#10 Best Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils 2023

The best sketchbooks for colored pencils will enhance your skill in drawing. If you're looking for the best sketchbooks, read our recommendation and find one!

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Colored pencils are among the most simple yet widely used mediums used by both novice and experienced artists. Even if you are not a professional illustrator, there is a reasonable probability that you once had a set when you were young. If you have the best sketchbooks for colored pencils, having experience with colored pencils will be fantastic. The best sketchbooks for colored pencils are a reasonable option if you want to improve your abilities or sketch ideas.

Choosing the best sketchbooks for colored pencils is essential to the coloring and painting process. Your level of enjoyment for your DIY activities can make or break you. Below, we've compiled a list of the best sketchbooks for colored pencils to aid your search. So find your sketchbooks and read!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Can colored pencils be used in a sketchbook?

Sketchbooks keep your imagination alive and allow you to practice putting down your ‘daydreams’ onto paper. The beauty of using sketchbooks, particularly colored pencils, is that you don’t have to worry about whether or not the laydown is excellent. Graphite and paper go together like salt and pepper. Because they’re built for each other, you’ll never have to wonder whether you can use colored pencils on sketchbooks.

What factor should I consider before choosing the best sketchbooks for colored pencils?

  1. Paper weight: Remember that you will modify the pressure you apply while shading with colored pencils. You may leave some dents on the papers behind the one you’re working on. This issue may be tough to resolve, but it can be avoided using thicker paper sketchbooks.
  2. Dimensions: One of the reasons sketchbooks are essential for artists is that they come in various sizes. Pocket-sized sketchbooks are ideal for traveling artists since they are compact and simple to transport.
  3. Quality: An excellent colored pencil paper should be able to endure numerous erasures and harsh methods.
  4. Tones: The paper’s tone, which serves as a background, influences how you apply colored pencils. Manufacturers identify the shades of white that the sketchbook includes on the container or the cover, such as Natural White or Bright White. So choose the one that best suits your requirements.

How much is the average price of the best sketchbook for colored pencils?

The average price of colored pencils varies from $10 to $100. The price differs because of the cover and paper material, the inside features, and the brand. The most affordable option sketchbook on this list is the Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks at $12, and the most costly one is ETCHR Mixed Media Sketchbooks at $160.

What is the best sketchbook for colored pencils?

Based on our recommendation, the best sketchbook for colored pencils is the Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks. With its affordable price but can handle many mediums, including colored pencils. This product is the best overall sketchbook on our list. However, we still have nine products below. Check out and find the ideal one that meets your needs.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks Canson
Canson
XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks
#1 Amazon Walmart.com eBay
Tan Drawing 400 Series Sketchbooks Strathmore
Strathmore
Tan Drawing 400 Series Sketchbooks
#2 Amazon Strathmoreartist.com eBay
Hardbound Sketchbooks Pentalic
Pentalic
Hardbound Sketchbooks
#3 Amazon Pentalic.com eBay
Spiral Wire and Pencil Loop Sketchbooks LYTek
LYTek
Spiral Wire and Pencil Loop Sketchbooks
#4 Amazon Sears.com eBay
Note Hardcover Sketchbooks Articka
Articka
Note Hardcover Sketchbooks
#5 Amazon Etsy.com eBay
Gray-Toned Sketchbooks Arteza
Arteza
Gray-Toned Sketchbooks
#6 Amazon Arteza.com eBay
Super Deluxe Sketchbooks Bee Paper Company
Bee Paper Company
Super Deluxe Sketchbooks
#7 Amazon Beepaper.com eBay
Poly Cover Sketchbooks UCreate
UCreate
Poly Cover Sketchbooks
#8 Amazon Pacon.com eBay
Ebony Lightly Textured Portrait Sketchbooks Daler Rowney
Daler Rowney
Ebony Lightly Textured Portrait Sketchbooks
#9 Amazon Daler-rowney.com eBay
Mixed Media Sketchbooks ETCHR
ETCHR
Mixed Media Sketchbooks
#10 Amazon Etchrlab.com eBay

10 List of Best Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils

  • Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks
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    #1

    Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbooks

    Best Overall Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad Sketchbook comes with 60 sheets suitable for both polished artwork and rough compositions, and it is affordable and high-quality. This sketchbook can be used to its fullest potential if you have a set of watercolor pencils. Additionally, it features thick sheets (160 gsm) to increase its durability. Along with being thick, the paper also has a delicate texture that effectively captures the lead of any colored pencil or graphite. Finally, your artwork will stay brilliant even after many years if it is made of acid-free material.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Suitable for a variety of mediums
    Robust enough for extensive color laydown and erasures
    Ideal for both wide sweeps and minute details
    The acid-free material guarantees that images stay vivid

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Liquid washes could cause warping

