Sketchbook review

US Art Supply sketchbook HERE

I was so excited to start my personal, or semi-personal project called the Summer of Dogs that I ordered these watercolor sketchbooks. I didn’t just order 1, I ordered 4 of these. So here is my review of US Art Supply watercolor book.

PROS:

I love the size of these sketchbooks. The interior pages are 8.5” x 8.5” and the exterior of sketchbook is 9”. It is a nice size.

The exterior is a nice feel of linen with a elastic closure.

Cold press watercolor paper

The pages lay really flat when opening. Nice!

CONS:

The interior paper is 110lbs. paper.

Why is the weight a con for me? Well if you are using this for watercolor and you do a wet on wet painting technique the paper will wrinkle.

Well I don’t want to waste this great looking sketchbook, so I am making the best of it. I am testing it with watercolor pencils, markers, gouache, collage and so forth. That is part of my Dogs of Summer project is to explore different ways to paint and draw a dog.

Wet on wet watercolor of a Jack Russell practice pet portrait. Turned out cute even with the rippled page.

This basset hound illustration was drawn with watercolor pencils and less water applied. It seems the page is laying flatter.

As you can see the sketchbook lays really flat. Other than the water being 110lb, I think it could be a nice affordable option to use a sketchbook. Over the next month I will continue to try different paints, marks and such and report back.

Here are two other watercolor 140lb sketchbook options.

The Fluid watercolor journal is what I am going to use when I paint my pet portrait practices in as it handles my wet techniques. Not a big fan of the ring binder but great paper.

My go to is Strathmore watercolor sketchbook. I love the softbound book and it handle wet paint daily well.

If you are want to see some of my favorite art supplies, here is my Amazon list .

I look forward to sharing my Dog of Summer with you!

Judy