'Charcoal' paper

[Emoire]

I have recently started to learn to draw and have a book called 'Drawing the head' by William L. Maughan. In it he recommends the materials you will need and this includes 'Charcoal' paper in "Velvet Gray" by Strathmore. I have been to my local art shop and they don't stock it, I have phoned another Art shop who looked into it and called me back saying they are unable to order from Strathmore (I'm guessing because it is an American company) and I have not found any UK suppliers online. Does anyone know if there is an exact equivalent made by anyone else, or better still if there is anywhere in the UK that I can buy this paper? Many thanks.

[jno]

I don't and it looks like nobody else does either, plus you've tried researching and failed. But no need for this to stop you - it's only a recommendation, after all. Why not ask suppliers what the nearest equivalent is?

[Canary42]

As long as it's good quality drawing paper I don't think it matters what paper you use - it sounds to me like a plug for Strathmore.

Remember "a bad workman always blames his tools"

[bobwilco]

Have you tried Castle Hill Crafts of Stroud? I have your same problem. Their website shows colour swatches which do not seem to correspond to description.-----bobwilco.

[bobwilco]

I should perhaps have expanded more about the colour swatches of Castle Hill Crafts.Their Velvet Gray does not resemble that colour in `Drawing The Head`. Perhaps it is just a `hiccup` in their cataloging.

[paintpotty]

Strathmore artist papers, including charcoal papers, are now available in the UK from the European Distributor Creativity International Ltd through their website https://www.artistpapers.co.uk Media URL: https://www.artistpapers.co.uk
Description: Strathmore artist papers in the UK and Europe

[thatdrummersnuts]

Hi, Its a great book and you should have loads of fun with it.
I tried a few variations and I like to use Platinum or Stone. Both work well depending on the mood your after. you may want to try the Murano Neutral colour pack and have a go at all of them. I also use Burnt Carmine for the pastel but experement depending on the paper colour. Don't worry about having the exact match as long as the paper is the middle value your after it seems to work. I see Amazon now has the velvet but at £2.00 per sheet plus packing it is a little steep. Good luck.