The BEST sketchbooks for watercolor, gouache, mixed media (my favorites as of 2023)
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- These are my favorite sketchbooks as of 2023. I go through a lot of sketchbooks, and use everything from watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, and marker in them. I paint outside frequently so my criteria are pretty specific for what I consider to be the best sketchbook. I constantly have to weigh price, portability, and performance. Therefore my "favorites" change throughout the year. I get excited when I see a new 100% cotton sketchbook appear on the market, and usually buy it instantly. I would love to know if you have any favorites that I didn't mention :)
Blog post with links to supplies ➤ bit.ly/sketchbooks2023
Patreon ➤ bit.ly/sburnspatreon
I am not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
00:00 Intro
00:21 100% Cotton Sketchbooks I love
02:12 Cellulose Sketchbooks I love
03:34 Honorable Mentions 
Развлечения
I heard back from Strathmore and sadly the Travel Journal I mentioned is confirmed to be discontinued 😭 Time to learn how to make my own...
have you found a new favourite?
I think I could sit with a cup of tea (or coffee) and happily spend hours flipping through your sketchbooks. They’re beautiful!
oh my gosh thank you so much!!
Absolutely. Even this little peek 🫣 made me happy.
I've gotten into the habit of making my own sketchbooks. Often with Fabriano Artistico paper. It's much less costly, much more control, much more fun.
Lazy Artist's Pro Tip - one imperial sheet of paper can be made into an "accordion sketchbook" within a few minutes, and with zero book binding! Fold it so you've got 16 squares total, cut along lines like you're making a W (M. D. Campbell has a good video on this), and you're done! 5.5"x7.5" sketchbook in two minutes.
Depending on which orientation you cut, you can have it be "more" landscape or portrait orientation.
It's good to test on scrap paper first (: But especially if you have a *favorite* paper, it's super handy!
Oh gosh I feel you with the production issues. One watercolor pad I have fell in love with is the Strathmore Watercolor Travel Pad but it's getting harder and harder to find (although it's still out there!)
it's the worst when your favorite is not available😭
I was at the art store yesterday picking up colored pencils for my pet portraits. When I go into an art store I have to look at everything, at least skim every aisle. I spent so much time looking at and debating buying a new sketchbook and set of gouache. Your videos have made me want to get into gouache so much! I wasn’t sure which few paint colors I start with if I want to do gouache pet portrait. I didn’t end up getting any this time but I next time I’ll go with a little bit more research in mind. Thank you for all your hard work making these videos! You’re easily my favorite artist on RUclips!
I'm going to share a 'gouache faves' video next, maybe that will help :)
@@SarahBurnsStudio Ohh yay! Super excited about this! Thank you 🙏
@J.Shelby Thank you so much for this wealth of information!! I really appreciate you taking the time. I have white, which I use sparingly as highlights on my colored pencil portraits. I like the idea of getting black next and practice my values again- something I haven’t done with paint since college (10+ yrs ago!😬) I am shocked to admit I didn’t know all that much about Rosa- I just looked her up and saw she was a lesbian! Context: I identify as queer now, but had mostly identified as a lesbian in my teens and early 20s. I’m just so dang happy to learn this about her and spend more time looking at her work! Thank you again!!!
Oh Sarah your art just makes me so happy.
What beautiful treasures you create ❤️
Thank you! Interesting video, I have some of these and agree with your comments...especially the Hahnnemule, wich I ADORE!
Thanks for sharing this valuable information of different sketchbook brands that are your favorites. I have only tried the Paul Rubens Hot Pressed Paper one. I am definitely going to have to get some of the others to try out soon.
Thank you for sharing. 😊💗
Your art is so beautiful.
The Etchr sketchbooks are my go to. I take one with me on every hike. They’ve never let me down and have even made it through a few rain storms lol 😊
I just wish the covers weren't so needlessly bulky. I considered removing the covers but I'd probably end up just destroying the whole thing 😆
Not me literally spending most of yesterday stalking all the descriptions under your videos for this exact thing! thanks you 😂❤
So calming I haven’t been on this side of RUclips in a while 🥺
Concise, cogent, cool. Bravissimo!
