I've just bought a pack of these for quick watercolour sketching because they mostly lay flat. I noted from the packaging that the paper weight is only 110gsm which means it's not likely to be happy with a lot of water and is probably cellulose based, not cotton based. Also probably not going to perform well if both sides are used. This means it is basic grade paper and fine for quick paint sketches and pencil drawings. Good watercolour paper needs to be at least 300gsm (140lb), the heavier the better with regard to performing well with a lot of water. That said, these books are good value in that they are hard backed, lay flat and are easily portable. They will be okay for what I want to use them for. For assorted drawing/colouring media it might be better to use a dedicated mixed media paper at around 200 - 250gsm weight.
Hey, it's been a long time since I watched your channel! I got motivated to watch your channel and draw again! I'm glad to see that your channel has grown. You look beautiful and your drawings have gotten a lot better! God bless you and your channel!😊
I've just bought these sketchbooks on a deal today on Amazon, 21 bucks for the A4 size, 15 for the 5x8 size and 11 for the 3x5 ones. All packs come with 2 units of each. I love trying new sketchbooks and I do not see many reviews about these (thank you a lot for doing one, btw) so I took a leap of faith and bought. I don't expect a Moleskine or a Stillman & Birn but I'm curious.
Thanks for this, I had bought these books a few months back just for watercolor sketching in and it works for what I was looking for. I wasn't particularly interesting in using the smooth side to work on as I stayed with textured but it's a nice option if ever.
I'm really enjoying mine so far. Using one for watercolor practice and one for gouache practice. The paper holds up pretty good with a binder clip on the edge.
I love watching your reviews, you always try out so many different mediums! Do you think that you would want to keep using the book? Or would you just use it for sketching?
I'm happy you enjoy watching my reviews! For me personally, I like to draw large, so this size is definitely challenging for me to get the full figure on paper. Since the smooth size doesn't erase well, I think if I were to use this for sketching, it would probably just be for watercolors and not for pencil sketching, unless I don't plan on erasing.
So what I'm hearing is that they have low quality and didn't bother to plan the layout prior to cutting and binding the pages. It sounds like hot and cold press sides, but what I think would be hot press you say isn't watercolor paper, so not sure. At their price, it sounds like ordinary, student grade sketchbooks are better quality options.
The watercolor paper is definitely thick enough to hold watercolor, especially if you want to use this for sketching on the go. As for the smooth side, I'm not entirely sure if it's watercolor paper or not.
I haven't used washi tape on this particular sketchbook, but I have another Arteza watercolor sketchbook with the same paper and I've found it does rip the paper a bit, but not a lot. I used to use masking tape and that would rip the paper more. I'm uploading a video tomorrow where I'm testing out their sketchbook and I use washi tape as the barrier. I show images of the final drawing (and washi tape off), and you can't really see the rip marks, only ever so slightly in person. I hope that helped!
I tried it with alcohol markers and you can, but it does bleed through. If you're planning on using each page with markers, I would put a sheet of paper between because it does bleed onto the next page.
Worst watercolor paper ever: 1) doesn't allow ANY sort of color lift, even the slightest one 2) as soon as you drop the paint from the brush to the paper, you have only 2-3 seconds to move it, or a mark will appear on the page 3) on the 4 external sides, if you work wet on wet, will appear a sort of border: this because seems like the border are something like """coated""" and so they do not absorb the water at the same speed of the other part of the page 4) no way to use any masking tape: when you remove (even a low tack one) the paper will be heavily damaged 5) no way to use masking fluid: when you remove (even a low tack one) the paper will be heavily damaged Maybe can work with pencils, but not with watercolor and marker. Do not use it if you are a beginner: it will make you think that you are bad because of you when it isn't the case. If you already work with watercolors, and know all the basic techniques and how to control the paints, then can be worth a try: indeed, if you work wet on wet, and practice a little to understand how to control and deal with this crazy paper, you can obtain some strange but very cool granulation effects on its surface.
