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Home Best Sketchbooks Best Watercolor Sketchbooks for Artists: Journal & Notebook Reviews

Best Watercolor Sketchbooks for Artists: Journal & Notebook Reviews

Last updated on September 8th, 2020

    5/5 - (3 votes)

    A seasoned artist can tell you how much of a difference the right paper makes. An inferior paper or one that is not manufactured for watercolors may result in a disappointing finished product. Because choosing the right paper is so vital, we’ve collected this list of the best watercolor sketchbooks.

    Each one was thoroughly tested for the quality of its paper, the sturdiness of its cover and its longevity before making the final cut.

    Contents

    • 1 Our Top Recommended Watercolor Sketchbooks
    • 2 List of 12 Best Watercolor Sketchbooks on the Market Today:
      • 2.1 1. Arches Watercolor Paper Pad
      • 2.2 2. Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad
      • 2.3 3. Pentalic 20802 Watercolor Field Book
      • 2.4 4. Moleskine Art Watercolor Album
      • 2.5 5. Field Artist Rectangle Watercolor Journal
      • 2.6 6. ARTEZA Sketch Book Black Drawing Pads
      • 2.7 7. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Journal
      • 2.8 8. Strathmore 483-5 400 Series Softcover Watercolor Art Journal
      • 2.9 9. Stillman & Birn Beta Series Softcover Sketchbook
      • 2.10 10. Bellofy Sketchpad Artist Pro, Watercolor
      • 2.11 11. Bellofy Watercolor Paper Pad
      • 2.12 12. illo Sketchbook, Large, Square
    • 3 Making the Decision

    Our Top Recommended Watercolor Sketchbooks

    Winsor & Newton 1795093 Arches Watercolor Cold Pressed Paper Pad (12 Pack), 10" x 14"
    • Arches Watercolor Paper Pad
    • 300 GSM
    • 12 sheets
    • Size: 10″x14″
    • 100% cotton fibres
    Check on Amazon! →
    Jump to full Review
    Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad, Heavyweight, Fine Texture, Heavy Sizing for Wet and Dry Media, Side Wire Bound, 98 Pound, 7 x 10 Inch, 60 Sheets - 100510926
    • Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad
    • 98 pound/160 gram paper
    • 60 sheets
    • 7 x 10 inch paper
    • Acid free
    Check on Amazon! →
    Jump to full Review
    Pentalic 20802 Watercolor Field Book, 7-Inch by 10-Inch
    • Pentalic 20802 Watercolor Field Book
    • 140 lb. (300 gsm)
    • 24 Sheets (48 Pages)
    • 7×10-Inch
    • Hard Cover
    Check on Amazon! →
    Jump to full Review

    List of 12 Best Watercolor Sketchbooks on the Market Today:

    1. Arches Watercolor Paper Pad

    Winsor & Newton 1795093 Arches Watercolor Cold Pressed Paper Pad (12 Pack), 10" x 14"

     

    Features
    • Size: 10″x14″
    • Contains one pad with 12 sheets.
    • 300 GSM
    • With long fibers, this thick, stable sheet is beautiful.
    • A light grain makes it easier to achieve certain details
    • It reflects light well
    • 100% cotton fibres
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    Each page of this 10″ by 14″ sketchbook consists of 140-pound, cold press paper. The cold press process makes this one of the best sketchbooks for painting. It results in a light texture and a paper surface that reflects light particularly well. Moreover, this paper helps watercolors to retain their transparent quality, and details are given outstanding definition.

    Arches is a venerable paper manufacturer, and each page in this 12-sheet sketchbook reflects this reputation. The paper is made on a cylindrical mold using long fibers, making this paper especially resilient and durable.

    Winsor & Newton 1795093 Arches Watercolor Cold Pressed Paper Pad (12 Pack), 10" x 14"Each sheet is individually bathed in pure gelatin and air-dried to provide extra strength. With a history that spans back to 1492, artists can trust Arches to preserve the time-honored traditions of paper manufacturing.

    Made with 100-percent cotton fibers, this paper is extraordinarily stable and guaranteed not to stretch or warp when water is applied.

    Additionally, paint is extremely unlikely to bleed through this carefully manufactured paper. The paper even stands up well to layering and erasing.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Reviews indicate that people notice the difference between Arches and other paper immediately. Nonetheless, comments suggest that because of the price, this paper should be reserved for special projects.

