Papers for ink drawing?

[Gran]

Has anyone found papers that work nicely for pen-and-ink drawings, with ink washes, or colored pencil?

 

I've been using Wausau Exact Bristol, medium card stock, 67 pounds. But, it lacks something.

 

Your reviews would be very helpful.

 

Thanks much!

[Zoe]

Check reviews by Biffybeans, Roz WoundUp for some interesting journals and sketchbooks.

 

Personally, I like Robert Bateman's, unfortunately, not easy to find, and sketchbooks made with print making paper.

 

Inexpensive and generally available are Canson Universal Recycled, Sketch (acid free) ref. 3067407613 and Mead's Academie (Sketchbook) heavyweight, also acid free, reference 43100 54404.

 

These two are generally available in a variety of shops, heavy enough for light washes, good tooth for P&I and overall sturdy and reliable (for me).

 

Zoe

[stevlight]

I LOVE Strathmore 400 series drawing paper. NOT THE RECYCLED STRATHMORE(and DRAWING NOT sketch paper!)!! It comes in spiral pads and I use it for my children's book illustration with pen and ink fountain pen drawings, colored pencil and pastel. It also takes light watercolor washes quite well. To see some work on this paper you can visit my website www.stevelightart.com The "A Giant Life" drawings are done on strathmore 400. The "Tom Toy Tumunculus" drawings are done on Canson card stock which I also like but can become expensive if doing 32 illustrations at a time on it. The ink parts of both were drawn with a Pelican 805 and Namiki Falcon with Aurora black or Namiki black ink.

[Gran]

Zoe, and Stevlight, thanks much for your posts. I picked up a Strathmore 400 Drawing pad today. The 400 series is on sale at Michael's Craft shops, this week-end, for 40% off. I'll take a look around for Robert Bateman's, Mead Academie, and the Canson.

 

I also got a sample of some Georgia Pacific cardstock today, 110-pound, which I'm testing.

 

Thanks much for your help.

Edited March 29, 2009 by Gran

[cmenice]

I just use hot press watercolor paper takes pretty much anything I throw at it.

[kuragari389]

If it's a sketchbook you want, Aquabee has one that'll take just about anything you can throw at it. I swear, this thing is a beast, and is probably the only sketchbook I've ever filled up. I've been recently using my Shaeffer calligraphy pens inked with Noodler's to practice with in it and there's absolutely no bleed-through. I've also put it through its paces with India/drawing ink, disposable technical pens, and alcohol markers (which do bleed if you go heavy enough). I'll let you know how it does with colored pencil, as I haven't tried it yet, but graphite works very well, and it seems to have just enough body to withstand a light wash - whether ink or watercolor. The only real annoyance I have with it is that the pages are not perforated, so don't come out easily.

 

http://www.dickblick.com/products/aquabee-...uxe-sketchbook/

[dipper]

Which grade of Strathmore Bristol paper do you use?

https://www.strathmoreartist.com/faq-full/can-you-explain-your-series-classifications.html

 

(I currently use Clairfontaine "Paint-On" multimedia paper, smooth surface, 250gsm weight.)