This medium surface cartridge paper is ideal for pencils, pastels, oil pastel and charcoal.
These medium surface pads are available in A5, A4 & A3 sizes in the following weights:
130gsm, gummed, 30 sheets
150gsm, spiral bound, 25 sheets
220gsm, gummed, 25 sheets
I have been using W & N medium surface paper for many years and find the quality very good. The texture is great for my work, although one A2 pad had 'lines', rather than random texture. I decided to keep it, as I'm sure I can make use of it. C Cochrane (Tonbridge, United Kingdom) on 7 Oct 2016
Exactly the paper I was after for calligraphy - Winsor & Newton Smooth surface. A good surface for metal nibs whether using ink or gouache. A range of weights to choose from too, which is really useful. Diana Urch (Leigh-upon-Mendip, United Kingdom) on 6 Sep 2012
I use the 160 gsm Medium surface for pencil and coloured work and have recently been using it for my beginner's experiments in pastels. It has a good tooth with a fine 'canvas'look. It takes a lot of work to cover the texture with coloured pencils - which means you can layer lots of colours.
It takes pastel very well, taking several layers without clogging. It's pretty robust when it comes to using a putty rubber, too. I use the spiral pad, as this keeps the pastel work safe without 'rubbing' by using a couple of small doggy clips to hold the pages neatly.
The 220gm weight will take light washes of watercolour without losing its surface, but obviously, it cockles badly if you try to use it for a full-blown painting.
I wish W&N would make this in a hardback version! 'Barney' (Lincs) on 5 Jul 2008