My Heart Belongs to Canson! My 2 All Time Favorite Art Pads.


I draw something every day.
In fact, the majority of my art begins with an actual drawing. 

Generally, I draw with pencil on white paper and then use tracing paper to ink the design. 


Truth be told, I am kind of particular with the feel of drawing paper…especially with how pencil feels on it. I need a little "tooth" on the paper or I get totally creeped out. Kind of like fingernails on a chalkboard!

These are my two go-to pads that I use on a daily basis.


Canson Mix Media Sketch Pads with the turquoise cover and spiral binding

I love the texture and weight of this paper. It actually is a bit rougher on the front side and I prefer the back, so I work through the book backwards. 

The paper is a soft white and a heavier weight. It takes pencil really well and erases smoothly with a rubber eraser. The sheets are perforated, it has a large spiral, lay flat spine and a very sturdy, smooth cover.

I generally use the 7" x 10" size but I am very excited about a (new to me) 5.5" x 8.5" portable size. I think it will be great for small sketches and the option to throw it in my bag.

I have their larger size too but don't use that as much.

At the time of this writing, the best prices I found were at Walmart or via online art sites. Next would be AC Moore when they have sales. 

I found the highest prices at Hobby Lobby. In fact, the retail was double Walmart's price.


Canson Tracing Paper (with the red cover) 

I love this tracing paper.

It is a substantial weight while still being transparent enough to see what you are tracing. It is also has a consistent opaqueness, unlike some that have an uneven, cloudy look.

It’s creamy smooth and the pen just glides over the surface. It doesn’t suck in the ink which makes your pens last longer.


Bonus: I use the PITT artist pens by Faber Castell. Mostly the small size nib "S". They are smooth, dark and dry super fast, so there is less chance of smearing.

There you have it. Three art supplies that I use every day. 

What do you use? Do you have a favorite paper or pen? Please share it below.

Until next week,
Pam

3 comments:

  1. Thank you for your recommendations! I've been creating my book on Canson Bristol, using Pitt pens a Staedtler 2H pencil. This of course necessitates erasing, and I've found Prismacolor's white eraser lifts the least ink in doing so, especially if I leave the ink to set overnight. I've never tried tracing paper though, so as per your review, I might just give it a go!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment! Is the Staedtler 2H pencil a mechanical pencil? I use one by Graphicgear.

      I love using this tracing paper. There were many that I didn't like. I use a small piece of tape at the top and bottom so I have both hands free.

      By using the tracing paper I can layer so that I can add or change details without having to redraw everything.

      I cut up small pieces of the tracing paper and lay them on top to draw the new addition and then slide the small piece underneath the large sheet of tracing paper where the final drawing is.

      Did that make sense? Hard to describe.

      Pam



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    2. Clever approach! And quite a time saver too, I'll bet. The Staedtler I use is just a wooden pencil, the red and black Tradition line. I've tried mechanical pencils, but prefer old-school. I like being able to sharpen them to a needle point!

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