Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Dee
Finding the right colored pencil sketchbook isn’t just about grabbing the first pad you see at the art store. Your paper choice can make or break your artwork—trust me, I learned this the hard way after 18 years of teaching high school art. The wrong paper will leave your colors looking flat, dull, and frustrating to work with. The right paper? Pure magic.
After years of testing sketchbooks for colored pencils with my students (and my own studio work), I’ve learned exactly what makes a great colored pencil sketchbook. It’s not just about thickness or texture—though those matter. It’s about how the paper holds pigment, how it feels under your hand, and whether it can handle layering without turning into a waxy mess.
So whether you’re just starting out with beginner art supplies or you’re a seasoned artist looking to upgrade your paper game, this guide will help you find your perfect match.
What Makes a Great Colored Pencil Sketchbook?
Before we dive into specific recommendations, let’s talk about what actually matters when choosing paper for colored pencils.
Paper Weight Matters More Than You Think You want paper that’s at least 70-80 lb (100-130 gsm). Anything lighter will buckle, tear, or show through when you’re layering colors. Heavier paper (140 lb+) can handle more aggressive techniques like burnishing and layering without warping.
Texture: Smooth vs. Tooth Colored pencils need a bit of tooth (texture) to grab the pigment. Too smooth and your colors will feel slippery and won’t build up properly. Too rough and you’ll struggle to get even coverage. Medium-textured paper is the sweet spot for most colored pencil work.
Binding Type Spiral-bound sketchbooks let your pages lay completely flat—a game-changer when you’re working on detailed pieces. Hardbound sketchbooks are gorgeous but can be frustrating when you’re trying to draw near the spine.
Acid-Free = Archival If you want your art to last, acid-free paper is non-negotiable. It won’t yellow or deteriorate over time, which means your colored pencil drawings will look vibrant for years.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff—the actual sketchbooks worth your money.
My Top Sketchbook Picks for Colored Pencils
1. Canson Watercolor Sketch Book
This is my go-to when I want paper that can handle anything I throw at it. The Canson Artist Series Watercolor Book is technically designed for watercolor, but that 140 lb (300 gsm) cold press paper is absolutely stunning with colored pencils.
The texture is perfect—not too rough, not too smooth. You can layer, blend, burnish, and even add watercolor pencils or washes without the paper buckling. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with mixed media (which I highly recommend for creative art journaling), this sketchbook won’t let you down.
What I love:
- Thick, durable paper that handles heavy layering
- Cold press texture grabs pigment beautifully
- Each book includes art tips from professional artists
- Micro-perforated pages for easy removal
What to know:
- Only 20 sheets per book (though they’re high-quality sheets)
- Cold press texture might be too rough if you prefer ultra-smooth paper
- Higher price point, but worth it for serious work
If you’re working on a piece you want to frame or gift, this is the paper you want. It’s professional-grade without being intimidating.
2. Strathmore 400 Series Toned Sketch Paper Pad
Want to make your colored pencil work pop? Try toned paper. The Strathmore 400 Series Toned Sketch Pad comes in a gorgeous toned blue that instantly adds depth to your work.
Here’s the thing about toned paper: you’re starting with a mid-tone, which means you can add both highlights (with white or light pencils) and shadows (with darker colors). Your drawings instantly look more dimensional and professional. It’s a technique I used constantly when teaching students how to create realistic portraits and still life work.
The paper quality is excellent—60 lb weight with just enough tooth to hold pigment without fighting you. Plus, the spiral binding and sturdy backing make it perfect for sketching on location or working in your favorite creative space.
What I love:
- Toned paper makes highlights and shadows pop
- Works with graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, and white gel pens
- Micro-perforated pages for clean removal
- Durable spiral binding and stiff backing
What to know:
- Only comes in toned blue (no color variety)
- Not ideal for wet media
- 50 sheets might not last as long as you’d like
This is fantastic for sketchbook inspiration work where you want to experiment with different techniques and styles.
3. Bachmore Hardbound Sketchpad
For everyday sketching and practice, the Bachmore Sketchpad is a solid choice that won’t break the bank. With 100 sheets of smooth, 68 lb acid-free paper, this is perfect for artists who go through a lot of pages.
I recommend this one for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable sketchbook for daily practice. The top spiral design works for both left and right-handed artists (finally!), and the hardbound cover keeps your sketches protected whether you’re tossing it in a bag or stacking it on a shelf.
The paper is smooth and holds pigment well, though it’s not as heavy-duty as some of the premium options. Think of this as your everyday workhorse sketchbook—great for experimenting, planning compositions, or working through ideas before moving to your final piece.
What I love:
- 100 sheets gives you plenty of room to practice
- Top spiral design is ambidextrous
- Smooth paper feels great under pencil
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing too much quality
What to know:
- Paper is thinner than premium sketchbooks
- Not suitable for watercolor or wet media
- May not hold up to heavy layering or burnishing
This is perfect for someone just starting their colored pencil journey or building their collection of beginner art supplies.
