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Bristol Drawing Paper by Malovich
I've tried my fair share of drawing papers, and Malovich Bristol really stands out. The surface is super smooth, and the colors are vibrant - perfect for markers, graphics, and sketching. It's the kind of paper that makes your artwork pop. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this paper delivers on value for money. I've used it for projects where I needed a professional finish, and it's always impressed.
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My Go-To Paper for Colored Pencil Portraits: Malovich's Bristol
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been using Malovich's Bristol for colored pencil portraits, and it's quickly become my go-to paper. The 280 g/m² density provides the perfect balance of smoothness and durability. I've been impressed by the way colors blend and layer on this paper, and it's been a total game changer for my artwork. The matte finish is a big plus - it's not too shiny, but still captures the vibrancy of my pencils. I've found that it's worth every penny for the quality and performance you get. Plus, the paper is easy to handle and doesn't tear easily, even when working with thicker pencils. I've been using it for a week now, and I'm still blown away by its performance. Overall, I'm super happy with my purchase, and I'd definitely recommend it to any artist looking for a high-quality paper.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Kalite9/10
Uzunluk8/10
Performans8/10
I've always been a bit skeptical about using smooth paper for drawing with graphite pencils - it's just a personal preference that's developed over the years.
But one paper that I do love for colored pencils, though, has a nearly smooth matte finish. It's the only smooth paper I have at home, and it's Malovich's Bristol with a density of 280 g/m².
Malovich's Bristol comes in two versions - a glossy Bristol Gloss with a density of 180 g/m² and a standard Bristol with a density of 280 g/m², like mine. The first one isn't great for pencils, as it's too glossy and the colors don't show up well or blend together. It's perfect for markers, liners, and pens, though.
On the other hand, the second one is special. It usually leaves graphic pencil enthusiasts impressed.
Purchase location: OZON
Paper A4 format - 2209128963
Paper A3 format - 2209141351
Like all the last few months, the paper arrives in a thick cardboard box for safe transportation.
The paper itself is wrapped in plastic.
I bought both A3 and A4 formats, but I've only been drawing on A4 so far.
The paper is dense and hard, making it difficult to deform the corners.
The color is a neutral white. The sheets are clean and free of speckles. I didn't find a single extra speck on the paper.
Comparison of the Bristol tone next to Malovich's Graf Art 150 g/m² cream-colored paper:
Bristol on top, Graf Art on the bottom I've found the texture to be almost smooth, but without any noticeable sheen or gloss. I'd call it a matte Bristol. It doesn't look like it would be any different from drawing paper, but the differences become apparent when you're actually drawing.
I've been using it with the Graf Art Pro colored pencils, and they're a match made in heaven.
With the new additions, the total color palette will expand to 140 shades
Take a closer look, and you'll notice the paper isn't super smooth – there's a subtle texture to it. And that's exactly what makes drawing with colored pencils so great – the paper looks smooth at first glance, but the pencils layer beautifully on top of each other without feathering.
It's really noticeable when you zoom in on the texture, especially when compared to the same Graf Art 150 g/m²:
Bristol on top, Graf Art on the bottom
Layering pencils:
The Bristol paper can handle up to 5 layers as promised by the manufacturer. On my example photo, I've shown medium-intensity strokes, but if they're lighter, you can layer even more. For a smooth paper, that's a surprisingly great result – usually, a smooth texture can't handle more than 3 layers.
With 5 layers, you've got enough to create a full-fledged drawing. You can apply tones to specific areas of the drawing (like skin) from light to dark, one layer at a time. After 5 layers, you'll get a good overall tone, some highlights, shadows, wrinkles, and hair details.
I've found the pencils write smoothly, without any pressure needed. They're also super economical - the lines come out nice and even, with vibrant colors that don't bleed. It's like they're begging to be mixed and matched, and the results look great, no streaks or unevenness.
Some of the photos look a bit yellow, but that's just because they were taken in the evening with artificial lighting - it's not a reflection of the paper itself.
Compared to other papers, this one feels almost as soft as Graf Art - but if you want a more realistic look, a smooth paper is the way to go, especially for portraits.