    What other experts liked

    You can work in this sketchbook without feeling guilty about making errors since it is reasonably priced and has high erasability.
    Art Ltd Mag

    What other experts didn't like

    Pages that have been inked and colored are not entirely useful on both sides.
    O. Sloan
  • Strathmore Tan Drawing 400 Series Sketchbooks
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    #2

    Strathmore Tan Drawing 400 Series Sketchbooks

    Best Sketchbook with A Toned Paper

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    A toned paper makes it simpler to bring out a rich tonal value from the lightest highlights to the darkest shadows. This Strathmore Tan Drawing 400 Series Sketchbook is designed for dry media and works well with Prismacolor pencils. However, you can still use this with pencils of any type. The sheet gives you a lovely tan color and saves you time when manually rendering mid-tones so you can concentrate on the lighter and darker tones. Moreover, the acid-free paper also accepts and holds the colors of charcoal, chalk, pastels, gel pens, and fineliners incredibly well.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Features acid-free paper
    Resists several erasures
    Perfect for dry mixing that is seamless
    Your illustrations look softer in creamy off-white

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Restricted to dry media

    What other experts liked

    If you like using both light and dark media, the Strathmore 400 Series Toned Tan Pad is a great option.
    Art Within

    What other experts didn't like

    This sketchbook lacks adequate tooth paper.
    Best Views Reviews
  • Pentalic Hardbound Sketchbooks
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    #3

    Pentalic Hardbound Sketchbooks

    Best Portable Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The generous 8.5 x 11-inch size of the Pentalic Sketch Book makes it large enough to accommodate many drawing methods while still being portable. The hardcover secures the book in your hands and is sturdy enough to serve as a sketching surface wherever you are. The 110 sheets are 114 gsm, bright white, acid-free pages ideal for dry media. These brilliant white sheets are smooth and ideal for colored pencils since they don’t leave many press-through impressions on the opposite side of the page, take color nicely, and erase neatly.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Paper with sustainable sourcing
    Dependable, top-notch cover
    Binding reduces slippage, stands erect, and lies flat
    Bright, acid-free white sheets ideal for colored pencils

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Incompatible with wet media

    What other experts liked

    From amateur to professional artists, this is a fantastic choice. This is undoubtedly the best portable alternative available if you need one.
    Drawing Tablet World

    What other experts didn't like

    Wet materials and alcohol-based markers cannot be used in this sketchbook.
    Art Artists at Work
  • LYTek Spiral Wire and Pencil Loop Sketchbooks
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    #4

    LYTek Spiral Wire and Pencil Loop Sketchbooks

    Best Sketchbook with Water Resistant Cover

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The water-resistant chipboard hardcover of the Premium Sketch Books by LYTek provides additional protection. The twin wire binding is sturdy and opens up fully flat. To preserve your work, each notebook features 80 pages of 63 pound/95 gsm acid-free paper that are micro-perforated for simple removal. These sketchbooks’ smooth, white pages work well with all dry media, including colored pencils. The cover is strong enough to offer support while sketching, and the paper is resilient enough to endure layering or erasing.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Water resistant cover
    Binding spirals lie flat
    The sheets are white and silky
    Micro-perforation facilitates the clean removal of sheets

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Thin paper

    What other experts liked

    Your pages will always be shielded from folds due to the sturdy water-repellent hardcover and back, which also provides a perfect surface for drawing while traveling.
    Wasted Talent Inc

    What other experts didn't like

    Paper could be thinner than you think.
    Best Views Reviews
  • Articka Note Hardcover Sketchbooks
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    #5

    Articka Note Hardcover Sketchbooks

    Best Sketchbook with Journal-Style Design

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Articka Note Hardcover sketchbook is a fantastic deal for an artist because it has a journal-style design. The black hard cover is elegant and durable, protecting the sheets inside. Still, you can also add stickers to make it your own. Because it has an elastic strap, it reduces the movement of the papers inside the bag, preventing unintentional smudging. Moreover, the toothless sheets make burnishing more simpler when using colored pencils. And it makes this colored pencil sketchbook ideal for colored pencils.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Features elastic strap and a hardcover
    Fantastic for sketching with pen and ink
    A smooth surface highlights softer transitions
    Ideal for digitizing artwork

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not acid-free sheets

    What other experts liked

    The perforated edges of this sketchbook are one feature I love. Although the binding is quite sturdy, you can still easily shred a sheet of paper.
    Art Ltd Mag

    What other experts didn't like

    It lacks an extendable pocket on the back.
    ThatOne P
  • Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks
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    #6

    Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbooks

    Best Sketchbook with Warm Gray Tone

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Toned papers and colored pencils make a fantastic pairing, especially for blending techniques. The warm gray boosts your highlights and shadows to create gorgeous gradients by making light and dark colors stand out. Additionally, the toned paper of this Arteza Gray-Toned Sketchbook makes it perfect for colored pencils. Besides, the paper retains its quality even if you repeatedly erase your sketches. Because of its thickness, you can press down harder with colored pencils without ruining the pages underneath.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for blending dry medium
    Features warm gray tone
    Thick sheets
    Well captures the pencil's color

