers to describe exactly whether or not a particular product of theirs is made for colored pencils versus pan pastels, etc. So, thanks, again, sir. Be blessed.