Thanks for your feedback/input! I suppose I would be unable to review this watercolor book from a complete beginner standpoint, but I can understand your points. I agree with many of your points, but this video was definitely made a while ago before I started taking more in depth notes on products. (I filmed much of it on the fly) I think this book could be useful for those that paint more expressively. I did find it more difficult to use the paper because I tend to favor clean lines etc, but I can imagine someone who does more quick and gestural painting to find the size and portability favorable. Anyways, thanks again for leaving your input on this product :)
@@SketchingwithRabbits I can imagine your troubles with the style you like more. But it is a crazy paper also for people like me, liking to (badly) paint in a more "free" or "expressive" style, with a lot of wet on wet. And actually w.o.w. is probably the best approach with this paper, minimizing the troubles. But problem is... how much you work wet. Too much and it will be a disaster, and this paper absorb like tissue paper, making very hard to sense when the "too much" moment is approaching. Best average way with this paper for me is to work wet on wet by small areas, Then if you work truly wet on wet, did some attempt, and got a little lucky, you can get some amazing granulations effects that you cannot even dream to aquire with the best paper around like Arches or Fabriano Artistico. But you cannot rely on it :) I suspect that the paper is or not sized at all or just internally and not on the surfaces: and indeed its absorbency starts to reduce with the 2,dn layer of paint (probably the first layer acting like a sort of primer).
Hey iikui! I am a big fan of yours! I have been for a few years now! I got into your elemental series! And beautiful disasters. And I cannot help but notice that your art seemed to decline in a way. You art isn’t bad and I will never hate on you. I just feel like critiquing some stuff if that is ok. I look at all of your new art series and think where did the beautiful watercolor go. And making your females different from one another. They are pretty. But I see nothing but the same designs with the same colors. All of the body types seem to be the same. Slender/thin. You line art is great! But everything looks so stiff and simplistic. Compared to your old water color series. The characters had life and motion. The quick sand girl is an incredible piece! So is your twister/hurricane dancer! They have personality, and they are different. The shading was so pretty to look at. I miss that art. Your art now is real great. But I don’t see iikui. You are one of the artists that got me into art! It makes me sad to see how you haven’t grown a lot. This is my opinion! If you are happy where your art is. You don’t need to take this! This is not an attack! I think you are a great person! So consider what I have said if you ever read this.
Hello and thank you for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed my videos back then. As for your critique, here is my response: I agree that my art isn't progressing as much as other peoples art is, but we all go at our own pace. I kindly disagree that my art is stiffer now because I feel like I take into consideration composition and the flow of the piece. I also have more of an understanding when it comes to anatomy compared to in the past. I went to art school and graduated at the same time I was doing youtube videos. Between working a job, completing long art assignments and trying to put up videos, it took a toll on me. I was uninspired and unmotivated to make art and it takes a lot of effort to make videos as well. As for my style, style changes. I may not draw the way I used to, but I like to think I improved in creating a style that I like and making my characters less like Winx or anime that they were always compared to. In the past, I struggled with same face syndrome, and although slow, my progress to make the faces different (if you really look at the details ex. the Lotus fairy is Asian). Perhaps you don't see it at face value, but I know I put a lot of time and effort into creating each character, even if it doesn't look that way. As for not seeing "iiKiui", iiKiui is really just me. And like all people, we all evolve and change. If I were to stay the exact same all my life, wouldn't that be static or even regressive too? Perhaps I may not have changed to the way you enjoyed my art and I apologize that I cannot please you with my current art, but I do not put a lack of effort into my art now. I happen to like the direction my art is going in, but it is still growing and improving. Like I said, I may not show a huge improvement overnight, but people all grow at their own pace. Thank you again for your comment.
@@SketchingwithRabbits Very well said! Nothing worse than an unrequested critique (well intentioned or not, and it seems it was truly well meant LOL) but you handled this with grace and maturity. Keep going at your pace. One thing I've discovered is not everyone has the same amount of time to devote to personal art. Some are blessed to have tons of time, others have to fit it in where they can. Keep that confidence that you're uniquely you.
I've just bought a pack of these for quick watercolour sketching because they mostly lay flat. I noted from the packaging that the paper weight is only 110gsm which means it's not likely to be happy with a lot of water and is probably cellulose based, not cotton based. Also probably not going to perform well if both sides are used. This means it is basic grade paper and fine for quick paint sketches and pencil drawings. Good watercolour paper needs to be at least 300gsm (140lb), the heavier the better with regard to performing well with a lot of water. That said, these books are good value in that they are hard backed, lay flat and are easily portable. They will be okay for what I want to use them for. For assorted drawing/colouring media it might be better to use a dedicated mixed media paper at around 200 - 250gsm weight.