The only downsides I've found are that the lines aren't as bright as they are on textured paper, and there's a slight glossy sheen to the multi-layered colors. But it's not a deal-breaker.
I've tried smooth paper from other brands before, but this Bristol paper from Malovich is in a league of its own. It's genuinely premium quality, and the price isn't too steep - around 360 rubles for 12 A3 sheets, which works out to about 30 rubles per sheet. Not bad at all!
This is what my Bristol paper looks like when I save it for portraits - I only use it for people:
That's Hugh Jackman, by the way.xa0
And up close, it looks just as neat:
I'm a big fan of Tatiana Maslany, especially in her role as Sarah Manning from Orphan Black.I have to admit, I got a bit carried away with the shading and ended up with a waxy sheen in some areas, but that's just me.
Here's a comparison of the brightness and texture of the two papers. My friend Frodo used the Malovich Graf Art 150 g/m² to create this piece:
The difference is noticeable, especially in the smoothness of the skin.
One thing that's worth noting is that this paper can be a bit tricky to work with when using a graphite pencil. The eraser and kneaded eraser can be a bit too aggressive and tend to lift the dark lines. To avoid this, I recommend applying gentle pressure and using a light touch.
For me, this isn't a major issue, as I tend to block out my outlines lightly anyway.
I'd highly recommend the Bristol 280 g/m² to anyone who loves using colored pencils. Even if you're a fan of texture, this paper will still impress you. And let's be real, it's always a good idea to have a variety of papers on hand, as each one is suited to a different technique or mood. Sometimes, your hand just demands a certain type of paper, you know?
You can never have too many papers in your collection, if you ask me.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the density of Malovich's Bristol paper?
The density of Malovich's Bristol paper is 280 g/m², making it suitable for a range of artistic techniques.
What is the finish of Malovich's Bristol paper?
The finish of Malovich's Bristol paper is matte, which is perfect for colored pencil work.
Is Malovich's Bristol paper suitable for wet or messy techniques?
No, Malovich's Bristol paper does not have a protective coating and may not be suitable for very wet or messy techniques.
Does Malovich's Bristol paper come with guidelines or grid patterns?
No, Malovich's Bristol paper does not come with any built-in guidelines or grid patterns.
Can I use Malovich's Bristol paper with very thick or heavy pencils?
No, Malovich's Bristol paper is not suitable for very thick or heavy pencils, which can cause it to buckle or warp.
What is the value for money of Malovich's Bristol paper?
The value for money of Malovich's Bristol paper is excellent - you get high-quality paper that performs well without breaking the bank.
Is Malovich's Bristol paper easy to handle?
Yes, Malovich's Bristol paper is easy to handle and doesn't tear easily, even when working with thicker pencils.
Can I use Malovich's Bristol paper for detailed work?
Yes, Malovich's Bristol paper is ideal for detailed work, with colors blending and layering beautifully.
Does Malovich's Bristol paper have any issues with wrinkling?
Yes, Malovich's Bristol paper can be prone to wrinkling when folded or creased.
check_circlePros
- •The matte finish is perfect for colored pencil work - it's not too shiny, but still captures the colors well.
- •The 280 g/m² density provides a smooth writing experience without compromising on durability.
- •Colors blend and layer beautifully on this paper, making it ideal for detailed work.
- •I've been impressed by the paper's ability to handle multiple layers of color without buckling or warping.
- •The paper is easy to handle and doesn't tear easily, even when working with thicker pencils.
- •The value for money is excellent - you get high-quality paper that performs well without breaking the bank.
- •The paper's durability is impressive, and it can withstand even the most intense coloring sessions.
cancelCons
- •The paper can be a bit pricey, especially if you're on a tight budget.
- •I've found that the paper can be a bit too smooth for some pencil types, leading to a slightly uneven finish.
- •The paper doesn't come with a protective coating, so it may not be suitable for very wet or messy techniques.
- •I've noticed that the paper can be a bit prone to wrinkling when folded or creased.
- •The paper doesn't have any built-in guidelines or grid patterns, which may be a drawback for some artists.
- •The paper is not suitable for very thick or heavy pencils, which can cause it to buckle or warp.
- •I've had some issues with the paper creasing when trying to roll it up tightly.
