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 a few weeks while working on colored pencil art at home and during travel. I wanted smooth paper for colored pencil blending that could also hold light layers of charcoal and white gel pen details. The tan pages gave my drawings a warm look right away. I also liked how the paper felt thick without being too rough.
The small size fit easily into my backpack, so I used it almost every day. The pages handled soft blending better than many cheap sketch pads I tried before. I noticed the colors looked richer on the toned paper, especially dark blue, red, and green shades.
What I Like
- I found the 150gsm paper thick enough for heavy colored pencil layers.
- The tan color made highlights stand out with white gel pens.
- I liked the Wire-O binding because the book stayed flat while I sketched.
- The pages felt smooth but still grabbed pigment very well.
- I could blend colors softly without damaging the surface.
- The compact size worked great for quick travel art sessions.
- I noticed very little smudging after blending multiple shades.
- The recycled paper gave the sketchbook a nice natural feel.
- I used graphite and charcoal on the same page with good results.
- The paper did not curl during normal mixed media use.
What Could Be Better
- I felt the paper size may seem small for large detailed drawings.
- Markers with heavy ink can bleed through the sheets.
- The tan tone may not work for artists who want bright white paper.
- I wished the sketchbook included a few more sheets.
- The cover bends slightly inside a packed bag.
- Wet media like watercolor can warp the paper a bit.
My Personal Experience with Paper For Colored Pencil Blending
I mainly bought this sketchbook because I needed better paper for colored pencil blending during my daily drawing practice. Many papers either felt too slick or too thin. This one gave me a nice middle ground. I could build layers slowly without the surface becoming waxy too fast.
When I tested light blending with blending pencils and tissue, the colors stayed soft and smooth. I also tried burnishing with white and cream pencils. The tan background helped the colors pop without needing too many layers. That saved me time during longer sketch sessions.
I enjoyed using white gel pens on this paper more than on plain white sketchbooks. Tiny highlights looked bright and clean. I even mixed graphite shading with colored pencil work, and the page still looked neat. For small portraits, nature sketches, and quick practice work, this pad became one of my favorite tools.
During one weekend project, I used it while following ideas from a creative article I found on automotiiv.com. The sketchbook handled long drawing hours very well and stayed comfortable to use the whole time.
Comparing with Other Brands
I tested this SuFly sketchbook beside a few common drawing pads from Strathmore and Canson. The SuFly paper felt warmer because of the toned tan surface. My colored pencils blended faster on it compared to rougher white paper pads.
Some premium brands offer thicker pages, but they also cost much more. I think this sketchbook gives solid value for casual artists, students, and hobby users. The smooth texture worked better for soft blending than some dry-feeling recycled papers I used before.
The compact size also made SuFly easier to carry than larger hardcover books. While professional artists may want bigger formats, I liked this one for travel sketches and quick daily work.
Recommendation
I would recommend this sketchbook to anyone looking for reliable paper for colored pencil blending without spending too much money. It works well for beginners, students, and hobby artists who enjoy layering soft colors and adding highlights.
I think the toned tan pages create a unique look that feels warmer than plain white paper. The smooth surface also makes blending easier during longer drawing sessions. If you enjoy mixed media art with colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, or white gel pens, this sketchbook is worth trying.
Artists who need large pages for professional portfolio work may want a bigger pad. Still, for everyday sketching and practice work, I had a very positive experience with it.
FAQs for Paper For Colored Pencil Blending
Is this sketchbook good for colored pencil blending?
Yes. I found the paper smooth enough for soft blending while still holding several layers of pigment.
Can I use white gel pens on the tan paper?
Yes. White ink stands out clearly on the toned pages and looks very bright.
Does the paper bleed with markers?
Light marker use is fine, but heavy alcohol markers may bleed through the sheets.
Is the sketchbook easy to carry?
Yes. I liked the 5.5×8.5-inch size because it fit easily into my bag.
Can beginners use this paper?
Absolutely. I think it works well for new artists who want easy blending and simple layering.
Conclusion
After testing this sketchbook for daily art practice, I think it performs very well for colored pencil work. The tan paper gives drawings a soft and rich look, while the smooth texture helps blending stay clean and easy.
I enjoyed using it for portraits, shading practice, and quick mixed media sketches. The pages handled layering better than many budget sketchbooks I have used in the past. For anyone searching for dependable paper for colored pencil blending, this SuFly sketchbook is a smart and affordable choice.