Product Description Strathmore’s 400 Series offers a high quality multi-ply bristol available in two surfaces or finishes. The smooth finish is excellent for fine line drawings using pen and ink or marker. The vellum finish is excellent for pencil, charcoal, and pastel, as well as airbrush and light washes. Not recommended for traditional watercolor techniques. ABOUT STRATHMORE BRISTOL: Strathmore’s Bristol provides a stiff, strong surface to work on without the need for mounting. Bristol generally describes drawing paper that is pasted together to form multi-ply sheets.