· sketchbooks and amp notebooks · 13 min read
Top 9 Best Large Sketch Pads for Artists in 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide
Searching for a large sketch pad for your art projects? Our expert reviews feature the top 9 options to help you find the perfect one, considering size, paper quality, portability, and more.
If you're a budding artist, a large sketch pad is a must-have for capturing your creative ideas. Whether you're drawing, sketching, or painting, a large surface area provides ample space to express yourself. In this article, we'll dive into the world of large sketch pads, reviewing the top 9 options in the market. Our aim is to help you find the perfect sketch pad for your needs, considering important factors like size, paper quality, portability, and more.
Overview
PROS
- Expansive 18" x 12" drawing surface provides ample space for creative expression.
- Premium-quality paper ensures smooth blending and minimal smudging, enhancing your artwork.
CONS
- May not be suitable for travel due to its large size.
- The binding may need reinforcement if used heavily.
Step into the realm of artistic freedom with the BAZIC Large Sketch Pad. Its expansive canvas, measuring an impressive 18" x 12", invites you to unleash your creativity without boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned artist seeking ample space or a budding enthusiast discovering the joys of drawing, this sketch pad is your ideal companion.
Crafted with premium-quality paper, each page offers a smooth and responsive surface that enhances your strokes and minimizes smudging. Your pencils, charcoal, and pastels will glide effortlessly across the paper, allowing you to achieve seamless blends and vibrant details. The sturdy construction ensures that your artwork remains intact, ready to be showcased with pride.
PROS
- Provides an ample drawing surface of 18 x 24 inches, perfect for large-scale creations.
- Features high-quality, acid-free paper that preserves your artwork over time.
CONS
- May be too large for some users, requiring a dedicated workspace.
- The side wire binding may cast slight shadows on the drawing surface.
For artists seeking a spacious and versatile sketch pad, the Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing is a compelling choice. Its expansive 18 x 24 inch surface invites you to unleash your creativity without spatial constraints, making it ideal for large-scale drawings, charcoal sketches, and architectural plans. The high-quality, acid-free paper ensures that your artwork remains vibrant and preserved over time.
The side wire binding offers a stable and secure hold, keeping your pages in place as you work. However, it's worth noting that this binding may cast slight shadows on the drawing surface, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. Nevertheless, the overall quality and ample size of this sketch pad make it a valuable tool for artists of all levels and disciplines.
PROS
- Spacious 11x14-inch sheets offer ample room for artistic expression.
- Durable top wire binding keeps pages secure and allows for easy flipping.
CONS
- May not be portable for on-the-go sketching.
- High-quality paper might be more expensive than standard sketch pads.
Unleash your creativity on a colossal canvas with the Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad. This jumbo-sized sketchbook boasts an expansive 11x14-inch format, providing ample space for ambitious drawings, sketches, and artistic experimentation. The robust top wire binding ensures your pages remain securely in place, letting you flip through effortlessly without disruption.
Elevate your art with the premium quality paper that defines the Strathmore 300 Series. Its durable surface withstands multiple erasures and reworks, allowing you to refine your ideas with precision. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding talent, this sketch pad offers an exceptional foundation for every stroke of inspiration.
PROS
- Expansive 9" x 12" surface provides ample space for unfettered creativity.
- Generous 100-sheet count ensures endless sketching and drawing sessions.
- Durable spiral binding keeps pages securely in place, enabling easy flipping.
CONS
- Paper thickness may not be suitable for some media or techniques.
- Spiral binding can occasionally obstruct artwork, especially near the edges.
Elevate your artistic journey with the Soucolor Large Sketch Pad, meticulously crafted for boundless creativity. Its expansive 9" x 12" surface grants ample room for your imagination to soar, while its substantial 100-sheet count ensures uninterrupted sketching sessions. The durable spiral binding not only secures the pages firmly but also allows for effortless page flipping.
Crafted from acid-free paper with a weight of 68lb/100gsm, this sketch pad is ideally suited for a wide range of artistic endeavors. Its versatile paper accommodates pencils, charcoal, pastels, and more, making it a staple for budding artists, students, and seasoned professionals alike. Capture your fleeting thoughts, delineate intricate details, or simply let your creativity flow freely with this exceptional large sketch pad.