I have two of the Strathmore Travel Journals that I have not used yet. I'm so thankful I stocked up when I realized how much I love them. I'm really disappointed that they discontinued it. I loved both sizes and I think they made a huge mistake discontinuing it. I haven't looked to see if you have learned how to make your own, but I would LOVE a video if you do! Maybe I should write them too and if they get enough people asking they will reconsider. :-) Thanks for your amazing channel and all the love you put into it. ~April
I haven’t needed to make my own yet, but I will eventually! And Ill definitely share the process here.
Your sketch is very beautiful😻
Your artwork is amazing!! ❤
Thank you so much 😀
I also loved Hahnemuhle cotton, it’s priced very attractively too. The second favorite that uses Fabriano artistico and some other top quality cotton papers are Koval sketchbooks, I love them and hope some day they will also do softcover thinner sketchbooks (maybe sets? to justify price and effort)
Wow so beautiful 🥰 artwork 👌👌👌👌
Wow your work is cracking very inspiring
when i tell you my jaw dropped when i saw the snow piece you did... absolute masterpiece.
Thanks for the recommendations! I always struggle to decide which ones to buy. I use a lot of wet media in my sketchbooks and also there are not that many available here in Slovakia. Now I know which ones to keep an eye out for :D Also your paintings are soooo nice they inspired me to go and pick up a pencil right away!
Yea, some sketchbooks aren't available in all countries. Here in the UK we definitely have some issues getting some brands thanks to brexit :(
My favoriete sketchbook/gouache sketchbook are the mixed media blocks from canson. I pick up a mini sketchbook in a store. Its was expensive 9,99. I also bought a set of 4 mechanical pencils and 4 kneed colourfull ereasers😊i wanna oder a mini watercolour sketchbook from alliexpress too😊I love the kneeded ereasers that i bought they are for kids but i don,t care they earease like a bom😊i love you,re sketchbooks tour and i love you,re paintings and sketches in it
Your art is vibrant and beautiful! You're so talented!... Emma gave a shout out for you today about your Monthly boxes with gouache and brushes! Wonderful! Loved your Monastery visit and painting! Thank you for sharing! God bless you, from a California Gramma ❤
Thanks very much, yes Emma is wonderful!!
In love with the artworks in the Etchr A4🤩 all your artworks are beautiful but those just got stuck in my mind for some reason more than others…
Thank you so much 😀
I'm a hoarder of the S&B Betas, haha! They're amazing for gouache and I've been loving them with my graphtitint paint sets too!
Thanks for the suggestions! :D
Highly enjoyable
Your books are amazing. I hope i will learn it too. I started my first sketchbook.
You can do it! Keep practicing :)
I love Strathmore too. Fabriano is not my favorite paper to use but funny enough I always like the result. I want to try Paul Rubins because of the color, and I heard paper is pretty good too.
I've always wanted to try the Etcher journals, and I know they have quality paper, but they are quite expensive. Thank you for giving some variety in price ranges!
Maybe you can wait and see if they do a sale :)
Beware that only The Perfect Sketchbook has the Fabriano paper. It retails for USD 169 for a 3 pack (they don't seem to be offering it individually from their website, but you may find a single elsewhere). The Everyday sketchbook uses Baohong paper which you might be able to find in another, cheaper sketchbook. I have the everyday sketchbook and I probably wouldn't buy it again as I think you can get the same performance at a more budget friendly cost point.
i usually use hardcover books, but soft cover is def the way to go when painting outside, less useless weight and like you said, can fold the cover over, makes the page you are working on sturdier for drawing
14 seconds in I subscribed because you have such a soothing voice. Turns out I liked the video too, but still. Your sketchbooks are beautiful! Mine look terrible because I rip out everything I like and leave the nonsense behind 😂 I'm trying to stop doing that though. I'm gonna look for one of these puppies at the store tomorrow!
Welcome :D
I have a Paul Ruebens watercolor journal I love it. I do wish the paper was a bit smoother for my dip pens but it's still a joy!
I’m surprised it’s not smooth enough
It has just enough tooth to it that it likes to catch the nibs.
