I tried 10 SKETCHBOOKS to find the best paper for SKETCHING!

I review 10 sketchbooks and show you the best and worst paper for sketching with pencils, pens and washes. As a beginner it's important to start with the right paper and change as you develop your drawing skills and confidence. I hope to save you frustration and wasted money on sketchbooks that don't suit your sketching supplies or style.
PATREON - Learn more!
/ sketchingscottie
(In-depth tutorials, templates, references & feedback)
INSTAGRAM: / sketchingscottie
MY WEBSITE: sketchingscottie.com
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SKETCHBOOKS REVIEWED (or closest I could find on Amazon)
Canson 74g sketch paper (medium tooth) amzn.to/3yMYxUf
Strathmores Sketching paper (medium tooth) amzn.to/3aGbeZ5
Strathmores Bond paper (smooth) amzn.to/3aEViGw
Canson XL Mix Media Pad 7 x 10 amzn.to/3FKNhcM
Moleskine Art Sketchbook: amzn.to/3td26kF
leuchtturm1917 sketchbook amzn.to/3o7hWKB
Sketchbooks that I didn't like:
Strathmore Hardbound Mixed Media Sketchbook: amzn.to/3BIy1Ml
Moleskine Sketch Pad amzn.to/3PvTZrV
Moleskine Watercolor Sketchbook amzn.to/2YNkQKY
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(The above affiliate links earns me a tiny commission at no extra cost to you!)
#sketchbookreview #sketching #sketchbook
#sketchingscottie

[@SketchingScottie]

I’d love to hear your experience with sketchbooks and what you’d recommend! I also totally understand that this can be subjective depending on what materials you use and price varies a lot depending on the country you live in. This video focuses on beginners who are learning basic sketching and then what to move on to when you gain more confidence but there are many more sketchbooks for all levels of skill and mediums I haven’t tried so I’m looking forward to hearing what you would recommend to us all too! 🤗

[@milseq]

My man proceeds to draw random lines next to some of the most beautiful artworks I've ever seen

[@garrettgriffin4974]

I've collected sketchbooks for years. The one I almost instinctively turn back to is a black hardcover from Art Alternatives. I draw with Pilot G2 .07 and Bold points, and those sketchbooks handle the ink well.

[@linjohannessen2385]

I make my own sketchbooks. There are plenty of tutorials on KZbin and the one I followed from Liz Chaderton allows the pages to lie flat even across the fold. I choose the paper I want from the art supplies store so I can have the weight, colour and texture that I like. I use the thick cardboard from the backs of my old water colour pads to make the covers. It is easy and cheaper than a lot of readymade art journals

[@kirsten5723]

That Canson Mixed Media is the bomb. I think I'm on my 4th. And it is THE BEST if you like drawing with fountain pens. They feel so good on this paper.

[@GregoryLongs]

Such a great (and overlooked) point about the pressure of using an expensive media. Great vid

[@ichirofakename]

1. For fountain pens, I use Strathmore 500 Mixed Media when I want a touch of texture, or Strathmore 500 Bristol Board when I want smooth. Both are quite thick and expensive. When I want thin paper (way more pages per book), I go with Franklin-Christoph bamboo paper, which is affordable. 2. When intimidated about drawing on the first page of a new sketchbook, I just turn to a page near the middle instead of using the very first page. Works for me.

[@monicawilcock2068]

I have liked all Seawhite sketchbooks.A4 watercolour journal is great for any medium.Slight texture on surface, rounded corners and ivory colour to,pages.They are all well bound.I prefer,them to,Moleskine/Strathmore/ Stillman and Birn.Hope you like 'em too.

[@SketchingScottie]

they sound great, thanks Monica!

[@McQuizzical]

I agree Seawhites are great

[@bythehandofbob]

I'm sure once I get the right sketchbook, I can totally draw like you. It's just the paper, haha!. Seriously, you are fantastic.

[@louizelimepips3517]

Seawhite of Brighton Sketchbook 160 gsm ringbound is awesome for basically anything. For pencils and colored pencils I actually prefer Strathmore Mixed Media 190 gsm 300 series. Nothing beats this in my opinion. For traveling I use the Leuchtturm 1917 150 gsm because of the hard cover and my Midori book band pen case fits on the cover.

