Pros

  • โ€ขIdeal size for portability, making it suitable for nature journaling and easy to carry.
  • โ€ขSpiral binding allows for easy page turning and enhances storage convenience.
  • โ€ขVersatile for various mediums including mod podge, watercolor, acrylic paints, and mixed media art.
  • โ€ขThick and durable pages prevent peeling and bleeding through, providing durability.
  • โ€ขExcellent paper quality at an affordable price, offering value for money.
  • โ€ขSheets tear away cleanly and have fine perforation for easy display and portfolio creation.
  • โ€ขSolid cover and compact size help manage artwork storage and provide protection.
  • โ€ขPaper suitable for mixed media journaling, sketching, and collage due to its 98 lb. weight.
  • โ€ขPerformance is commendable with pencil and Micron pens, and the paper texture effectively holds ink and paint.
  • โ€ขBright white paper enhances the vibrancy of transparent mediums, providing good contrast.

Cons

  • โ€ขWatercolor performance is subpar; colors may appear paler, and the paper can buckle.
  • โ€ขAlcohol markers bleed significantly, affecting surrounding page areas.
  • โ€ขWhile marketed as mixed media, not suitable for all media types, especially supeine ink or colored pencil details.
  • โ€ขMay buckle with very wet mediums, requiring priming for heavier paint applications.
  • โ€ขSlightly thinner paper compared to competitors, though easier to fold.

Bottom Line

The Canson XL Mixed Media Pad is a versatile and affordable option for artists who sketch, draw, or use various mediums such as ink and acrylics. While it excels in durability and portability, watercolor enthusiasts might find its performance lacking due to the potential for buckling and less vibrant colors. Overall, it's an excellent choice for mixed media projects, offering high-quality paper at an appealing price, especially suited for pencil and ink users seeking a reliable sketchpad for on-the-go creativity.

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