FAQ

Markers are a blast to work with, but can be intimidating because erasers don't work on them! See 5 tips from pro artist Will Terrell on using markers. 

The first writing surface was made in ancient Egypt from a plant called Papyrus, the royal plant of Egypt. The core of the papyrus plant was cut into tissue-thin strips, then laid across each other and pressed together under pressure. This turned the strips into a thin, smooth and durable laminated material that wasn’t quite paper.

Together with artist Minnie Small we bring you an introductory video series on gouache. Learn gouache 101 & see tips, techniques, and tools to get you started. 

The selection of paper for shading techniques is influenced by the type of pencil used, the degree of darkness desired, the shading technique used, and the expression of the shading technique desired.

The key is to select a paper surface (medium or smooth) based upon the effects you’re looking to achieve. As a general rule, a medium or textured surface will be able to produce a more even, luminescent shade than a smooth surface.

We've been serving artist needs for over 120 years and we believe better quality paper gives artists the best possible chance to be successful.

Bristol generally describes a drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. Bristol sheets provide a stiff, strong surface to work on without the need for mounting. The term Bristol derives from the early days of European papermaking when mills would send their finest papers to Bristol, England to be pasted together. Bristol papers generally have two types of surfaces: smooth and vellum.

Alphonso Dunn's free Pen & Ink Workshops are now fully released and available on our YouTube Channel!

In his first video lesson, Alphonso covers the basic aspects of drawing and creating textures with pen and ink. Consistentcy in mark making is an essential foundation skill and is the first area of focus. From there Alphonso covers a few key principles of creating realistic textures and goes over helpful practice exercises.

Did you know that we carry a full line of artist quality papers for kids? We have always believed that providing quality materials to kids is the best way to nurture talent and ignite a lifelong love of art. Having great papers in the 100 Series Youth line is essential because it means you don't have to worry about your child's precious creations deteriorating over time. When your little Picasso makes a masterpiece we know it's important that it lasts for years and years to come so you can hang on to the precious memories.

Sketch and drawing papers have many similarities and many differences. Knowing the differences is important in determining which to use for your artwork. 

What does it mean to stretch watercolor paper? Why & how should it be done?

Many artists soak or stretch their watercolor paper prior to painting. This is typically done on lighter-weight watercolor sheets to stop the paper from buckling when wet media is applied to the surface.

The cold, long days of winter are fading away, so grab this fresh and inspiring Issue of the Artist Newsletter and find a nice spot outside to dig in! Click here to download.

Artist Sarah Becktel created 4 new educational videos on Graphite that show you how to select the right tools, how to start a drawing & more tips & techniques. 

If you've created a painting on a piece of paper and are experiencing buckling or waviness after it has dried, we've got two methods you can try to flatten it.

We are excited to share 5 new videos created by Strathmore's Art Educator and Colored Pencil expert Sarah Becktel. In these short, 2-5 minute videos, Sarah explains her colored pencil tips and techniques for choosing the right paper, getting started, blending, and using water soluble colored pencils. 

We recently introduced a full line of Printmaking papers that covers the range of needs from beginners to professionals. We have some very helpful downloadable PDF's available that explain printmaking terminology, different printmaking techniques, and methods for creating monotypes.

FAQ: Is there a difference between a varnish and a fixative? Should I be using them on my art? Read more to find out. 

The Fall Issue of our Artist Newsletter is here!

These 7 watercolor tips and basics for beginners will help you to improve your work and feel confident with this fun and spontaneous medium. 

We often get asked if our art paper can be run through an inkjet or laser printer. Read on to find out.

We manufacture our fine art papers without the use of optical brightener additives (OBA’s), which is ideal for fine art papers. Find out why. 

Mixed Media and Watercolor papers have some similarities and some differences. Read to find out more and see which best suits your style and mediums. 

The term vellum as it relates to paper can be somewhat confusing because it can refer to two distinct aspects:
1. Vellum as a paper 2. Vellum as a finish

To select the right paper for graphite shading techniques, a few factors need to be taken into consideration.

Most of our products have a “series” number on them. This is our way of classifying our papers to help you determine which best suits your needs as an artist.

When you've finished your charcoal drawing, you may be wondering whether or not you should seal it with a fixative. Read our precautions and recommended steps. 

Bristol generally describes a drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. Learn more...

Our Summer Artist Newsletter is here and features Sarah Becktel's 5-step process for creating dimensional animal drawings on Toned Mixed Media paper. 

Our 500 Series Bristol papers are measured in plies. We often get asked what the equivalent pound weight is. Read on to find out. 

There are a few different paper types that are best suited for colored pencil work. Read on to find out which. 

What is the difference between feathering and bleeding when using ink or markers on paper? How to I prevent either from happening?

Gouache paint is often described as opaque watercolor. It has a bold, matte look and is great for illustration, fine art and lettering. Learn more. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite art hacks that can take you to the next level.

Kelly Eddington is a master watercolorist who is known for her stunning detail and control of this sometimes fussy medium.

The Summer Edition of our Artist Newsletter is here! Our featured artist, Dean McKeever, mixes mediums to create vibrant and playful illustrations.

What is granulation?  Can I control it?  Artist Sarah Becktel answers these questions and more in this article.

What does the term “vellum” mean? Is it a type of paper?

How should you choose paper for your project? Many factors come in play when choosing the correct paper for your work.

Shedding light on the differences between the two sides of art paper.