🎨 Mini Guide: Which Pad Is Right for Your Medium?

Choosing the right pad isn’t just about paper—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Whether you're sketching on the go, layering watercolor washes, or experimenting with mixed media, the surface you work on can make all the difference. At Arlene’s, we carry a wide range of artist pads, and we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your medium.

✏️ For Sketching & Drawing

Recommended Pads:

• Strathmore Sketch Pads

• Canson XL Drawing Pads

Why: Lightweight paper with a fine tooth that’s ideal for graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, and pen. Great for practice, studies, and daily sketching.

Pro Tip: If you use markers or ink, opt for a pad with smoother paper like Bristol (see below).

🖊️ For Ink & Marker

Recommended Pads:

• Strathmore Bristol Pads (Smooth or Vellum)

• Bee Paper Marker Pads

Why: Bristol paper offers a sturdy surface with minimal bleed-through, perfect for crisp lines and vibrant color layering.

Smooth vs. Vellum:

Surface	Best For
Smooth	Pen, marker, technical drawing
Vellum	Pencil, charcoal, softer media

🎨 For Watercolor

Recommended Pads:

• Arches Watercolor Pads

• Canson XL Watercolor Pads

• Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Pads

Why: These pads feature heavyweight, textured paper that can handle wet washes, layering, and lifting without warping.

Cold Press vs. Hot Press:

Type	Texture	Best For
Cold Press	Slightly textured	General watercolor use
Hot Press	Smooth	Detailed work, ink + watercolor combos

🧪 For Mixed Media

Recommended Pads:

• Strathmore 400 series Mixed Media Pads (white, black, grey, and tan)

• Canson XL Mixed Media

• Arches Oil Paper Pads

Why: Designed to handle both wet and dry media—perfect for artists who like to mix it up with watercolor, ink, collage, and more.

Ideal For: Art journaling, sketchbook explorations, multimedia experiments.

🖼️ For Printmaking & Specialty Techniques

Recommended Pads:

• Strathmore Printmaking Pads

• Stonehenge Paper Pads

Why: These fine art papers offer archival quality and rich texture, ideal for block printing, monotypes, and other traditional techniques.

Bonus: Many are suitable for drawing and painting too—great for artists who love versatility.

🛍️ Ready to Pick Your Pad?

Come visit us at Arlene’s Artist Materials in Albany, NY, to explore our full selection. And don’t forget—our Lowest Pad Prices of the Season are happening now, so it’s the perfect time to stock up.

Need help choosing? Our expert staff of working artists are always happy to lend their insight.