    Things to Love
    • Cold press, 140-pound paper
    • Bathed in gelatin for extra durability
    • 100 percent cotton fiber paper
    Things to Consider
    • Expensive

    While it may cost more than other products, the care that Arches puts into each sheet makes the price worth it.

    View at Amazon! →

    2. Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad

    Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad, Heavyweight, Fine Texture, Heavy Sizing for Wet and Dry Media, Side Wire Bound, 98 Pound, 7 x 10 Inch, 60 Sheets - 100510926

     

    Features
    • 60 sheets
    • 7 x 10 inch paper
    • 98 pound/160 gram paper
    • Acid free
    • Ideal for acrylic, watercolor, pen and pencil
    • Heavyweight paper is strong and sturdy
    • Erases well and blends easily
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    Bound with a side wire, this 7″ by 10″ pad includes 60 sheets of 98-pound paper. In addition to watercolor, this paper is suitable for use with pen and pencil as well as acrylics. Whether you use wet or dry media, this paper is up to the task.

    Canson XL Series Mix Media Paper Pad, Heavyweight, Fine Texture, Heavy Sizing for Wet and Dry Media, Side Wire Bound, 98 Pound, 7 x 10 Inch, 60 Sheets - 100510926A variety of larger and smaller size sketchbooks are available in this line, but many artists seem to prefer the 7″ by 10″. Micro perforating along the edge of each sheet makes it easy to remove certain pages without affecting the others.

    The side wire binding is particularly useful for folding the cover out of the way so that the artist can use the entire page.

    Both blending and erasing are made easy with this versatile and durable paper. The fine texture on the surface is ideal for a wide variety of applications.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Users say that they appreciate that the weight of the paper prevents watercolors from bleeding through to the other side.

    Other reviews say that the paper is quite durable. Even when multiple layers or various applications are used on a single sheet, the paper performs well. Nonetheless, critics say that it pays to take care not to use too much water as this can cause the paper to warp.

    Things to Love
    • Inexpensive
    • Side-wire binding
    • Good quality paper
    Things to Consider
    • May warp if too much water is applied

    This 60-sheet watercolor painting sketchbook from Canson is a bargain for aspiring artists.

    View at Amazon! →

    3. Pentalic 20802 Watercolor Field Book

    Pentalic 20802 Watercolor Field Book, 7-Inch by 10-Inch

     

    Features
    • 24 Sheets (48 Pages)
    • 140 lb. (300 gsm) Cold Pressed Surface
    • 7×10-Inch
    • Acid Free
    • Hard Cover
    • Double Wire Bound
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    If you’re looking for the best watercolor sketchbook for working outside the studio, then this product from Pentalic is an excellent option. Its features include hardcover and double wire binding so that the book lays flat. The acid-free paper is 7″ by 10″, and the sketchbook price is great.

    The 140-pound paper is extra thick so that watercolors do not bleed through to the backside. Additionally, this paper is finished with a cold-press process to ensure extra durability.

    Inside the book are 24 sheets of paper that demonstrate exceptional strength even when water. As a professional-grade watercolor paper, this is an outstanding choice for the artist who is going to be working in the field.

    An elegant and understated cover protects the paper while also providing plenty of durability and stability. The cover also serves as an excellent hand hold while working. Each page is made with materials that are sourced from forests that are certified as sustainable.

    What Customers Are Saying

    People who love this paper say that it performs well with traditional watercolors, but that it also accepts watercolor books, ink pens of all varieties and pencils. The hardcover is especially appreciated by artists who are creating outside of the studio.

    Fans say that the paper quality is top-notch. Nonetheless, some people are bothered because the pages are not perforated and are difficult to remove.

    Things to Love
    • Sturdy hardcover book
    • Heavy 140-pound paper
    • Acid-free
    Things to Consider
    • Sheets are not perforated

    This hardbound Pentalic sketchbook is ideal for watercolor artists on the go.