I got a little pad last year. I didn't like it. I think it is the same paper in sketchbooks. I was disappointed because it not worth to buy this quality at this price on AliExpress. My favourite to paint with gouache and watercolours stills Stillman and Birn and recently a brown toned sketchbook of Hanhemule. I think to draw with ink and ink thin washes, Stillman and Birn could be a good choice but I didn't try . I think ink thin layers are sometimes difficult in sketchbooks. I don't especially like to work on 100% cotton because some of these papers are too much absorbing, especially in case of watercolours. But each artist have their favourite supplies. It just can help to share experiences.
Okay… you are not going to believe this but I found the Strathmore Sketchbook 100% cotton online and on SALE. I found them in US Spokane Art Supply. I believe they are on clearance as of right now. If you know someone in the US that can order them for you… it will be TOTALLY worth it. Thank you for your video. I don’t have Patreon because they are SO difficult to deal with if you have a problem and want to stop subscribing. Also, I don’t know anything about Discord… but I love watching you on RUclips!
Thanks for this, Sarah! I slowed it down to 0.5, so that I could really take it in.
As Annie Noodle, and quite a few other folk, I'm another unimpressed Hahnemühle 100% cotton, but again, I bought mine almost immediately after the launch, so it is now beginning to look as though there *were* production issues with those early runs. The problem isn't only the tape. It's the way the paint behaves (or rather, how it doesn't behave!) on the paper and the fact that there's a roughly 50% colour shift to lighter on drying, both of which speak to me of sizing issues.
I also have the 14 x 14cm square, which I haven't opened yet, so though it was bought at the same time, maybe that one will be ok.
I've looked at the Etchr 100% cotton more than once, but an A5 landscape will cost a massive 74€ and the A4 portrait is €94 on Amazon France! On Amazon UK, the landscape is currently £49, and the portrait A5 is only £28, which makes absolutely no sense to me! I'd have to pay shipping and taxes, which would put up the price, too.
Hmm ... Ive just checked Aquarelle et Pinceaux, the French company I usually use for mail order full sheets and larger paint orders, and their prices make more sense. The A5 (both formats) is €32.90, and the A4 is €41.57. If I did decide to try them, it'd have to be part of a larger order, to avoid postage.
(My nearest large art store is in Toulouse which is a major city and 90 minutes drive each way. I haven't been there yet, cos it seems a long way to go for art supplies and I don't like big cities!)
I'm looking forward to your other 'favourites' videos! I'm really glad that you decided to split them up. 😊
Now I’m starting to second guess myself about the Hahnemuhle 100% cotton - like did I somehow not notice if it was misbehaving? But then…that’s not possible! I was painting outside and could easily have been distracted by the glory of the day. Yet I really had fun, and didn’t fight the paper. And I liked the final results. So I have to stand by my conclusion 😅 Perhaps the early ‘duds’ could be used for ink drawings, or gouache, or something
@@SarahBurnsStudio Sarah, I'm really sorry!!! *Please* don't doubt yourself! Some folks' sketchbooks have been absolutely fine, some have only had a random page or two, and some - like Annie and I - have had bigger problems. It just seems to have been the 'luck of the draw' with those early sketchbooks.
It *was* frustrating for those of us who reported problems, until there were quite a few. I suspect that Hahnemühle caught on very quickly that there was a problem and looked into it, because it was pretty well documented on RUclips, at least, with some really praising it, and others looking on in bewilderment, wondering if we were doing something wrong - even those of us with a couple of decades or so's experience of 100% cotton watercolour paper were doubting ourselves.
So please, go on enjoying your sketchbook. If it was an early buy, you've been one of the lucky ones, so be glad, because for sure, I'm very glad for you!
Please accept a gently hug of reassurance.
Your artwork is amazing they all look so realistic
I'm actually pretty surprised that I've already tried most of these, I was hoping to find more 100% cotton sketchbooks to try out but unfortunately it seems like there still aren't many. I'd love to try the perfect etchr sketchbook but its really pricey, I'd also love to try the strathmore travel journal which I've seen popping up more often, but I can't seem to find it anywhere 🤔
Great video thanks! I'm in desperate need of a great watercolor sketchbook that will allow me to really learn and that isn't so pricey I'm scared to use it, so this was very much appreciated.
