Moleskine Watercolour Notebook

Product Information

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. 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. 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

That brings up to how the paper will perform in use. Here are a few questions you’ll need answers to if you want to buy the best sketchbook: Sizing is a substance that’s either applied to the surface of the paper or integrated into the paper pulp during the manufacturing process. What it does is simple but crucial: it controls how much water the paper absorbs. Watercolor isn’t lightfast, so the better and more durable the paper, the better the chances of keeping your work intact for longer. There are lots of watercolor sketchbooks on the market, so it’s important to do a little research to figure out which one meets your needs.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.

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. Are you looking for a low-cost sketchbook or a Moleskine watercolor notebook alternative? Whatever you need, you should find the right product below!

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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. Sketchbooks can vary greatly. Some will be cheaper with cardboard covers while others are hardbound and premium.