    View at Amazon! →

    4. Moleskine Art Watercolor Album

    Moleskine Art Watercolor Album, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black

     

    Features
    • Pages: 72
    • Paper Weight: 200 gsm/135 lb.
    • Dimensions: 5″ x 8-1/4″
    • Hard Cover with elastic closure.
    • Color: Black
    • Internal Accordion Pocket
    • FSC Certified Paper; Acid-Free
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

     

    This hardcover Moleskine album has dimensions of 5″ by 8.25″. With an affordable price, this may be the best notebook for watercolor artists who are devoted to the Moleskine brand. In fact, Moleskine is recognized around the world for the quality of its blank books and journals. This watercolor album is no exception.

    It features a hardcover that is incredibly durable even when it is used every day. Moreover, it features an elastic band to securely hold the book closed when it is not in use.

    Inside the back cover is a storage pocket where small items can be stored. The thick, ivory-colored paper provides a lovely background for watercolor work. Inside the sturdy cover at 72 pages of 135-pound paper. The paper is cold-pressed and is identical on both sides.

    Because it is so thick, artists may be able to use both sides without difficulty. You can keep your place among the acid-free pages with the included bookmark.

    What Customers Are Saying

    People praise this watercolor album for its ideal size and sturdy cover. Moreover, many of them note that the paper is genuinely impressive, and they love this album’s ability to lie flat when open. Criticism suggests that artists should be careful how much water they apply to the pages as too much dampness may lead to warping.

    Things to Love
    • Has a durable hardcover
    • Beautiful ivory-colored paper
    • Features a bookmark and elastic closure
    Things to Consider
    • Pages may buckle with too much dampness

    Moleskine makes high-quality products for artists of all ability levels.

    View at Amazon! →

    5. Field Artist Rectangle Watercolor Journal

    Field Artist 4 in. x 6.5 in. Rectangle Watercolor Journal, Hardbound with 80 pgs. 200 GSM, Cold Press Paper

     

    Features
    • 4 in. x 6.5 in.(10 cm x 16.5 cm) Watercolor Journal
    • 80 PAGES
    • 200 gsm, 140 lb. paper
    • Cold press paper
    • Acid-free and 100% recycled
    • 4-panel panorama fold out in back cover
    • 33% MORE PAGES than popular competitors
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    This is an excellent hardback watercolor sketchbook. It’s ideal for people who like to combine a personal journal with sketches and watercolors. The journal contains 80 pages that are finished with a cold-press process. A hardbound cover that is finished in a lovely faux leather makes this an elegant sketchbook that’s suitable for men or women.

    Field Artist 4 in. x 6.5 in. Rectangle Watercolor Journal, Hardbound with 80 pgs. 200 GSM, Cold Press PaperIt can be securely closed with an elastic strap, and a ribbon bookmark ensures that you can always pick up where you left off. The paper is made with recycled materials, is acid-free and a bright white.

    This 140-pound paper is considered ideal for watercolor work, but you can certainly use any type of paint, ink or pencil as well. The binding is sewn to ensure its sturdiness, and the book conveniently lies flat when open.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Many people use this watercolor journal to record their travels or the everyday events of their lives. They love that the sketchbook opens flat and has thick paper.

    The accordion fold-out in the back cover is a huge bonus. However, some people say that it’s a bit too small for their purposes.

    Things to Love
    • 140-pound paper
    • Lies flat when opened
    • Beautiful, durable cover
    Things to Consider
    • The pocket-size may be too small for some

    If you’re looking for a handsome and portable watercolor pad, this could be the one for you.

    If you are a beginner artist, there are many usefull products such as watercolor books or anatomy books on the market that will help take your skills to the next level.

    View at Amazon! →

    6. ARTEZA Sketch Book Black Drawing Pads

    Arteza Sketch Book, 9x12-inch, 2-Pack, Brown Drawing Pad, 200 Sheets Total, 68 lb 100 GSM, Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral-Bound, Use with Pencils, Charcoal, Pens, Crayons & Other Dry Media

     

    Features
    • 9×12-inch
    • Each book in the pack has 100 sheets
    • 68lb (100gsm)
    • Acid-free sheets
    • Durable Hardcover
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Suitable for a variety of dry media
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    A set of two of these 9″ by 12″ spiral-bound sketchbooks may be purchased for a pretty cheap price. With each book containing 100 sheets of paper, this is a genuinely valuable deal. If you are a student or simply have a wealth of ideas to explore, then you’ll probably love this watercolor sketchbook journal.