[@caripete3]

I love canson mixed media! Like you said, it's decent paper on a good budget, and since it's not too expensive I feel freer to experiment more and learn faster

[@SketchingScottie]

exactly!🙌🏼 😊

[@isabeedemski3635]

The surface lifts right off...

[@zabicvamere]

I like it because ive been using only pen for seven years now and ive been enjoying how it causes the ballpoint to roll but lightly so the ink looks almost like pencil but crisp.

[@VyChazen]

I switched from Moleskine to Leuchtturm and enjoy it much better. I recently tried Blackwing notebook with the stark white paper and I love drawing on it that I may switch permanently. I have Croquis for quick sketch drafts and currently trying the Midori drawing paper. I switch mediums often so I need several notebooks.

[@Sparklove1]

Thank you for this informative video (your artwork is amazing), also new sub--glad I discovered you, I feel like I can learn a lot from you.

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks Lisette! It's great to have your support. I hope my videos will be helpful!🤗

[@susanH1986]

Very useful information! Thanks so much!❤

[@JohnNoZ35]

Completely agree regarding Canson Mixed Media. Great sketch books.

[@luciclaireshedoe2230]

I'm much less advanced artist (love ur voice, it makes me sleepy! 🙆) but found/love/appreciate the canson as well! 🙋💐

[@TheDangerousBrew]

Holy shit. Those sketches at 1:31 are nuts.

[@pampamtamtam4001]

Good idea for a video! I am curious to try watercolor wash over ink sketches some time, so I'll have to consider which sketchbook.

[@SketchingScottie]

yea I've been using watercolour more lately so have tried a winsor & newton 300gsm, Etchr sketchbook and the moleskine watercolour sketchbook which all take watercolour well compared to the thinner sketching paper👍🏼

[@niafer9444]

I have only just started drawing and painting in the last few months and I ended up using a Wanderings 6 ring leather journal, a 6 ring hole punch and Daler Rowney Fine Grain Heavyweight Pad A5 200gsm. I was surprised just how well the paper holds up to a wash. I, like yourself, was feeling pressured when using Arches watercolour paper. But with this setup, I can grab my journal and sketch and wash freely.

[@SketchingScottie]

that’s great to hear you’re getting back into sketching! wow yes Arches is very expensive 😊

[@willt.9654]

I work at an art supply store and I agree on the versatility of the mixed media books. Stillman & Birn also make a variety of quality sketchbooks with different surface textures.

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks Will, yes I'm using Stillman & Birn now, they are really good👍🏼

[@markhodgson3828]

Great review thank you Scottie. It's great to hear another artists view on which sketchbooks they use. I used to use Moleskin almost exclusively and their paper used to be the best but has definitely deteriorated over the last 10 years. Tried Hahnemuhle but found the paper to rough and not compact enough and I now use Leuchtturm 1917 which I really like. like you say a little thin but the paper surface is excellent. I mostly work with pencil and Water soluble pastels (Caran-Dacche Neo-color2) so it it's great for that. Another great sketchbook which I really like are the plain notebooks from Muji. They are really great value, lots of pages, and the paper is even better in my opinion than Leuchtturm, and comes in a nice creamy white colour. :)

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks for sharing Mark! Great to hear you like the Leuchtturm sketchbooks too and interesting that you use those pastels. I'll have to look into the Muji! There's always a good excuse to try another sketchbook 😊

[@chris-iv3vz]

your artwork is always satisfying to look at lol

[@SketchingScottie]

thanks a lot Chris! 😊

[@RyanNiemer]

I recently decided to give urban sketching with ink and watercolor a try after watching your videos, taking inspiration from Albert Kiefer and Toby from Toby Urban Sketch. I actually found a Canson mixed media book, same size as yours but it was actually 114LB paper, so even thicker for very reasonable price at a local store. So far only one sketch, but, I'm going to keep at it!

[@SketchingScottie]

That's awesome Ryan! All the best with it🙌🏼.

[@jude1515]

Good video. Your artwork is beautiful! I have a small moleskin which I like and I also have the mixed media with the blue cover.I like that one too.

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks a lot Jude!