4. Floit Toned Gray & Tan Sketchbook
This is where things get fun. The Floit Toned Gray & Tan Sketchbook gives you four different toned paper colors in one book—tan, gray, light gray, and white. It’s like having four sketchbooks in one.
Toned paper changes everything about how you approach colored pencil work. Instead of starting with stark white (which can be intimidating), you’re working on a surface that already has depth and warmth. Your light colors pop, your darks feel richer, and the whole piece comes together faster.
I love using this sketchbook when I’m working on a series and want to experiment with different moods. The tan paper feels vintage and nostalgic—perfect for junk journal pages or botanical studies. The gray tones are dramatic and moody, great for portraits or more emotional pieces.
What I love:
- Four paper colors in one sketchbook
- Great for oil pastels, colored pencils, and charcoal
- Unique look that makes your art stand out
- Affordable way to experiment with toned paper
What to know:
- Smaller size may not work for large drawings
- Paper is a bit thin for heavy media
- Not ideal if you prefer traditional white paper
If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different aesthetics (especially for creative journaling or art therapy work), this sketchbook will spark all kinds of creativity and inspiration.
5. NIL-TECH Toned Tan Sketchbook
Another fantastic toned paper option, the NIL-TECH Sketchbook features warm tan paper that makes colors absolutely sing. This is heavyweight paper (around 90 lb) with a nice tooth that grabs pigment beautifully.
What I really appreciate about this sketchbook is how versatile it is. You can use it with white charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, gel pens, markers—basically anything dry. The tan paper gives your work an instant vintage, heirloom quality that’s perfect for gift-giving or creating pieces with a timeless feel.
The dual spiral binding is genius—it lays completely flat, and you can flip pages easily without the spine getting in your way. Plus, the micro-perforated pages come out cleanly at exactly 9 x 12 inches (unlike some sketchbooks that shrink when you remove the page).
What I love:
- Heavyweight tan paper makes colors vibrant
- Works with a huge range of media
- Dual spiral binding lays flat
- True-size pages after removal
What to know:
- Tan paper isn’t ideal for every subject matter
- Not suitable for wet media
- Spiral binding may wear with very heavy use
This is my go-to when I want to create something with a warm, nostalgic feel—especially for nature studies or vintage-inspired junk journal elements.
6. U.S. Art Supply Sketch Book Pad
A reliable, affordable option for artists who need good paper without the premium price tag. The U.S. Art Supply Sketch Book Pad features smooth, high-quality paper that works beautifully with colored pencils.
The spiral binding makes it easy to flip through pages and work on both sides of the paper (though I always recommend testing first to see if your technique bleeds through). The heavy chipboard backing and cardstock cover give it a sturdy feel—this isn’t a flimsy sketchbook that’ll fall apart in your bag.
I used these constantly in my classroom because they offered great quality at a price point that worked for students. Whether you’re practicing techniques, working through sketchbook ideas, or creating finished pieces, this sketchbook can handle it.
What I love:
- Smooth paper perfect for colored pencils
- Spiral binding for easy page-turning
- Durable backing and cover
- Great value for the quality
What to know:
- Paper may be too thin for very heavy layering
- Not suitable for wet media
- Size may not work for everyone
This is a solid middle-ground option—better than bargain-basement sketchbooks, but more affordable than premium artist paper.
7. Bachmore Large Hardbound Sketchpad
If you need more space to work, the Bachmore Large Hardbound Sketchpad offers thick, smooth paper in a larger format. With 100 sheets per pad, you’ll have plenty of room to experiment and grow.
The paper quality here is excellent—thick enough to handle multiple layers without warping, smooth enough to get beautiful, even coverage with your colored pencils. The handmade hardbound cover is gorgeous and protective, making this feel like a premium sketchbook.
I love this one for more ambitious projects or when I’m working on a series. The larger size gives you room to really explore composition and detail without feeling cramped. It’s also a beautiful gift for artists—the quality shows that you put thought into choosing something special.
What I love:
- Thick, smooth paper handles layering beautifully
- 100% handmade hardbound cover
- 100 sheets gives you plenty of space
- Feels like a premium, special sketchbook
What to know:
- Some users report pages coming loose from spiral
- Heavy weight makes it less portable
- Higher price point than basic sketchbooks
This is perfect when you want your sketchbook to feel like an investment in your art practice.
8. Art-N-Fly Black Paper Sketch Pad
Ready to try something completely different? The Art-N-Fly Black Paper Sketch Pad is a game-changer for colored pencil work. Black paper makes your colors pop in ways white paper never could—especially pastels, metallics, and bright hues.
I’ll be honest: drawing on black paper takes some getting used to. You have to completely flip your approach—you’re adding light instead of adding shadow. But once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly freeing. Your work instantly looks dramatic and eye-catching.
This heavyweight paper (140 gsm / 88 lb) is acid-free and sturdy enough to handle chalk pastels, colored pencils, gouache, and white gel pens. The micro-perforated pages make it easy to share your finished work or add completed pieces to your portfolio.