    Arteza Sketch Book, 9x12-inch, 2-Pack, Brown Drawing Pad, 200 Sheets Total, 68 lb 100 GSM, Hardcover Sketchbook, Spiral-Bound, Use with Pencils, Charcoal, Pens, Crayons & Other Dry MediaWith a total of 200 sheets, you’ll be able to sketch and watercolor as much as you like. The large size of the pages is a definite plus, and this paper is pretty heavy.

    It’s 68-pound paper, which is just right for playing and experimenting without breaking the bank.This paper is designed to resist bleed-through and fading, which means that you may be able to use both sides of each sheet.

    Additionally, the pages are easy to remove using the perforation. ARTEZA provides a 100-percent guarantee on their products, so they’ll provide a free replacement if anything goes wrong.

    What Customers Are Saying

    People remark that this paper is perfectly adequate for sketching and light watercolor painting. Some have experimented with gluing together two or more sheets to make them thicker. The paper may be just a tad thin for those who prefer a wetter watercolor application.

    Things to Love
    • Outstanding value
    • Lots of paper
    • 100-percent guarantee
    Things to Consider
    • The paper may be too thin for people who prefer a wet application

    ARTEZA has a reputation for making quality art supplies at affordable prices. These sketchbooks are no exception.

    View at Amazon! →

    7. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Journal

    Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Pressed 140lb, 9"x12

     

    Features
    • Size 9″x12″
    • 140lb
    • 20 sheets per pad
    • 100% Cotton paper
    • Cold pressed paper
    • Less textured finish
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    When your work requires the best quality sketchbooks, then give these Winsor & Newton paper journals a try. This is a time-tested, reliable company that also manufactures paints of many varieties. Accordingly, they can be trusted to make exceptional watercolor paper.

    Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Pressed 140lb, 9"x12The 9″ by 12″ size is perfect for being able to take anywhere. It’s filled with 140-pound, the cold-pressed paper that is incredibly durable.

    Winsor & Newton warrants this paper not to warp even when saturated. Each sheet is made on a cylinder mold using interwove fibers to provide greater stability and strength.

    The less-textured finish is perfect for watercolors. Made of 100-percent cotton, this paper is bound to delight artists. The sketchbook contains 20 sheets.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Fans love the spiral binding on this notebook and the cotton paper. However, some people are troubled that the pages measure less than a true 9″ by 12″ inches when removed at the perforation.

    Things to Love
    • Durable paper
    • 140-pound weight
    • 100-percent cotton paper
    Things to Consider
    • Not a true 9″ by 12″ inches when removed from the notebook

    Winsor & Newton live up to their reputation with this excellent watercolor sketchbook.

    View at Amazon! →

    8. Strathmore 483-5 400 Series Softcover Watercolor Art Journal

    Strathmore (483-5 400 Series Softcover Watercolor Art Journal, 8"x5.5", 24 Sheets

     

    Features
    • Size 8″ x 5.5″
    • 24 Sheets
    • 140 lb. / 300 gsm
    • The paper has a strong natural white
    • Cold press
    • Soft cover
    • Intermediate level paper for watercolorists of all levels.
    • Ideal for mastering techniques and finished artwork.
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    Containing 48 pages of 140-pound paper, this watercolor pad features excellent quality. It’s brought to you by a company that is considered by many to be the best watercolor sketchbook brand, Strathmore.

    Strathmore 483-5 Softcover Watercolor Art Journal, 8" x 5.5", White, 24 Sheets This soft cover journal is an affordable option and measures 8″ by 5.5″. It is manufactured in the U.S. and is considered ideal for watercolor painting.

    The paper is put through a cold-press finishing process, giving it a slight tooth on one side and a smooth finish on the other.Bound with glue, it’s fairly easy to remove individual pages without disturbing the others. Most paints and inks will not bleed through this thick paper.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Reviews suggest that people like to use both sides of this paper. They say that the toothy side is perfect for watercolors and that the smoother side may be used for sketches or very light watercolor.

    The portable size is praised as is the quality of the Strathmore paper. Occasionally, people complain that the lack of cotton fiber in the paper makes paint dry incredibly slowly.