[@Lognamackya]

I’m really curious if different production runs behave differently. I seem to remember people saying different regions sometimes get slightly different papers but sold with the same label etc. My experience with the Canson mixed media has been, well, mixed. It’s been fine with just marker and brush pens but any sort of wash and it warps like crazy. The softcover 500 series Strathmore books have been my favourite thus far. They’re definitely more expensive and smaller but the watercolour/wash performance is so much better.

[@SketchingScottie]

that’s interesting! I didn’t think about different papers sold different regions. It could also be that most of my sketching is brush pens/pencils and only light washes so I don’t really push it too far 😊. Good to hear the strathmores works much better for watercolour. Probably worth the extra price for that performance 👍🏼

[@creativecolours2022]

@@SketchingScottie Yes I confirm this too. Different regions get different quality of paper. The US Canson Montval for instance is different from the Canson Montval that is sold in EU.

[@alfredmanzano680]

I have been exclusively Tan paper sketchbooks for many years now. You def make me wanna try out that canson one tho, paper that can handle anything sounds excellent to me

[@SketchingScottie]

it’s a great all round paper! It only takes light watercolor but perfect for most other media 👍🏼

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

I love toned gray and toned watercolour sketchbooks. I am drawing and painting on cardboard now and i am making progress.

[@SketchingScottie]

that a really interesting idea to draw on cardboard! Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Thanks. Well yeah sketchbooks are not exacly cheap in my erea and i got the cardboard for free so cardboard is my cheap way to draw and paint. It works realy well. Thanks for replaying and thanks for the heart

[@v4l324]

Really nice video!

[@Reezy4life58]

I really like the Artway Studio Casebound A5 Sketchbook

[@black-bastet]

Thanks for recommendations. Never heard about Leuchtturm, have to try one 🤔 I'd recommend Art Creation sketchbooks. They're cheaper and thick enough (140grm)

[@OkieSketcher1949]

Good review. I personally now use Strathmore 400 series, black, hardbound, sketchbooks in A4 and A5 sizes. I do pencil, fountain pen, ball point pen, technical pen, and related pens with waterproof inks. Many sketches are finished with watercolors. I like the way these books take the various medias that I use. Some sketch books and watercolor books I have used may be good for one or two medias, but not for others. Many of my older sketchbooks are completely done in graphite and over time they have smeared and/or faded. Some of them I tried spray-on fixer which appeared to be a good sealer but years later I find the sketches have faded, or smeared into the fixer. Some have even caused the pages to stick together to the point what is between the pages is forever lost. The Strathmore 400 series have served me well at home and plein air. To date, I have not experienced any of the earlier issues. The cost may be a bit more than the others, but I feel the quality will last me a lot longer than the others, especially the ones with a spring holder that keeps the book together. -OkieSketcher1949

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks Robert for sharing your experience with the Strathmore series! I'll have to revisit them one day👍🏼

[@rosezif]

I have used canson and really like it 😊 i like the strathmore sketchbooks i have tried and really love moleskine two, wish i could afford it more often, but it's weird here in Mexico strathmore is cheaper than moleskine 🤧🙈

[@SketchingScottie]

😂 yes it’s crazy the price difference in different countries!

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

The Canson mixed media books are really great, they do take ink very very well. I like drawing with an H pencil the best on that paper. I have occasionally seen hardcover versions out there. Great people drawings!! I have been trying to draw people for 25 years and I still can't draw them out of my head well. It drives me nutso.

[@Unbiasedcowboysfan]

Are they good for alcohol markers?

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I agree I love the xl canson books. I buy them 4 at a time. Try Etchr they make 100% cotton watercolor paper.

[@SketchingScottie]

🙌🏼so good Eileen! Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to try Etchr one day!

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

@@SketchingScottie I love their hot press paper but the cold press is too rough. They now do both landscape and portrait books.

[@allieeverett9017]

Very cool of you to do thank you!!!