PROS
- Generous 18x24 inch size provides ample space for large-scale artwork
- Medium-surface ivory paper offers a versatile base for various art media, including charcoal, graphite, and pastel
- Contains 24 sheets, providing a substantial number of drawing surfaces for extended creative sessions
- Acid-free paper ensures longevity and preservation of your artwork over time
CONS
- May be too large for some drawing purposes or storage spaces
- Paper texture may not be suitable for all drawing or painting techniques
Experience boundless creativity with the Strathmore 400-8 Large Sketch Pad, designed for artists who demand ample space to express their vision. This expansive 18x24 inch drawing pad offers a generous canvas for sketching, charcoal work, graphite drawings, and pastel masterpieces. Its medium-surface ivory paper provides a versatile surface that accommodates a wide range of art media, allowing you to explore diverse techniques and styles effortlessly.
With 24 sheets included, this sketch pad ensures you have a substantial supply of drawing surfaces for extended creative sessions. Its acid-free paper composition guarantees the longevity of your artwork, ensuring that your creations will remain vibrant and protected from discoloration or deterioration over time. Whether you're a seasoned artist seeking a large-scale drawing surface or a beginner exploring the joys of art, the Strathmore 400-8 Large Sketch Pad will empower you with the space and quality you need to unleash your creativity.
PROS
- Ample space for expansive sketches and boundless creativity.
- Unleash the artist within: Ideal for kids, adults, and artists of all skill levels.
CONS
- Spiral binding may become cumbersome when flipping through pages.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty techniques like watercolor or acrylic painting.
Embark on an artistic odyssey with our exceptional 9 x 12 inches Large Sketch Pad! Every page, adorned with premium 68lb/100gsm acid-free paper, guarantees durability and longevity for your masterpieces. Unleash your creativity across 100 pristine sheets, perfect for sketching, drawing, painting, and writing.
The top spiral binding seamlessly flips open, allowing for easy access to any part of the pad. Its compact size makes it a perfect companion for on-the-go artists. However, some may find the spiral binding slightly intrusive while flipping through the pages. Additionally, while the paper is suitable for most dry media, it may not be optimal for heavy-duty techniques that require significant water use.
PROS
- Generous 11" x 14" pages provide ample drawing real estate.
- 100 sheets per pad offer extended use for aspiring artists.
CONS
- Spiral binding may limit flexibility in certain drawing styles.
- Paper weight of 60lb (100gsm) may not suit all artistic mediums.
Elevate your artistic pursuits with the U.S. Art Supply Large Sketch Pad. Its expansive 11" x 14" pages liberate your creativity, inviting you to unleash strokes of inspiration across generous dimensions. With 100 sheets at your disposal in each pack, this sketch pad becomes a reliable companion for extended drawing sessions.
Crafted from acid-free paper, this sketch pad preserves the integrity of your artwork over time. Whether you prefer the delicate touch of graphite pencils or the expressive nature of charcoal, this versatile pad accommodates a range of artistic media. Engage in sketching, drawing, and more, knowing that your creations are protected from yellowing and deterioration. The spiral binding of the pad provides a secure hold while allowing for easy flipping of pages, ensuring a seamless workflow during your artistic endeavors.
PROS
- Spacious 14x17 inch pages provide ample room for creative flow and detailed sketches
- Premium 100-sheet capacity ensures uninterrupted sketching sessions
CONS
- Some users may prefer a smaller size for portability
- The top wire binding may occasionally obstruct drawing in certain areas
Drawing enthusiasts and budding artists, rejoice! The Strathmore 300 Series Large Sketch Pad beckons you to embark on a journey of limitless creative expression with its generously sized pages. This colossal 14x17 inch canvas grants you the elbow room to unleash your imagination, perfect for detailed sketches, sprawling landscapes, and vibrant character designs.
