If you’ve been watercolor painting in a journal for any time at all, you know the truth…it is haaaard to find the perfect sketchbook for it! And with loads of watercolor paper options and different ways of binding it, you may or may not have found the best watercolor journal for your purposes yet.
Lucky for you, we were in the same boat. So we dove into all of the options on the market today to help you (and us!) find the best sketchbook ever!
Best Watercolor Sketchbooks on the Market
When you’re on the hunt for the best watercolor sketchbook, it’s important to weigh quality and affordability to find the perfect match for your artistic needs.
Premium Brand Reviews
For a luxurious painting experience, the Hahnemuhle Watercolor Book is your go-to. It’s a great sketchbook for carrying watercolor effortlessly and is well-suited for artists who prefer cellulose-made paper. This sketchbook has 30 sheets of robust 140lb Fabriano Artistico paper.
Should you desire a sketchbook that’s compatible with mixed media, the ETCHR Mixed Media Sketchbook is hailed as another premium option. It stands out for its quality and versatility, catering to both watercolor enthusiasts and mixed-media artists alike.
Another great option is the Strathmore Watercolor Art Journal. Its watercolor paper surface is ideal for watercolor, gouache, and acrylic, making it a top choice for a wider variety of painting.
Prefer a square watercolor journal? The Handbook Journal Co. Artist Watercolor Sketchbook Journal offers 200 gsm paper bound in durable natural linen, with rounded corners and an elastic band!
Affordable Quality Options
Seeking value doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.
The Canson Montval Watercolor Sketchbook represents an excellent balance between cost and performance. It’s a great choice for beginners or those working within a budget.
The Tumuarta Square Watercolor Journal offers both an economical and portable option for on-the-go art. Its 300 gsm heavy weight watercolor paper is cold pressed, tolerates light washes without bleeding, and holds up to erasing, making it perfect for both watercolor and mixed media art.
For artists seeking a durable sketchbook with a friendly price tag, the Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal also offers an amazing surface that interacts well with watercolors. Its affordability makes it a best watercolour sketchbook contender for both amateurs and budget-conscious professionals.
Looking for a spiral bound option? The Canson XL Series Watercolor Journal not only offers spiral binding, but 300 gsm acid free paper that can stand up to repeated washes.
Choosing the Right Watercolor Journal
Let’s back it up though, since landing on the best watercolor sketchbook for your specific needs depends on a whole load of variables!
When seeking out the perfect watercolor journal, your main focus should be on the types of paper available and their individual qualities. This is essential to ensuring your watercolor art looks its best and stands the test of time.
Understanding Paper Types
Cotton Paper vs. Wood Pulp: High-quality watercolor paper traditionally comes in two main compositions.
Cotton paper, derived from cotton rags, is more durable and absorbent, making it an excellent choice for watercolor painting. On the other hand, paper made from wood pulp is less expensive but may not hold up as well to repeated washes or heavy work with water.
Handmade Paper: If you seek a unique texture and feel for your art, handmade paper could be a gratifying choice. Each sheet often has its quirks, providing an original and distinctive surface for your watercolors.
Acid-Free Paper: It’s also crucial to select acid-free paper, which better resists aging and yellowing, keeping your artwork fresh for years to come.
Cold Press vs. Hot-Pressed: The texture of your paper—whether cold press with its light texture or hot-pressed with its smooth finish—will significantly affect the final appearance of your work. Cold press paper is popular for its versatility and forgiving surface, while hot-pressed paper is perfect for detailed work due to its fine grain.
The performance of your chosen watercolor paper can affect how it reacts to wet media.
- Surface Texture: Cold press paper offers a textured, toothy surface that’s great for water control, while hot press paper is smooth, allowing for fine detail work.
- Material Composition: Watercolor paper made with cotton fibers typically outperforms that made with cellulose when it comes to absorption and color vibrancy.
Evaluating Paper Quality
When examining watercolor journals, take note of the paper weight or thickness, which is often stated in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). Typically, you’ll find watercolor paper around 140 lb (300 GSM), which is sturdy enough for both wet-on-wet techniques and light washes.
- Lightweight: less than 140 lb (less than 300 GSM) – suitable for light washes and quick sketches.
- Standard weight: 140 lb (300 GSM) – versatile, good for mixed wet media, and commonly used.
- Heavyweight: 300 lb (600 GSM) – very thick, can handle multiple layers and heavy washes without buckling.
Consider the perfect sketchbook one that can harmonize with your style of watercolor painting.
Will it resist pilling when you scrub or rework areas? Can it take masking fluid without tearing upon removal?
These factors are central when assessing paper quality in a journal.
Considerations for Binding and Portability
When selecting a watercolor journal, the type of binding and size are also vital factors that will affect how you can use your journal. A well-chosen binding can make your painting experience more enjoyable, whether you’re in a studio or on a park bench.
Types of Journal Bindings
Spiral Binding: Spiral-bound journals lay completely flat and provide 360-degree rotation, which is excellent for ease of use. However, these could be less durable, so consider how rigorous your travel with the journal might be.
Hardcover Sketchbooks: Offering robust protection for your artwork, hardcover sketchbooks are ideal for those who are tough on their supplies or frequently paint in outdoor settings. These hardbound sketchbooks provide a classic, sturdy feel, but might not always lay flat, depending on the spine’s flexibility.
Perfect Sketchbook: Often described as the premium option, perfect-bound sketchbooks are glued at the spine and have a clean, crisp appearance. They may not be as flexible in opening flat as other bindings but can be a good choice if you prioritize portability and a sleek design.
Remember that the number of pages and paper weight are also significant.
Fewer pages can make a journal lighter and more portable, while heavier, different paper may cater better to mixed media and sustain more washes without warping. Journals come in different sizes to fit every artist’s preference, from large sheets for expansive scenes to small ones for quick sketches on the move.
Versatility for Artists’ Needs
When choosing a watercolor journal, your individual style is as important as the versatility the journal offers for various artistic needs. Whether you’re working on quick sketches or detailed projects, the kind of paper in your journal impacts the outcome of your artwork.
For rougher applications and greater water absorption, cotton sketchbooks might be your go-to. They can typically handle wet media well, due to the thicker paper that withstands warping.
If you’re someone who loves to mix it up with mixed media, a media sketchbook equipped with heavy-duty pages can support everything from watercolors to dry media.
- Quick sketches: Lighter paper may suffice, making it easier to carry your journal around.
- Dry media: Look for a journal that complements mediums like charcoal or pastels.
- Mixed media: Ensure the paper can handle a variety of mediums without bleeding through.
Inks from a fountain pen glide seamlessly on media paper that’s smooth and resists bleeding, vital for crisp lines and intricate details. This is particularly crucial when blending different mediums, as you want each to maintain its integrity without unintended smudging or running.
Remember that it’s all about matching the journal to your personal artistic journey.
Personal preference plays a huge part; you might prefer a media sketchbook that leans more towards watercolor work or one that can accommodate any spur-of-the-moment medium you decide to use. And whichever you choose…is a fantastic choice!
What have you found to be the best watercolor sketchbook for your needs? Be sure to share in the comments!
And happy (watercolor) journaling!
Disclosure: While all opinions are our own, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, at no additional cost to you.