    Things to Love
    • Beautiful binding
    • Cold-pressed finish
    • 140-pound paper
    Things to Consider
    • A lack of cotton fiber may make paint slow to dry

    Strathmore preserves its excellent reputation with this outstanding watercolor sketchbook.

    View at Amazon! →

    9. Stillman & Birn Beta Series Softcover Sketchbook

    Stillman & Birn Beta Series Softcover Sketchbook, 5.5" x 8.5", 270 gsm (Extra Heavyweight), White Paper, Cold Press Surface

     

    Features
    • Size 5.5″ x 8.5″
    • 270 gsm (Extra Heavyweight)
    • White Paper
    • Cold Press Surface
    • Stands up to advanced dry & wet media techniques.
    • Premium U.S. sewn binding
    • Deluxe covers and heavy-duty art paper
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    Billed as having “extra heavyweight” paper, the paper in this sketchbook is designed for mixed media use. It contains 28 sheets of white paper that are finished with a cold-press surface. This also is an economical, budget-friendly choice. The dimensions of 5.5″ by 8.5″ place it among the best watercolor journals for picking up and taking on the go.

    Stillman & Birn Beta Series Softcover Sketchbook, 5.5" x 8.5", 270 gsm (Extra Heavyweight), White Paper, Cold Press SurfaceThe manufacturer says that this paper is designed to withstand both wet and dry media techniques. If you are working with a heavy wash or overlaying washes.

    Each sheet is doubled-sized using non-animal materials to ensure that it possesses incredible wet strength. If you need to erase or lift away wet media, have no fear. This paper is built to withstand all sorts of use.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Reviews sometimes describe this sketchbook as exceptional. The size is praised as is the fact that watercolors do not bleed through the pages. Nonetheless, some users complain that the sketchbook doesn’t open flat.

    Things to Love
    • Heavy paper
    • Sheets finished with cold pressing
    • Economical price
    Things to Consider
    • Book doesn’t lay flat when open

    This Stillman & Birn soft cover sketchbook is great for use outside the studio.

    View at Amazon! →

    10. Bellofy Sketchpad Artist Pro, Watercolor

    Bellofy 100-Sheet Sketchpad Artist Pro, Watercolor, Acrylic Art Pad for Sketching, Ink Sketch Book, Coloring Notebook - 98 Ib/160 g/m2-9 x 12 in Multi-Media Spiral Notebook, Drawing Paper, Drawing Pad

     

    Features
    • 100-Sheet
    • 98 Ib / 160 g/m2
    • 9 x 12 in Multi-Media Spiral Notebook
    • Acid-Free Paper
    • Micro-Perforated Pages
    • Thick, Smooth Surface
    • Recycled
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

     

    Frequently referred to as the best watercolor travel sketchbook, this products from Bellofy is an excellent option for novice and seasoned artists alike. The 9″ by 12″ size is universally appealing, and the 90-pound paper is the “just-right” weight for taking on the go. The heavy, A4-size drawing paper is ideal for watercolors as well as acrylic paint, pencil or any ink.

    Bellofy 100-Sheet Sketchpad Artist Pro, Watercolor, Acrylic Art Pad for Sketching, Ink Sketch Book, Coloring Notebook - 98 Ib/160 g/m2-9 x 12 in Multi-Media Spiral Notebook, Drawing Paper, Drawing PadThe sketch paper itself is smooth and strong and able to absorb all sorts of lines and colors. Each sheet is microperforated to make them easy to remove.

    Because the wire binding coil is placed at the top of the page rather than the side, this sketchbook can be used with equal ease by both right- and left-handed artists.

    The recycled, acid-free paper has a smooth surface, and it can handle watercolor well if the water is not distributed too heavily. Both sides of the paper are identical, making it possible for artists to use both if they choose.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Saying that it is an economical idea for sketching out ideas, people frequently praise this sketchbook. Reviews suggest that people are impressed with how much paper they get for the price. Some critics do comment that this paper isn’t well suited to layers or erasing.

    Things to Love
    • Lots of paper for the price
    • Top of the page wire binding
    • Sheets are microperforated
    Things to Consider
    • May not stand up well to layers or erasing

    For the traveling artist, this Bellofy product is an excellent choice.