[@SketchingScottie]

You’re welcome Allie! Hope it helps

[@panzerpatriot4920]

Interesting video. I've got Crescent Rendr no show thru paper sketchbook, using it for ink and marker drawings, which im really satisfied with. But its also kinda oke for colored pencils. Need still to get and try out by all loved Moleskine sketchbook :) Also, I recently got Hahnemuhle Cappuccino sketchbook, with toned tan paper in it. I intend to make drawings which will correspondent by their atmosphere with the specific color of paper (for examaple castles on toned tan, and water themes on toned gray),but, since there are no sketchbooks with different color pages, im going to glue the white and toned gray pages into the Cappuccino sketchbook. What do you think of such an idea guys?

[@kenbalbari3229]

The Bee Pen Sketcher spiral bound book (with the yellow cover) is my favorite for a medium weight (70 lb. 114 gsm) inexpensive paper that is great for pen and ink. It's a bright white paper with a very smooth surface, so won't wear out markers, fine liners, etc. And even fine with brush pens and light washes for shading. Books are ~ $6 from Blicks or Jerrys. For something a little different, the Strathmore Toned Tan sketch book (118 gsm) is interesting. This has a bit of texture, but still fairly smooth. And the toned background is great for more colorful pen work using gel pens. Finally, for a more premium paper that will take wetter washes and even some watercolor, I like the Stratmore Visual Journals Mixed Media version. This is a 190 gsm 100% cotton multimedia paper. This is the same paper in some of those more expensive bound Strathmore journals, but the wirebound Visual Journals series is a little more affordable. I'm mostly using these at home, not that worried about the fancy covers and binding.

[@SketchingScottie]

thanks so much for sharing those great suggestions Ken! I’d love to try the Bee Pen sketcher as I tend to wear out my pens quickly. That’s also a great idea to try the wire bound Visual journals to make the Strathmores more affordable! I really liked the cotton 190gsm paper other than the cost (extra expensive in Australia!). Appreciate your thoughts!!

[@cutehoney14]

That Sounds nice, can you please Insert the Website where i can find This specific Brand ? I live in Germany and i guess the common Brands here in Art store are hahnemühle, Leuchtturm and Canson

[@kathyhackney7950]

@@SketchingScottie the Strathmore 500 visual journals are really only like 10 bucks. Sometimes on sale for less ans its the sale paper. I've tested it side by side

[@DONTTOUCHTHEGRASSIMALLERGIC]

wow those sketches are amazing

[@spiritsjoy]

I like any series (most prefer the beta) of the Stillman & Birn softcovers. But. Last year i went to Ross (US department-ish store) and they were selling a few Strathmore soft cover mixed media for 3 dollars each. The only issue was a horrible large sticker pasted on the top...... I bought all 4 available because i heard good reviews. This Strathmore is now my favorite sketchbook.

[@SketchingScottie]

thanks I might have to try those Strathmore sketchbooks again!

[@L0WZER0]

I have those same Daiso books! They're my main pocket book :-D

[@SketchingScottie]

🙌🏼 haha that’s awesome I wasn’t sure if anyone else would use them! Great for little pencil sketches.

[@Kada192]

Canson but hardcover one is my number one

[@laylajameel1836]

The fact that this KZbinr have over 88k subscribers and replies to each comment is amazing!! I checked your KZbin content, it is informative and very nice. Looking forward to learn from you.

[@SketchingScottie]

😊 thanks Layla! I appreciate it 👍🏼

[@user-cu9xh3io6g]

I use canson alot but at first bond paper was the one i usually use

[@vicenteisaacrodriguezgarci8831]

This is what i need

[@DG-mv6zw]

Thanks for the review Scottie. Very helpful. I'd go for the Canson. A really well respected brand in the art world. Pity it doesn't come in a nicer cover though. Stunning sketches by the way. Thanks again mate 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@SketchingScottie]

😊 yes would be great with a nice cover! Thanks for watching!

[@chatsmeow2997]

Loved my Canson Mixed Media sketchbook, but the pages tore out to easily. I found another MM sketchbook at Walmart that has pages you can take out and put back, I wonder if the quality is the same 🤔 The sketchbook I'm working with now is okay, but it smudges too easily:(

[@hanuislive6119]

Thank you bro

[@Jaxplode]

The Moleskins are very scratchy when using fountain pens.

[@millie9814]

What pencils are these for the b&w drawings? They are so dark and strong

[@catarinamachado6373]

Hello!! Great video altough i am looking for a big sketchbook with a lot of very thin pages, what would you recommend?

