Strathmore 297-14-1 Hardbound Sketch Art Journal, 11" x 14", 192 Pages

I absolutely love Strathmore products and this one is no different. The paper is smooth and easy to blend on. It is a large sketchbook and great for drawing portraits and landscapes. Would highly recommend.

I ended up returning this because it didn’t have micro-perforations to make the pages easy to tear out. I had to really think about it though because it’s a very nice book, super affordable for 192pages, with really nice paper in it.

I was loathe to return this, but I had to because I personally couldn't carry it to travel. IF you are looking for a large format sketchbook; however, give this a try! It's binding is good -- the corners didn't even bend in shipping which is common for hardback books from Amazon. The paper is sweet! It's thick and would handle a variety of media. I think any artist would love it as a gift, especially if they like to sketch large!

I always have a large sketch pad with me. I prefer something larger than this one, although, this was the best (for me) size available on Amazon. Its better quality than the cheeper ones from Michaels (store brand) and worth the extra few dollars. The binding lasts longer (I tend to add stuff to the pages via glue stick or masking tape... my form of note taking). I do recommend this pad. If you want to make your own, many artist do, go for it. If you're cool with duct tape the binding of a pad with poor qaulity paper go to Michaels. If you want to Mix it up... splurge a little :-) this sketch pad is worth it :-)

As with all Strathmore products, the quality is topline. I use it in my art classes. Very hard to damage. I has fallen a couple of times but the corners remain undamaged. Great value, I will buy again.