What I love:
- Black paper makes colors incredibly vibrant
- High-quality, acid-free paper
- Micro-perforated for easy sharing
- Opens up completely new creative possibilities
What to know:
- Requires a different approach than white paper
- Not suitable for watercolor
- May be too specialized for everyday use
If you want to push your colored pencil skills in a new direction or create something truly striking, this sketchbook will challenge and inspire you.
9. Ankkol Spiral Bound Sketchbook
A straightforward, practical option for artists who want reliable paper at a great price. The Ankkol Sketchbook features 100 sheets of 68 lb smooth paper with a top spiral binding that works equally well for left and right-handed artists.
What I really like about this sketchbook is how practical it is. The durable backing doubles as a drawing board, which means you can sketch comfortably anywhere—no need to hunt for a hard surface. The acid-free paper ensures your work won’t yellow or fade over time.
This is a great option for daily sketching, working through ideas, or building your skills with quality colored pencils. It’s not trying to be fancy or special—it’s just solid, dependable paper that lets you focus on your art.
What I love:
- 100 sheets gives you room to practice
- Top spiral binding works for both hands
- Durable backing doubles as drawing board
- Smooth paper feels great to work on
What to know:
- Not suitable for alcohol markers or watercolors
- Paper may warp or bleed with wet media
- Easy to tear, so handle with care
Perfect for everyday practice and experimentation.
10. JOY SPOT! Compact Sketch Book
Need something portable? The JOY SPOT! Sketch Book is compact, durable, and perfect for sketching on the go. The acid-free paper is thick enough to prevent smudging and transfers, and the protective cover keeps your sketches safe in a backpack or bag.
I love this one for travel sketching or keeping in your bag for those moments when inspiration strikes. It’s small enough to be convenient but still has good-quality paper that handles colored pencils well. The spiral binding lets pages flip easily and lay flat while you work.
The paper weight is solid for a portable sketchbook—not so thick that it adds unnecessary bulk, but substantial enough that you won’t be frustrated by bleed-through or warping.
What I love:
- Compact size perfect for travel
- Protective cover keeps sketches safe
- Acid-free paper maintains color vibrancy
- Spiral binding for easy use
What to know:
- Not suitable for markers or wet media
- Smaller size limits larger compositions
- Paper may not be thick enough for heavy layering
Toss this in your bag and you’ll always be ready when creative inspiration hits.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
How to Choose the Right Sketchbook for Your Style
Not every sketchbook works for every artist. Here’s how to match your paper to your creative style:
If you love detailed, realistic work: Go for heavier paper (100+ lb) with medium tooth. The Canson Watercolor Book or Bachmore Hardbound options will give you the durability you need for heavy layering.
If you’re building skills and practicing: Choose something with lots of pages at a good price point. The Bachmore 100-sheet or Ankkol sketchbooks give you room to experiment without worrying about “wasting” expensive paper.
If you want your work to look instantly professional: Try toned paper like the Strathmore 400 Series or NIL-TECH Tan. The mid-tone automatically adds depth and dimension to your work.
If you sketch on the go: Look for compact options with durable covers like the JOY SPOT! or smaller Bachmore pads. Spiral binding is key for portability.
If you’re feeling adventurous: Black paper (Art-N-Fly) or multi-toned paper (Floit) will push your skills in new directions and create striking, unique artwork.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Sketchbook
After years of working with colored pencils (and teaching hundreds of students), here are my best tips:
Test before you commit: Always do a small test on the paper before diving into a big piece. Every paper behaves a little differently with different colored pencil brands.
Layer light to dark: Start with your lightest colors and gradually build up to your darkest. This gives you more control and prevents that waxy, oversaturated look.
Use the right pressure: Heavy pressure on thin paper = disaster. Learn to build up color gradually with multiple light layers instead of pressing hard from the start.
Try fixative sparingly: Most colored pencil work doesn’t need fixative, but if you’re worried about smudging, test it on a scrap piece first. Some papers react weirdly to spray fixatives.
Don’t be precious: The best way to improve is to fill pages. Use cheaper sketchbooks for practice and save your premium paper for pieces you really care about.
Mix media thoughtfully: If you want to combine colored pencils with watercolor pencils or light washes, make sure your paper can handle moisture. The Canson Watercolor Book is your friend here.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right sketchbook is personal—what works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The best sketchbook is the one that makes you excited to open it and create.
If you’re just starting out, grab something affordable with decent paper quality (like the Bachmore or U.S. Art Supply options) and practice filling pages. Don’t stress about making every sketch perfect.
If you’re ready to invest in higher-quality materials, the Canson Watercolor Book or Strathmore Toned Paper will elevate your work and give you professional results.
And if you’re feeling stuck in a creative rut? Try toned or black paper. Sometimes all it takes is a different colored surface to see your work in a completely new light.
Want more inspiration for what to create in your new sketchbook? Check out my sketchbook inspiration guide for prompts, ideas, and techniques to keep your creativity flowing.
Happy sketching! 🎨
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