The substantial 100-sheet capacity of the Strathmore 300 Series Large Sketch Pad guarantees that you can immerse yourself in your artistic endeavors without interruption. Its durable top wire binding keeps your pages securely in place while allowing for easy page flipping. The premium paper ensures that your pencils, charcoals, and pastels glide effortlessly across the surface, capturing every nuance of your artistic vision.
PROS
- Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, and Mixed Media Creations
- Exceptional 68lb/100g Paper Thickness Ensures Durability and Minimal Bleed-Through
- 100 Sheets Provide Ample Space for Your Artistic Expression
- Convenient Spiral Binding Allows for Easy Page Turning and Flat Laying
CONS
- May Not Be Suitable for Heavy Watercolor Applications
- Texture May be Slightly Rough for Finely Detailed Work
Elevate your artistic journey with the Bachmore 9x12 Inch Large Drawing Pad Set, meticulously designed to ignite your creativity. This exceptional sketch pad boasts 68lb/100g paper, an ideal weight that guarantees durability and resists bleed-through, ensuring your sketches stay crisp and vibrant. Whether you're a seasoned artist or an aspiring enthusiast, this versatile pad caters to a wide range of artistic mediums, making it a must-have for sketching, drawing, and mixed media explorations.
Immerse yourself in a world of limitless possibilities with the generous 100 sheets provided. From capturing lifelike portraits to abstract masterpieces, this sketch pad offers ample space for your artistic expression to flourish. The convenient spiral binding adds an extra touch of ease, allowing for effortless page turning and flat laying, ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted drawing experience. Unleash your inner artist with Bachmore's premium sketch pad, where every stroke ignites the flame of creativity.
PROS
- Generous 14"x17" size provides ample space for elaborate sketches and drawings
- Premium-quality paper with a smooth surface, ensuring precise lines and vibrant colors
CONS
- May not be suitable for smaller sketch projects due to its large size
- The cream color may not be preferred by artists seeking pure white paper
Immerse yourself in the world of vast sketches with the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad, a boundless canvas for your artistic expressions. Measuring an impressive 14"x17", this large sketch pad offers an expansive workspace, inviting you to unleash your creativity on a grand scale. Its premium-quality paper boasts a velvety smooth surface, providing an ideal foundation for precise lines, seamless shading, and vibrant hues. Whether you're a seasoned artist seeking a spacious sketchbook or an aspiring creator yearning for a generous workspace, the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad is the perfect companion for your artistic journey.
While its size may not cater to smaller sketch projects, the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad excels as a haven for expansive drawings. Its ivory/cream hue adds a touch of warmth and character to your creations, though artists seeking pure white paper may prefer alternative options. Overall, the Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad stands as an exceptional choice for artists seeking a large, high-quality sketchbook to accommodate their grand artistic visions.
In this comprehensive guide, we've explored the top 9 large sketch pads in the market, each with its unique strengths and features. From the expansive Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series to the portable Soucolor 9" x 12" Sketch Book, there's an option for every artist. Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the perfect large sketch pad. With the right choice, you can unleash your creativity and take your artwork to the next level. We hope this review has helped you find the best large sketch pad for your artistic endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a large sketch pad?
When selecting a large sketch pad, important factors to consider include the size, paper quality, portability, binding type, and special features that align with your specific artistic needs and preferences.
Can you recommend a large sketch pad for detailed drawings?
For detailed drawings, the Strathmore 400-8 400 Series Drawing Pad is a great choice. Its high-quality paper provides a smooth surface for intricate artwork.
Is there a large sketch pad suitable for both wet and dry media?
Yes, the Canson XL Series Multimedia Paper Pad is a versatile option that can handle both wet and dry media, making it suitable for a wide range of artistic techniques.
What is the largest size sketch pad available?
Among the sketch pads we reviewed, the Canson Side Wire Pad XL Series Drawing offers the largest size, with dimensions of 18 x 24 inches, providing ample space for expansive artwork.
Which large sketch pad is recommended for beginners?
For beginners starting their artistic journey, the U.S. Art Supply 11" x 14" Top Spiral Bound Sketch Book Pad offers a budget-friendly option with a good balance of paper quality and affordability.