You mentioned the Paul Rubens hot press, but have you tried the cold press? I'm wondering if it is any good?
I've only used cold press so far since I'm learning and very much at the beginning stage and that was what most advised to use. Thanks again!
No I have not tried their CP yes
I had the normal watercolor sketchbooks from Hahnemühle most of the time and a few that I made myself. The sketchbooks from royal talens are my favorite sketchbooks for drawings and I have them in different sizes. But... I'm looking for some nice square format sketchbooks.
Does royal talens make a watercolor sketchbook?
@@SarahBurnsStudio I think they say that light washes are okay but I use it for drawing with ink and colored pencils. Viviva Colors makes 100% cotton sketchbooks too. I bought 2 to test them. But they are maybe not the best to tape off the edges. The paper is softer than other cotton papers.
torn between the hahnemule and hot pressed etchr!!
i really like using fountain pen + watercolour so i’ve been looking for a smoother sketchbook
I love fountain pens too, I use them in both
@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks for all the recommendations!! do you have a preference between the two?
@@softandcosy Etchr paper is better overall, but if price matters more to you, go with H
@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks!! 💗
Yes the strathmore cotton sketchbooks are my absolute favorite. I love the paper in them. I've been wondering if the strathmore imperial is the same paper. Does anyone know?
I’d be curious to know too.
I like the S&B sketchbooks too, though prefer a hardback. Haven't tried the nova tinted one yet. My favourite paper is Fabriano Artistico Hot pressed, because it takes w/c and col pencil so well. I have loads of full sheets I bought before they changed the sizing, which ruined it, and ai’ en made my own books from it. Five sheets makes an 80 page A4 book, at a fraction of the price of the Etchr books. Just wish Clairefontaine would make a sketchbook from their Pastelmat paper, then my life would be complete 😄 the ahah émule one looks good though.
I’ve thought about making my own for so many years - I would use Arches. But…i just get overwhelmed thinking about learning the binding and then move onto doing other things
@@SarahBurnsStudio once you get your head round it it's not too complicated, and it's great to use your favourite paper, or make one with different papers in one book. ruclips.net/video/tjyQ7ZErlY8/видео.html this is the video I used. A soft cover one would be easier though. Making sketchbooks get a bit compulsive!
@Sarah Burns Studio I highly recommend DAS Bookbinding's RUclips channel - he's to the point, keeps things simple and easy to understand, and extremely educational. A coptic stitch seems to be preferred by most for self-made sketch- or watercolor-books, and it seems very beginner-friendly!
Thanks for the recommendationsI might pick up one of the Etchr sketchbooks in the future. I've heard so many good things about them!
By the way, is there a sketchbook that you can recommend for painting portraits in watercolor (or pencils sketches with a bit of watercolor)?
Any of the 100% cotton sketchbooks I mentioned
@@SarahBurnsStudio Great! Thank you!
Thanks for the informative video! I just got one of the newer Hahnemuhle cotton books to try.
I am wondering if the Stillman and Birn sketchbook I bought was defective because the surface immediately started to shred and disintegrate when I put the first layer of watered down gouache on it. This was the Zeta version. I have other cellulose sketchbooks that handle gouache just fine, so it was totally unexpected.
Hmm I have only used my Zeta with marker/ink, I haven't tried wet media in those. That probably means it has a different sizing, so I recommend the Beta or Delta
I like the Zeta books, but I find that the watercolour can be streaky, so try not to use too much wet. Good with w/c pencils though, and lovely for pen and ink.
I've had your favorite art supplies page up for a few days now, specifically because I'm wanting to get sketchbooks (haven't used any yet, long overdue), so this could not have come at a better time!
Do you find the Strathmore Watercolor Travel Journals worth their cost? A lot of reviews seem to imply it's overpriced and could easily be made yourself.
