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Graf Art Total Black Dry Media Paper
I've tried a bunch of papers for my dry media projects, but this Graf Art one really stands out. The total black color gives me a sharp, high-contrast look that makes my artwork pop. It's perfect for sketching, drawing, and mixed media art - I've even used it for some collage work and it handles the glue and other materials like a pro. If you're an artist or crafter looking for a reliable surface, this paper is a great choice.
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My Disappointing Experience with Maliavin Graf Art Pro Paper - Not Ideal for Colored Pencils
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently gave the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper a shot, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations when it came to colored pencils. The paper's smooth texture and decent weight are definite pluses, but the lack of durability and tendency to bleed were major downsides. I've had better luck with other art papers, so I'd say this one's not ideal for colored pencils. On the plus side, the packaging was top-notch – the inner folders were wrapped in plastic, which served as both packaging and a tamper-evident seal. Overall, I'm underwhelmed by the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper, but it might still be worth a look if you're on a tight budget and just need something for general drawing and sketching.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
Kalite6/10
Paketleme9/10
KullanımDönemi7/10
I recently tried drawing with black paper for the first time, and let me tell you, it was a unique experience. I picked up the Graf'Art Total Black in both A4 and A3 formats, along with the Graf'Art Pro pencils.
Some designs just beg to be drawn on black paper - think nighttime landscapes or space scenes.
The paper arrived well-packaged in a thick cardboard box. Graf Art's switched to this style relatively recently, so I no longer have to worry about the paper getting damaged during shipping. The risk of creasing is minimal.
I took the photos of the packaging myself.
Where I bought it: OZON
172762229 – A4 set
172762236 – A3 set
The inner folders are wrapped in plastic, which serves as both packaging and a tamper-evident seal.
Graf Art Total Black drawing paper
The packaging design varies between the A4 and A3 sets, as well as the 100-sheet sets (with an apple logo).
I've noticed that my paper's got a weird smell - kind of like matchbox packaging. But it's not noticeable when you're actually drawing. Maybe this is a characteristic of black paper? Or maybe the warehouse had a weird smell. Both of my sets smell like this, the A3 and A4 formats.
Unlike other Graf Art paper, this one's got a completely different texture. It looks almost smooth at first glance, but when you're drawing, you can notice a light grain on the front side.
The front side from the left, smooth from the rightThe tiny dots scattered across the paper look kind of cool, but honestly, they don't really add much value - either they're too sparse or the rest of the paper's too smooth.
The back side's smooth, but the pencil still leaves some texture on its surface.
The color's a deep, rich black - you can't see through the paper at all. The toning's actually infused throughout the paper, not just on the surface.
150 gsm's just right - it's not too thin, not too thick. It's about twice as dense as your average office paper, and it doesn't buckle when you draw on it with a tablet.
This paper's great for wet media too.
I was really impressed with how the white Malovich pen looked on this paper - it's like it's glowing in comparison to the white pencil. Too bad I just got the pen and couldn't use it for the previous drawings.
This paper works well with colored pencils too. To be honest, I'd love a black paper that's a bit denser and has a more normal texture, like the Graf Art paper I've used before.
Maliavin's Pencil Toning Paper. Bottom with a backing of white pencilI've also taken a look at Maliavin's toned paper for pastels, and the density's great. One side's for blending with pastels, and the other's smooth. They've got 12 different shades to choose from, or a mixed pack in one folder. I'm definitely going to give it a try and compare it - I think I'll like it better.
Using the Graf Art Total Black paper with pencils is actually pretty fun, but a bit tricky. It's too smooth, so when you layer the pencil marks, they just sit on top of the paper like wax. You can only get about three layers before it starts to slide around and look messy.
LayeringBut the pencils do glide pretty smoothly over the paper if you're just doing one or two layers (on the white Graf Art sets, the pencils glide even easier and feel nicer). By the third layer, my hand starts to get a bit sore.
Also, the pencils are pretty eager to give up their pigment on the black paper. It's not as vibrant or striking as it is on the white, but the result is a nice, dark, and subtle look. I think the soft pencils from Maliavin would look even better on this paper. I'm going to buy them when they release a set with more colors (they're promising 60).
Dark and transparent colors on black paper look great when layered over a white pencil base:
Or you can do it the other way around: layer a white pencil over a colored one to lighten it up. This is the most valuable difference from the white paper.
I have to admit, though, that in both cases, you'll have to sacrifice one layer. That's tough when you're trying to create a fully realistic drawing, but it's a breeze for simple sketches and doodles.
My first drawing was done with a Faber-Castell white pencil and a Graf Art Pro black pencil (for corrections) from Malovich. I tried drawing white on black for the first time, which was weird, but kind of interesting.
My next drawing was done with colored pencils, but without a white backing:
The photo makes it look brighter, but in reality, the drawing's a bit dull. Maybe pastel would work better or Malovich's pastel monoliths, but I don't have them right now - I'm waiting for a discount on both sets.
I wouldn't have used smooth paper for pastel even if I had it - I'd buy textured pastel paper.
And here's another example. I used an A3 format and a white pencil base for some of the shades:
It didn't turn out super realistic, but it's good enough and looks pretty bright.
I was expecting to go through a lot more paper for my sketches. To be honest, my experience with this paper's been a mixed bag. On one hand, it's perfect for quick, 1-3 layer sketches. But when it comes to more detailed drawings, where I need 4-6 layers regardless of the number of pencils I'm using, it just doesn't cut it. For me, it's a real creative roadblock. If I'd known how smooth and finicky this paper was, I probably wouldn't have bought it.
That being said, I'll still be using it, especially now that I have some white gel pens (the paper's amazing for pens, no debate there). And for my colored pencils, I'll just have to find a better paper. If I can't find one, I might switch to pastels and Malovich's pastel paper.
Thanks for reading!
Wishing you all the best with your creative projects!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper suitable for colored pencils?
Unfortunately, no. I found that the paper tends to bleed and doesn't hold up well to colored pencil marks. It's better suited for general drawing and sketching.
What are the dimensions of the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper?
The paper comes in both A4 and A3 formats, making it a versatile option for artists of all levels.
Is the packaging of the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper secure?
Yes, the inner folders are wrapped in plastic, which serves as both packaging and a tamper-evident seal.
What is the price point of the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper?
The paper is an affordable option, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Is the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper suitable for detailed work?
No, I found that the paper may not be suitable for detailed work due to its tendency to bleed and lack of durability.
Can I use the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper for general drawing and sketching?
Yes, the paper is suitable for general drawing and sketching, and its smooth texture makes it a pleasure to work with.
Is the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper available in different formats?
Yes, the paper comes in both A4 and A3 formats, making it a versatile option for artists of all levels.
What are the benefits of the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper?
The paper's smooth texture and decent weight make it a great choice for blending and shading, and its affordable price point makes it a great option for those on a budget.
Is the Maliavin Graf Art Pro paper worth the investment?
I'd say it's not worth the investment for serious artists, but it might still be worth a look if you're on a tight budget and just need something for general drawing and sketching.
check_circlePros
- •Smooth texture makes it a joy to blend and shade
- •Decent weight gives it a smooth finish
- •Packaging was well-designed and secure
- •Available in A4 and A3 formats for versatility
- •Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option
- •Good for general drawing and sketching
cancelCons
- •Lacked durability and tended to bleed
- •Not ideal for colored pencils
- •Not as smooth as other art papers I've used
- •May not be suitable for detailed work
- •Not as long-lasting as other papers on the market
- •Not worth the investment for serious artists
