The Strathmore 400 Series Toned Gray Mixed Media Pad 9" x 12" is designed for artists who want more than a blank white surface. The gray tone provides a ready-made mid-value, allowing you to build highlights and shadows more quickly and with greater visual impact.
The gray background acts as a natural base: white media such as pastel, gouache, or gel pen instantly stand out as highlights, while darker tones gain depth and richness. This makes it ideal for expressive work, portraits, lighting studies, and high-contrast compositions.
The pad includes 15 sheets of heavyweight 300gsm (184 lb.) paper with a Medium / Vellum surface. This texture provides the right balance between tooth and durability, supporting both dry and wet media. It performs beautifully with watercolor, acrylics, gouache, graphite, pastel, colored pencil, and mixed media techniques.
The paper is strong enough to handle layering, blending, reworking, and even light surface manipulation without breaking down. It is built for experimentation and creative freedom.
In addition to performance, it has character: the paper is 100% recycled, contains 30% post-consumer fiber, and includes subtle natural fibers (kraft & bark), which create a slightly organic, lightly textured appearance that enhances the final artwork.
Part of the Strathmore 400 Series (Best), this pad is designed for artists who expect consistent, professional results across a wide range of techniques.
👉 Features:
- 15 sheets
- Paper weight: 300 g/m² (184 lb.)
- Surface: Medium / Vellum
- Color: Toned Gray
- Suitable for wet and dry media
- Durable for layering, blending, and reworking
- 100% recycled
- Contains 30% post-consumer fiber
- Includes natural fibers for subtle texture
- Series 400 – Best
- Acid free
Size: 22.9 × 30.5 cm (9" × 12")
👍 Ideal for:
- watercolor and gouache
- acrylic and mixed media
- graphite and pastel
- colored pencil
- portraits and light studies
- high-contrast artwork
- artists who prefer toned paper surfaces
✨ Inspiration Tip:
Limit yourself to three values: the gray of the paper, a dark medium, and white highlights. You will quickly see how easily you can build volume and lighting without overworking the page.
