It’s hard to beat the value of Strathmore papers, which is why Strathmore’s Hardbound 400 series is at the top of my list for beginners and intermediate artists. These are also very compatible with gouache! The main downsides are size (6x6in and 8x8in) and the wire binding, which isn’t the most resistant to wear and tear inside your bag. Sketchbooks can vary greatly. Some will be cheaper with cardboard covers while others are hardbound and premium. If you’re looking for the best sketchbooks or the best watercolor paper, read on. I’ve reviewed only the top products here so that you can be sure of their quality and suitability. Choosing a quality sketchbook is like choosing a good partner for a dance. You want something that can keep up with you, make you look good, and not fall apart halfway through the performance. Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the quality of your sketchbook or your watercolor paper is just as important (if not more) than your paints and brushes.

These sketchbooks also come with a removable bookmark that offers many helpful suggestions and tips for reference. It’s important to know that this paper isn’t cotton but rather pulp paper. Light paper is more likely to ripple or tear if you use a lot of water. That doesn’t mean that light paper is of low quality. The attractive hardcover will protect your artwork and looks excellent. It’s ideal for traveling, as it’s durable and sturdy.The Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal features high-quality 140lb (300gsm) cold-press paper to accommodate an array of materials besides watercolors, such as Posca pens, Tombow brush pens, Micron fineliners, and lots more! While a spiral pad, rest assured, as this watercolor journal is held together by a heavy-duty spiral wire binding and protected by a cover. It also provides the convenience of opening to a flat, 360° angle.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a super creative gift for an art journaler! You can find more paper types/weights under the brand’s Visual Journal series. But if your focus is watercolor painting, this is my suggestion. Watercolor isn’t lightfast, so the better and more durable the paper, the better the chances of keeping your work intact for longer. Both cold- and hot-press papers have advantages and disadvantages. The extra roughness of cold-press makes it more absorbent and great for any watercolor technique. However, it gives you less time to work with the paint before it dries, and the colors become somewhat dull.Arteza offers a solid affordable alternative in the world of watercolor notebooks. With a decent 9 x 12 inches size and an impressive weight of 300 gsm, this notebook offers excellent value for money. The cold-pressed texture with fine grain and internal sizing makes it a versatile work surface for watercolors and other mediums and while this sketchbook might not be made of archival paper, it’s great for practicing and casual illustration. Just remember that no matter what, you want a quality sketchbook that allows you to work on your art comfortably, whether you’ve just started taking a few watercolor classes or are a seasoned artist. A: A minimum of 140 lb (300 gsm) paperweight is generally recommended for watercolor sketchbooks. The heavier the paper, the less likely it will warp or deteriorate when wet. Q: Can I use both sides of the paper in a watercolor sketchbook? Another key consideration is paper composition. For best results, aim for 100% cotton paper. Paper pulp is a great money-saver for crafters on a budget, but nothing beats cotton for quality. The feel of the paper is a significant factor to consider. Watercolor paper can vary from smooth to rough. It can feel very granulated and bumpy, or it can be almost shiny and slippery.

These sketchbooks feature 140lb (300gsm) paper designed explicitly for watercolor and lay flat due to their Smyth-sewn binding. This allows you to work efficiently and still store your work safely in a beautiful, long-lasting journal. For most watercolor works, you’ll want something that’s at least 300 gsm, this ensures that the paper is sturdy enough to handle a good amount of water without turning into a wavy mess. If you’re just doodling or practicing, you might get away with something lighter, like 200 gsm, but don’t expect it to handle heavy washes or wet-on-wet techniques. Texture Khadi Papers was formed in the 1980s to produce quality handcrafted paper for everyone. It comes from a small factory in India that hires locals, and the company has its own organic farm to help the local economy even more. This set also contains a set of watercolor paints and a brush. So, you have everything you need to get started, making it perfect for any beginner.

They’re more expensive than your average watercolor journal, as well.Without a doubt, these are top-notch products designed for professional artists first and foremost. You can get high-quality thinner paper – but you’ll need to use more care with it! How it Performs With Watercolor Paints Also, since it lays flat, it’s perfect for lefty crafters looking for left-handed sketchbooks and art journals!

In a sketchbook, that’s an important thing to think about! You don’t want your other designs to get blurred or destroyed. Cold-pressed paper, on the other hand, is the standard for most sketchbooks, it’s got a bit of texture, which is fantastic for holding onto pigment and water. This makes blending a dream, and it’s forgiving enough for both beginners and experienced artists. If you’re unsure what to get, this is usually your safest bet. Sizing External Sizing: Externally sized paper has a coating applied to the surface. This makes the paper less absorbent and helps maintain vibrancy as the pigments sit more on the surface. In watercolor, Arches is the best, that’s why the Arches Watercolor Travel Journal stands out as the premium option in the world of watercolor notebooks. With a size of 6” x 10” inches and 300 gsm paper with internal and external sizing, this notebook offers the highest quality for demanding artists. The cold-pressed texture with fine grain provides an exceptional working surface for watercolors.But, maybe you’re a studio artist, the kind who lights a candle, puts on a lo-fi playlist, and dives deep into intricate landscapes or complex portraits. In that case, you might want something roomier, like an A4 or even an A3 sketchbook. More space means more room to let those creative juices flow and splash around.