[@aerieee]

Moleskine it is. It comes in larger sizes with the same hardbound cover.

[@creativecolours2022]

I'm impressed that you didn't like the Strathmore 500 mixed media sketchbook. The paper in this sketchbook is 100% cotton and it is one of my favourite papers even for finished paintings and it is unfortunate that Strathmore discontinued it in full size sheets and rolls. Anyway.. A very good sketchbook to try if you like is the Fabriano Ecological Drawing Book that has 70 sheets at 120 gsm. It works nicely with pens and pencil and accepts light watercolour washes too.

[@SketchingScottie]

The paper is great, just very expensive here in Australia so stopped me sketching freely 😊. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@creativecolours2022]

@@SketchingScottie Yes it is expensive and it is difficult to find in Greece. I used to buy it from UK but after the Brexit they stopped shipping it in EU countries and then Strathmore discontinued all except the sketchbooks. But it is a fantastic paper. I've made some very large paintings on this paper thought it is a light weight one. I mounted it on on gessoed wooden boards I painted on it with watercolours and then I waterproofed the final painting with wax. The Fabriano suggestion is something different though. It is even lighter and it is great for sketches and available in different formats and bindings. I think that you are going to like it because it performs great with pens and fountain pens even with the G nibs on dip pens.

[@vger9084]

I used to use large sketchbooks but found myself only using a small portion of the paper, so I switched to Daler Rowney 3 x 5 sketchbooks. I guess I was feeling pressure to use the whole page! 😂😂😂

[@ordinaryimages]

Canson XL, Fabriano EcoQua, 240 sheet packs of #67lb cover stock often handmade into books, folios, or presentation boxes…and anything the peaks my interest to say I've tried ; ]

[@monicawilcock2068]

Have you tried Seawhite books? Their watercolour journal is excellent.

[@SketchingScottie]

no I haven’t! I just checked it out and looks interesting. So is the one you use 200gsm, 60 pages with a smooth surface texture?

[@LAMAbearBrAiN]

I got a moleskin blank page notebook 📒 😊

[@red2744]

stillman and birn make the best sketchbooks for sure

[@sodalite5294]

I feel like the xl sketch makes the copic color markers dull and cason really brighten them up but the paper kept ripping on me🙈😆

[@SketchingScottie]

😆 oh no!

[@johnjones928]

Don't overlook the many 50 lb 75-80 gsm sketch books out there if you're first staring out, especially if as most beginners you're using dry mediums like graphite, charcoal and colored pencil. The paper quality is on par with the good dollar store pads but the spiral binding from the name brand books is better than the tape bound cheap ones. Anything over 70 lbs, 100 gsm is commonly considered drawing paper and will stand up to wet media like markers, ink and light watercolor. My favorite "sketch" pad is Canson Universal, Strathmore 400 series is a close second. For drawing most 130 plus gsm pads will do but Blick has some very affordable offerings if you live in the states.

[@SketchingScottie]

Good point John!

[@bruceschlickbernd8475]

Stillman & Birn sketchbooks. Available in a variety of sizes, textures, formats and weights. 150 and 270 gsm, smooth and textured, ringed, hard bound, toned and soft bound. High quality sketchbooks.

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks for sharing Bruce. Are they 100% cotton?

[@bruceschlickbernd8475]

@@SketchingScottie Dunno. They are advertised as archival, but I can’t recall them listing the actual paper materials.

[@ialwayscom3back242]

Scottie so what would you say is the best for urban sketching watercolor

[@SketchingScottie]

I currently use winsor&newton Cotmans set and it works really well

[@IbnDrogon]

Where can I find that small daiso brownish sketchbook?

[@SketchingScottie]

We have Daiso stores here in Sydney, Australia where you can buy them. Do you have these stores?

[@LilacKoi]

I buy most of my sketch books from the thrift store. Usually completely unused and only 1-4 dollars. And it really takes the guilt out of it when they are found at that big of a discount.

[@luciclaireshedoe2230]

Dang, i have banished myself from thrifts! 🙈 my NO is broken there! But no room at.the inn!.or.any where else! 🙆🙋💐

[@pawaaofnegativaty9803]

Washer marker?