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not ideal for ink users

    What other experts liked

    I adore this paper. good value I've used a micro pen, white charcoal, and pencil. Everything went smoothly.
    Julianna

    What other experts didn't like

    Not advised for those who use ink
  • Bee Paper Company Super Deluxe Sketchbooks
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    #7

    Bee Paper Company Super Deluxe Sketchbooks

    Best Smooth Texture Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The extra deluxe sketchbooks from The Bee Paper Company have 100 sheets on each drawing pad. The paper is ideal for colored pencils since the sheets have a good amount of surface texture, making it easy for graphite pencils to move across sketch pads. This colored pencil sketchbook also has acid-free paper, which enhances its ability to absorb and retain the colors of pastels, charcoal, chalk, and gel pens. You can produce excellent works of art every time with the help of this pad. It’s perfect for any project or everyday drawing practice.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Smooth texture
    Suitable for colored pencils
    Acid-free paper
    It comes in 100 sheets

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Too light for some

    What other experts liked

    There is plenty of paper here, it has two distinct textures, and it is acid-free. For the price, it is an incredible deal.
    Carmen S

    What other experts didn't like

    The problem, in my opinion, is that the watercolors' pigment on this paper significantly fades with time.
  • UCreate Poly Cover Sketchbooks
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    #8

    UCreate Poly Cover Sketchbooks

    Best Heavy-Duty Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The generous 9 x 12-inch size of this spiral-bound UCreate Sketch Book provides enough room for huge compositions, landscapes, and life drawings. It contains 75 sheets of 75-pound white paper that are lignin- and acid-free. The perforated sheets make it simple to remove sheets without causing any damage to the spiral binding, and the spiral binding lays flat for a detailed drawing. This sketchbook’s reasonably thick, acid-free, bright white paper accepts color nicely. It works well with all inks, pens, pencils, and markers. In addition, it has good paper for colored pencils and is a simple, budget-friendly sketchbook.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Each sheet has a sizable, white, flat sketching surface
    Paper is devoid of lignin and acid
    Heavy-duty paper
    The sheet could well be drawn on both sides

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not protected by a sturdy back cover

    What other experts liked

    For novice to advanced artists, UCreate sketch and drawing pads are the ideal choices.
    Conch House

    What other experts didn't like

    The book is slightly bent and doesn't have a very thick back.
    Ionia F
  • Daler Rowney Ebony Lightly Textured Portrait Sketchbooks
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    #9

    Daler Rowney Ebony Lightly Textured Portrait Sketchbooks

    Best Sophisticated Appearance Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Daler Rowney A3 sketchbook has a sophisticated appearance and, thanks to its hardcover, functions more like a book than a pad. This colored pencil sketchbook is a lightweight item you can take around and easily store in your backpack for school, with 48 premium sheets always available. It is the ideal sketchbook to take with you on trips since it has a chic, solid black cover and plenty of pages with the proper paper and thickness. Sketch away to your heart’s delight.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Attractive cover
    Compact
    High-quality papers
    Versatile

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Thin paper

    What other experts liked

    Very practical sketchbook I chose it because of its size since it makes it simpler to draw a sizeable image or a composite of many smaller, related images.

    What other experts didn't like

    When you exert pressure or make an erasure, the paper often shreds.
  • ETCHR Mixed Media Sketchbooks
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    #10

    ETCHR Mixed Media Sketchbooks

    Best High-Quality Cover Sketchbook

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    A compilation of 44 pages, the ETCHR Mixed Media Sketchbook is the perfect sketchbook for wet and dry media. This colored pencil sketchbook is designed for drawing and painting. Thanks to the thick paper’s smooth surface and sufficient thickness to use both sides, you won’t need to be concerned about the pages underneath. The paper’s smooth surface makes it easy for the color in your pencil to lay evenly, and its ideal thickness makes light washes look great.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    High-quality cover
    Each page has enough room for sketching
    Acid-free paper
    Smooth surface paper

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A little expensive

    What other experts liked

    For professional watercolors, ink pens, and watercolor pencils, this paper is the perfect size.
    Klock R

    What other experts didn't like

    If you pull the glue from the front and back pages, the cover could begin to slip off.
    Archer

Conclusion: Best Sketchbooks for Colored Pencils

Choosing the best sketchbooks for colored pencils is not always as straightforward. Colored pencils might work on any paper, but other factors, such as the methods or media used, must be considered. There are several different kinds of paper for colored pencils, such as toned paper and cold press paper, and these little differences can improve or ruin your coloring experience. Finally, we hope our recommendations will help you locate the best sketchbooks for colored pencils.

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