Thanks for the added thorough review!
It says 110lb so that's like 230gsm
I love that you tested out all these different mediums in the sketchbook so we can see what bleeds and how the paper really holds up.
Glad that you found it helpful!
Hey, it's been a long time since I watched your channel! I got motivated to watch your channel and draw again! I'm glad to see that your channel has grown. You look beautiful and your drawings have gotten a lot better! God bless you and your channel!😊
Aw thank you! Happy to hear from you again!
I've just bought these sketchbooks on a deal today on Amazon, 21 bucks for the A4 size, 15 for the 5x8 size and 11 for the 3x5 ones. All packs come with 2 units of each. I love trying new sketchbooks and I do not see many reviews about these (thank you a lot for doing one, btw) so I took a leap of faith and bought. I don't expect a Moleskine or a Stillman & Birn but I'm curious.
I'm glad my review was helpful! They're definitely meant for watercolors, but it was fun to experiment with different mediums.
Thanks for this, I had bought these books a few months back just for watercolor sketching in and it works for what I was looking for. I wasn't particularly interesting in using the smooth side to work on as I stayed with textured but it's a nice option if ever.
I'm really enjoying mine so far. Using one for watercolor practice and one for gouache practice. The paper holds up pretty good with a binder clip on the edge.
That's great to hear!
I love watching your reviews, you always try out so many different mediums! Do you think that you would want to keep using the book? Or would you just use it for sketching?
I'm happy you enjoy watching my reviews! For me personally, I like to draw large, so this size is definitely challenging for me to get the full figure on paper. Since the smooth size doesn't erase well, I think if I were to use this for sketching, it would probably just be for watercolors and not for pencil sketching, unless I don't plan on erasing.
So what I'm hearing is that they have low quality and didn't bother to plan the layout prior to cutting and binding the pages. It sounds like hot and cold press sides, but what I think would be hot press you say isn't watercolor paper, so not sure. At their price, it sounds like ordinary, student grade sketchbooks are better quality options.
The watercolor paper is definitely thick enough to hold watercolor, especially if you want to use this for sketching on the go. As for the smooth side, I'm not entirely sure if it's watercolor paper or not.
Your penmanship is outstanding!
Thank you!
I got the sketchbook and I’ve found that every time I use washi tape it ends up ripping or ruining the paper a bit? Has that happened to you?
I haven't used washi tape on this particular sketchbook, but I have another Arteza watercolor sketchbook with the same paper and I've found it does rip the paper a bit, but not a lot. I used to use masking tape and that would rip the paper more. I'm uploading a video tomorrow where I'm testing out their sketchbook and I use washi tape as the barrier. I show images of the final drawing (and washi tape off), and you can't really see the rip marks, only ever so slightly in person. I hope that helped!
Quick tip! Take your tape and stick it against your clothes and pull it off several times and it will lose enough adhesive to prevent ripping.
@@boyinblue. thank you so much for this tip it helped a crap load 😊
Can I use it for alcohol markers?
I tried it with alcohol markers and you can, but it does bleed through. If you're planning on using each page with markers, I would put a sheet of paper between because it does bleed onto the next page.
I LOVE YOUR REVIEWS!!
Thank you! I'm glad you like them and I hope you find them helpful!
Worst watercolor paper ever:
1) doesn't allow ANY sort of color lift, even the slightest one
2) as soon as you drop the paint from the brush to the paper, you have only 2-3 seconds to move it, or a mark will appear on the page
3) on the 4 external sides, if you work wet on wet, will appear a sort of border: this because seems like the border are something like """coated""" and so they do not absorb the water at the same speed of the other part of the page
4) no way to use any masking tape: when you remove (even a low tack one) the paper will be heavily damaged
5) no way to use masking fluid: when you remove (even a low tack one) the paper will be heavily damaged
Maybe can work with pencils, but not with watercolor and marker. Do not use it if you are a beginner: it will make you think that you are bad because of you when it isn't the case. If you already work with watercolors, and know all the basic techniques and how to control the paints, then can be worth a try: indeed, if you work wet on wet, and practice a little to understand how to control and deal with this crazy paper, you can obtain some strange but very cool granulation effects on its surface.