    View at Amazon! →

    11. Bellofy Watercolor Paper Pad

    Bellofy 50 Sheet Watercolor Paper Pad - 130 IB / 190 GSM Weight - 9x12 in Size - Cold Press Paper - Water Painting Art Notebook Pad - Watercolor Sketchbook - Painting Paper - Watercolor Journal

     

    Features
    • 9×12 in Size
    • 50 Sheet
    • 130 IB / 190 GSM Weight
    • ACID FREE PAPER
    • Ensuring you the perfect surface for all your watercolor techniques!
    • 90-day money back guarantee!
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    People who are in the market for good watercolor sketchbooks are bound to try these Bellofy 50-Sheet pads at some point. The 130-pound paper is a nice weight for watercolor, and each sheet undergoes a cold-press finishing process. Accordingly, you can expect this paper to be quite sturdy and durable.

    Bellofy 50 Sheet Watercolor Paper Pad - 130 IB / 190 GSM Weight - 9x12 in Size - Cold Press Paper - Water Painting Art Notebook Pad - Watercolor Sketchbook - Painting Paper - Watercolor JournalA glue binding is placed at the top of the pages, which makes this sketchbook suitable for both lefts- and right-handed users. Moreover, the glue binding makes it easy to remove pages from the rest of the book.

    Bellofy offers a money-back guarantee for anyone who is not satisfied with this product. As advertised, the paper is suitable for watercolor as well as all sorts of sketching and drawing.

    The acid-free paper is designed to stand the test of time, and the 9″ by 12″ sheets are a popular size.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Many aspiring artists try this product when they are ready for their first “real” watercolor paper. They love that this is 130-pound, cold-pressed paper for a reasonable price. Some reviews mention a grayish cast to the paper that they dislike.

    Things to Love
    • 130-pound paper
    • Top binding
    • Pages are easy to remove
    Things to Consider
    • Grayish tint to the paper

    Step up to this Bellofy watercolor paper when you’re ready to take your work to the next level.

    View at Amazon! →

    12. illo Sketchbook, Large, Square

    illo Sketchbook, Large, Square, Sketch Book, (8x8), Premium, 122lb Paper, Hardcover Notebook, Lay Flat, Smooth Paper, Thick Paper, Elastic Enclosure and Ribbon Marker

     

    Features
    • Size 8″x8″
    • 112 Pages
    • 122lb (180 GSM)
    • Hardcover Notebook
    • Perfect for any artist at any skill level.
    • Back page pocket
    • Perfect for dry mediums
    Read Reviews & Check the Deal →

    Review

    This one is for artists who prefer a square watercolor sketchbook. The 8″ by 8″ size is perfectly portable, and this sketchbook is designed to lay flat when opened. It features 122-pound, premium paper. The hardcover is durable, elegant and attractive.

    illo Sketchbook, Large, Square, Sketch Book, (8x8), Premium, 122lb Paper, Hardcover Notebook, Lay Flat, Smooth Paper, Thick Paper, Elastic Enclosure and Ribbon MarkerInside the cover are 112 pages that are designed for use with virtually any art medium, including watercolor.This is the perfect selection for the student or struggling artist with a budget-friendly price.

    Thanks to the square dimensions, sharing on social media is easier than ever.You don’t have to do any cropping. An elastic strap keeps the book securely closed when not in use. Although the paper is not acid-free, it still has many fans.

    What Customers Are Saying

    Some say that it is their favorite watercolor sketchbook because it has great paper and a portable size. Remarks that artists fill up this big sketchbook quickly are common.

    Things to Love
    • Great value
    • Plenty of quality paper
    • Square dimensions
    Things to Consider
    • The paper isn’t acid-free

    This product from illo is an excellent option for the student artist.

    View at Amazon! →

    Making the Decision

    Artists can be quite finicky when it comes to their choice of paper. What seems like adequate tooth to one may be entirely too much for another. Moreover, some may insist on 100-percent cotton fibers for their very finest work. At other times, they may be fine with using a pulp paper.

    Each of these varieties and more is included in this list of the best watercolor journals. Some selections are suited to classroom work and informal watercolor sketches while others are designed for finished work.

    Chances are good that you will find opportunities to use each one of these products throughout your career. It’s advisable to try as many of them as you can before deciding which watercolor pads are the right one for your work

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