[@ThatPudding]

how do i even find 70gsm papers, i rlly like smooth papers and i cant find 70-90gsm sketchbook anywhere :C

[@lawsdraws]

Have you tried the Royale Talens Art Creation sketchbooks?

[@SketchingScottie]

I’ve tried the small square sketchbook with thin paper. Great for pencil sketches. Do you use them?

[@lawsdraws]

@@SketchingScottie I also have a small sqaure one, just to pop in my bag for sketching. It's very cute! They often get compared to Moleskine if you on a budget, but I think the paper is a bit more porous and more of an ivory colour. I love the colours and feel of them, and you can't beat the price! I shall probably get a larger size and use it as my ugly sketchbook ^_^ Not perfect for brushpen, so I have just bought a Leda Art Supply sketchbook to try, as supposed to be nice for inky stuff :D

[@belindalarmour5457]

I use the little Art Creation books for one-line drawings with biro. They are so cheap you feel free to use them up.

[@McQuizzical]

Seawhite, very much the same as Moleskin but cheaper priced.

[@lzylouwho]

what is your ink pen that you use? I want to start using ink :)

[@SketchingScottie]

Great!👍🏼 Most of my ink sketches from these sketchbooks are using Pentel Fude brush pen. These are the amazon affiliate links that I have saved (The pigment ink is waterproof but the first two are dye based so water soluble): Pentel Brush Pen Black - Medium: amzn.to/36PvtOg Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Extra Fine amzn.to/3uEtWrE Pentel Fude Pigment Med Tip- amzn.to/3qGuRFK Pentel Pigment Ink Brush Pen (extra Fine) amzn.to/3BXGHys

[@sdseals2076]

How does a professional artist go about starting to sale their art?

[@endezeichengrimm]

2:21 Why is it called the cancer sketchbook? I don't want any cancer with my sketchbooks.

[@blaiddfumbler]

honestly I prefer softer textured paper, like stuff that barely qualifies as sketching paper, its just easier to control imo

[@reynaldocalderonjr6466]

Hi Scottie what's the size of your moleskine sketchbook?

[@SketchingScottie]

I use A5 and A6👍🏼

[@reynaldocalderonjr6466]

@@SketchingScottie thanks

[@eliascreutzburg7467]

I need this tiny book from daiso (0:30), pls can somebody help out :)

[@Johnnysaintrizz]

You started drawing that well?

[@bostonblackie9503]

All decent art supplies are expensive. Sure I used sketch pads from the dollar store when starting. To practice and learn my tools. Have so much respect for good paper. It was once a tree! 🌳 However, as you improve you should do your best to use quality material. There is a small Pentalic sketch book, I purchased, a couple of years ago, that cost me just over $5.00 CAN, today they want over $21.00 CAN. Talk about goudging! However Amazon has some art material made just for them, not Amazon basics, that are brand names and because they are made for Amazon they sell them for a good price for about a year or so. Then they put the price up to what you would expect. It is always good to keep you eyes open for a deal. PS: You don't tell us the weight of "Strathmore" used. I like "Strathmore." You say you don't like it but it seemed to inspire you!

[@SketchingScottie]

Thanks for sharing! yes Strathmore sketchbooks are so expensive in Australia that I personally didn't like using them

[@MrDavidymw]

Da Vinci sketchbook

[@user-ux1rb6ss7b]

Feel free to explore the creativity that flourishes within the pages of Menorah's sketchbooks. I've found immense joy in utilizing their sketchbooks for all my artistic endeavors. I wholeheartedly endorse their products to fellow artists, as they are truly exceptional and well worth investing in.

[@theevi]

I sketch all the time, but I never bought any sketch books. i bought 200 gsm papers instead. It's much cheaper that way

[@zadokamar1651]

> moleskine > good value are you crazy?

[@SketchingScottie]

haha yes but Amazon has good deals in Australia

[@TheKill1ngMoon]

Cancer sketchbook XD

[@CrAcKeDboy1]

Is the canson mixed media good for poscas? Pls reply🙏

[@SketchingScottie]

Yes it’s great for that in my opinion!

[@startpage717]

Agree. Canson Mix Media! and Leuchitturm1917