Thanks for your feedback/input! I suppose I would be unable to review this watercolor book from a complete beginner standpoint, but I can understand your points. I agree with many of your points, but this video was definitely made a while ago before I started taking more in depth notes on products. (I filmed much of it on the fly)
I think this book could be useful for those that paint more expressively. I did find it more difficult to use the paper because I tend to favor clean lines etc, but I can imagine someone who does more quick and gestural painting to find the size and portability favorable.
Anyways, thanks again for leaving your input on this product :)
@@SketchingwithRabbits I can imagine your troubles with the style you like more. But it is a crazy paper also for people like me, liking to (badly) paint in a more "free" or "expressive" style, with a lot of wet on wet. And actually w.o.w. is probably the best approach with this paper, minimizing the troubles. But problem is... how much you work wet. Too much and it will be a disaster, and this paper absorb like tissue paper, making very hard to sense when the "too much" moment is approaching. Best average way with this paper for me is to work wet on wet by small areas, Then if you work truly wet on wet, did some attempt, and got a little lucky, you can get some amazing granulations effects that you cannot even dream to aquire with the best paper around like Arches or Fabriano Artistico. But you cannot rely on it :)
I suspect that the paper is or not sized at all or just internally and not on the surfaces: and indeed its absorbency starts to reduce with the 2,dn layer of paint (probably the first layer acting like a sort of primer).
Thanks for this.
You're welcome!
Hey iikui! I am a big fan of yours! I have been for a few years now! I got into your elemental series! And beautiful disasters. And I cannot help but notice that your art seemed to decline in a way. You art isn’t bad and I will never hate on you. I just feel like critiquing some stuff if that is ok. I look at all of your new art series and think where did the beautiful watercolor go. And making your females different from one another. They are pretty. But I see nothing but the same designs with the same colors. All of the body types seem to be the same. Slender/thin. You line art is great! But everything looks so stiff and simplistic. Compared to your old water color series. The characters had life and motion. The quick sand girl is an incredible piece! So is your twister/hurricane dancer! They have personality, and they are different. The shading was so pretty to look at. I miss that art. Your art now is real great. But I don’t see iikui. You are one of the artists that got me into art! It makes me sad to see how you haven’t grown a lot. This is my opinion! If you are happy where your art is. You don’t need to take this! This is not an attack! I think you are a great person! So consider what I have said if you ever read this.
Hello and thank you for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed my videos back then.
As for your critique, here is my response:
I agree that my art isn't progressing as much as other peoples art is, but we all go at our own pace. I kindly disagree that my art is stiffer now because I feel like I take into consideration composition and the flow of the piece. I also have more of an understanding when it comes to anatomy compared to in the past. I went to art school and graduated at the same time I was doing youtube videos. Between working a job, completing long art assignments and trying to put up videos, it took a toll on me. I was uninspired and unmotivated to make art and it takes a lot of effort to make videos as well.
As for my style, style changes. I may not draw the way I used to, but I like to think I improved in creating a style that I like and making my characters less like Winx or anime that they were always compared to. In the past, I struggled with same face syndrome, and although slow, my progress to make the faces different (if you really look at the details ex. the Lotus fairy is Asian). Perhaps you don't see it at face value, but I know I put a lot of time and effort into creating each character, even if it doesn't look that way.
As for not seeing "iiKiui", iiKiui is really just me. And like all people, we all evolve and change. If I were to stay the exact same all my life, wouldn't that be static or even regressive too? Perhaps I may not have changed to the way you enjoyed my art and I apologize that I cannot please you with my current art, but I do not put a lack of effort into my art now. I happen to like the direction my art is going in, but it is still growing and improving. Like I said, I may not show a huge improvement overnight, but people all grow at their own pace.
Thank you again for your comment.
@@SketchingwithRabbits Very well said! Nothing worse than an unrequested critique (well intentioned or not, and it seems it was truly well meant LOL) but you handled this with grace and maturity. Keep going at your pace. One thing I've discovered is not everyone has the same amount of time to devote to personal art. Some are blessed to have tons of time, others have to fit it in where they can. Keep that confidence that you're uniquely you.
Hi