SuFly Toned Tan Paper Sketchbook, 5.5×8.5 Inches, 60 Sheets – 90lb/150gsm Tan Drawing Paper for Mixed Media, Charcoal, Graphite, Colored Pencils & White Gel Pens, 100% Recycled, Wire-O Bound. Review
I tested this sketchbook for colored pencil work, soft shading, and light layering. I wanted smooth paper for blending colored pencils without tearing or wax build-up. The tan tone gave my art a warm look right away. I also liked how white gel pens stood out on the page. The small size felt easy to carry, so I used it both at home and during travel.
The paper has a firm feel but still takes color in a soft way. My pencils moved across the sheets with very little drag. I noticed that blending looked cleaner than on plain white sketch pads. The spiral binding also made it easy to flip pages flat while I worked.
What I Like
- I found the tan paper very helpful for creating warm shadows and highlights.
- The 150gsm sheets handled layering better than many cheap sketchbooks I tried.
- Colored pencils blended smoothly without leaving rough patches.
- I liked using white gel pens because the ink looked bright against the toned pages.
- The wire binding folded back fully, which made drawing more comfortable.
- The compact 5.5×8.5-inch size fit inside my backpack with no problem.
- Charcoal and graphite stayed clear without smudging too much.
- The recycled paper still felt strong and clean during daily use.
What Could Be Better
- I noticed alcohol markers can bleed through the pages if I use heavy ink.
- The small format may feel tight for large art projects.
- Some artists may prefer more tooth for very heavy colored pencil layers.
- The cover is simple and not very thick compared to premium hardbound books.
- I had to place a sheet under the page when using wet media.
My Personal Experience with Paper For Blending Colored Pencils
I used this sketchbook during a full week of practice sessions. My main goal was to test how well it worked as paper for blending colored pencils. I tried soft landscapes, cartoon faces, and simple object studies. The pages kept color smooth even after many layers.
One thing I enjoyed was how easy it felt to mix lighter shades into darker tones. I did not need to press hard with my pencils. The surface held pigment in a clean way, so gradients looked softer and more natural. White accents also popped nicely on the tan background.
I also compared it with a few bright white sketch pads sitting on my desk. The SuFly paper gave my drawings a richer mood without extra effort. Because of that, I spent more time sketching in this pad than my other books.
While testing art supplies, I also read some creative product reviews on this helpful guide. It gave me ideas for how detailed product testing should feel when writing reviews.
Comparing with Other Brands
I tested this sketchbook beside a few Strathmore and Canson toned pads. The SuFly version felt smoother during blending work. My colored pencils moved with less scratchiness across the page. That helped me build soft skin tones much faster.
Some other brands offer thicker covers and larger books, but this one felt more portable. I liked carrying it outside because it stayed light inside my bag. The paper texture also worked better for white gel pens than a few rougher sheets I used before.
Compared to budget sketchbooks, the SuFly pages showed less color dust and fewer uneven marks. My blending pencils looked cleaner on this surface. For everyday practice, I think it performs above its price range.
Recommendation
I recommend this sketchbook for beginners, hobby artists, and anyone who enjoys paper for blending colored pencils. It works especially well for warm-toned drawings, layered shading, and mixed media practice. I think the smooth texture makes coloring easier without losing control.
If you enjoy using white gel pens, charcoal, or graphite together, this pad gives a balanced drawing surface. The recycled paper also makes it feel like a smart everyday choice. I would buy it again for travel sketches and casual art sessions.
FAQs for Paper For Blending Colored Pencils
Is this sketchbook good for colored pencil blending?
Yes. I found the surface smooth enough for soft color mixing and layered shading.
Can I use white gel pens on the tan paper?
Yes. The white ink looks bright and clear against the toned sheets.
Does the paper bleed with markers?
Light marker use is fine, but heavy alcohol markers may bleed through.
Is the sketchbook easy to carry?
Yes. The small size fits inside most backpacks and tote bags.
Can beginners use this sketch pad?
Yes. I think it works well for beginners because the paper feels easy to control.
Conclusion
After testing this sketchbook for several drawing sessions, I think it delivers strong value for artists who need paper for blending colored pencils. The tan pages create a softer look, while the smooth texture helps colors mix with less effort. I also enjoyed the compact shape and easy page flipping.
It may not replace large studio sketchbooks, but it works very well for daily art practice, travel sketching, and mixed media use. For the price, I feel the SuFly Toned Tan Paper Sketchbook gives a fun and reliable drawing experience.