I get it, it’s literally just some pieces of paper folded then sewn together. 100% worth the cost to me. Love the idea of making your own sketchbooks. I want to learn that someday. But my to do list is longer than both of my arms 🤣
@@SarahBurnsStudio Can totally relate to an overwhelming To Do list! And yeah, whatever works for you.
I purchased one of the Viviva 100% cotton sketchbooks and it was horrible. Pages just fell apart. I have the Hanemulhe toned watercolor sketchbooks in both colors but haven’t tried using them yet. I do love toned sketchbooks! My go to for practice has been the Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal because of its price. Arches now makes a Watercolor travel journal that’s wire bound that looks like a birthday present I need to buy myself!
Do you know if the Arches sketchbook is sized on both sides of the paper? I have a massive pile of arches loose paper and wanted to make my own, but it’s only sized on one side.
@@SarahBurnsStudio that is an excellent question let me look. Cold press 140 lb (300 gsm). It really doesn’t say and I can’t find anyone that has reviewed it. It’s roughly $20 USD for 15 sheets. Arches isn’t cheap but it wouldn’t surprise me if you could only paint on one side. Hmmm. Something to consider…
It appears you can use watercolour or guache on both sides of the one page Sarah? Is that true!? I'm wondering as I've just received the soft cover strathmore sketchbook from Amazon that you rave about.
Yes definitely, it’s thick paper, and easily takes paint on both sides :)
The grey and white covered etchr sketchbooks don't use Fabriano, it's only in the brown and blue books, FYI. I mean, I still love them, but for accuracy's sake... :)
They used to! I wonder when they changed that
@@SarahBurnsStudio yeah they changed it after the first couple of runs, when they expanded the lineup. It’s been several years now.
@@SarahBaileyArts Mine are a few years old :D I bought them in bulk back in the day and slowly chip away at my stack. So who knows if mine have the Fabriano or the new stuff. The Signature (brown) is the Fabriano and SO NICE. Whatever the new stuff is must be fancy as well. Do you have a source for your information? I would love to link it in my blog post.
@@SarahBurnsStudio hm. I want to say I heard it from Teoh? I’m sure if you email them they can give you the actual facts.
To be clear I have one of each from newer years, the grey book is just a heavier stock of the white book paper. VERY different from the signature series.
If you really like a piece you've made on cellulose paper you can iron it. Really. Not too hot and on the reverse of the image.
When I put the paper tape down and when I lift it, the paper starts to tear. Is this like this? 😢
Try heating it with a hair dryer a little before peeling
I'm one of those rare people who was not impressed with the new Hahnemuhle cotton sketchbook. I was so excited to get one, but ... just not impressed. The biggest issue I have is that no matter what I do, tape rips the paper. I've tried lots of different tapes, tried making them less sticky, but it still rips. I think heard something about how the first batch had some quality issues, so maybe later books had the bugs worked out!
That's a bummer! I don't use tape in them so I didn't think about that.
When you take the tape off try heating it first with a hairdryer and it peels off easily.
@@lesleycrawford7244 I will keep that hot tip (haha see what I did there??) in mind for the future. I will probably just try to avoid tape for the rest of this sketchbook, though, and just do little vignettes. The paper is lovely otherwise. I actually think I might have a full sheet of this in my supply, so if the tape sticks I'll know what else to try!
I’ve gotten a couple in the last 6 months and I like them a lot! I tape mine all the time without issue. I use washi tape and blue painters tape! So maybe the recent batches have been good ? Also I order mine from blicks if that matters.
Do you have a potsbox we can send gifts to? I would love to send you some home made sketchbooks.
Not at the moment but thank you for the thought :)
Dammit, where *did* my strathmore go?! *grumble*
Those artists show only a little of their art on youtube and refer you to their Patreon page I stop watching on youtube. Come on, you have 27K views and 60K subscribers you must make enough money from youtube, more than your paintings are worth. I unsubscribed you now.
What are you talking about, her videos don't even have ads. Where is this supposed RUclips money coming from then? Apparently some folks prefer channels that have 3 annoying ads in a 10 minute video, just don't mention the word "Patreon"... Fascinating 🙄
@@kreativna I got ads on this video
1:03 holy $hit your landscaping is phenomenally gorgeous 😱❤❤