I like Seawhite, nice and smooth and white, I have them in all shapes , sizes and bindings, great if you're on a budget. When I find something I like I tend to stick to it. Moleskine is my least favourite. Nice to see your work on those products.
Thanks for the comparison, I'm a fan of the Stillman and Burn small sketch books Beta series. Paper and soft cover is easier for walking around with my kit.
Brilliant review and summary. I think I’ve tried all except the Khadi and hi-end Etchr; the one I have used ( will have to check ) wasn’t very impressive. Thank you for your time and effort discussing all of these wonderful sketchbooks. And, your work is so very good. How about a book of your sketchbook favourites thus far? I’d buy it and I bet many others would too!
Thanks Doug: your thoroughness, humour and photography are all much appreciated. Since you asked, the Pith books seem to use a Coptic stitch construction, which is an ancient form of binding as the name suggests that has become very on trend amongst small volume binders over the last ten years or so. Quite a few people make their own sketchbooks using this structure because it opens flat and you don't need anything much in the way of specialist equipment.
I've been using Hahnemuhle, Moleskine, and Rhodia. My experience is similar to yours. I'm in denial about the cost versus value of the Moleskine, but at least I get to hang out with the cool kids when I use it...... Hahnemuhle is the winner for me in terms of how it takes watercolor, and the Rhodia is great when I'm using fountain pens or graphite pencils. I went to the Khadi website and I think I'll try one of their sketchbooks for watercolor, and maybe some of their loose sheets. Thanks for the reviews!
Well done Doug ,getting your art on those pads…what an achievement..you should be very proud of yourself!Very useful information here!I only have very cheap sketch pads that I dabble on and have always wanted a really nice proper pad lol!I think it’s a confidence thing ,thinking my art isn’t good enough and I would be somehow spoiling a nice pad,probably lots of other people have been in this phase but you have given me the encouragement to get on Amazon and buy one..Thanks so much for sharing!❤
Thank you for such a useful video. I've taken you up on a couple of the beginner recommendations, but I'm sure I'll try some of the others later, except the Moleskine. Long before I retired I realised that their notebooks were more fashion accessory than useful work tool, so I assume the same applies to their sketchbooks.
Thank you for this great review, and thank you for including the Strathmore 400 series watercolor sketchbook. You're the first person I've seen actually talk about it. It's my go-to cellulose watercolor paper, and in my opinion, it's better than some cotton papers I've used. It really can take a beating. They also make a 100% cotton mixed media sketchbook, but I haven't tried it yet.
Thanks for a great review. I have used Moleskine for urban sketching and sketching in museums for years but on a trip to CASS Art they showed me a Pith sketchbook and I love it, great for pen and wash and minimal watercolour. I use Seawhite travel journals for serious watercolours, I prefer the texture to the similar Hahnemuhle although I prefer the cover on the Hahnemule! Now I'm going to try Strathmore and Stillman and Burns after seeing your review. My wife will kill me!
Thanks for all the work you put into the video. I'll definitely be trying a couple of the books you reviewed. I've also tried a Canson sketchbook but as I've only recently come to sketching and painting the jury is still out as to whether it will end up a favourite book. It's spiral bound which I'm not too keen on.
Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed seeing your artworks in your different sketchbooks. The Etchr sketchbooks are definitely one of my favourites, the cover is actually white canvas on purpose because it’s meant to be painted on. I always paint the cover with acrylics after I finish the sketchbook, it’s one of the things I enjoy the most about it.
Great advice Doug, going to try Pith, Arteza and Khadi. I have never used the Etcher as they are too expensive for my need. Tried Moleskine and I really didn’t like the paper. Using Seawhite, Strathmore and Stillman & Birn, love them all. Thank for your run down on sketchbooks.
Thanks for doing all the hard work. I have been using the Arteza pads and never even realised that the pages have different textures 😳Not much hope here eh!! Great to hear your unbiased views. And absolutely love your sketches. Cheers
Comprehensive or what! Really good, informative and well presented video; I do like the humour, tha knows. I have umpteen sketchbooks (much to the chagrin of my wife), from Etchr (not yet used, except for painting its little symbol on the front), Seawhite, Pith and the Baohomg Academy and Artist quality gummed pads. I have read so many negative reviews about Moleskine that I will not be purchasing that make. Now, how about a review on inks? From your recommendation I have a Lamy fountain pen and am not sure which ink I should buy.
I have used Royal Talens Art Creation books for sketching, watercolor and gouache for years and they are a fraction of the price of the books reviewed here. For instance my watercolor sketchbook cost around £6.
Thank you for the video! I find I am more spontaneous when I use a less expensive sketchbook- I don't feel like the picture has to be perfect or that I'm 'wasting' paper :) less 'fear of the blank page too.
Thanks Doug ~ very helpful and timely as I’m just about to buy a new sketch book for this year’s Inktober challenge. I used a L’Oiel one last year (A5) and liked it, but think it was a bit pricey. I’ve an unused A5 Moleskine on the shelf … am saving it until I feel worthy!
I clicked subscribe in under a minute. Love your sense of humour ❤ I’m a watercolour artist with over 30 years of experience, but as they say…”you never stop learning”. Not sure if they say it…or who “they” are. But I said it, so that’ll do 😂🥰🌻
Etchr is my favorite and I like that I can get it in both hot and cold press. The white cover is intended for your art work. A close second is the Stillman & Birn Beta series which is a slightly textured surface and their Zeta series is incredibly smooth and great for pen and ink.
Thanks Doug. A very useful video. I'm a complete novice and have tried a few cheap sketch books, but at the moment I'm using Seawhite and Pith. Love them both and I agree with you on the Pith books, they are really interesting and feel quite different and special. Thanks again.
This was really extensive, great comparisons, thanks! Now I want to try a few. Personally I'm a big fan of Kadhi. It has so much character to it. Great video, it was worth the wait 😂
Tried Khadi after watching one of your previous videos and its definitely my sketchbook of choice now. Lovely texture. Also a fan of the Seawhite of Brighton sketchbooks but everything seems a little boring after trying Khadi paper. Might give the Arteza pad a look now though.
Great video. When I finish this, I'll be ordering a copy of Pith sketchbooks. I have a custom-made journal that uses the same binding system, and it's my favorite journal after Elia, which uses Tomoe River paper and is better for fountain pens. As for my sketchbooks I'm not real picky as long as it's 100% cotton paper and the paper is heavy enough to take a light watercolor wash. I do prefer hardback or wire bound sketchbooks.
Nice review. I have a number of these sketchbooks, some I like more than others. I have the Khadi fat book which is so much fun to use. If you enjoy that, the Artway Indigo cotton rag sketchbooks are worth a try. Don’t knock the lighter weight paper sketchbooks. I regularly use Royal Talens Art Creations (cream coloured paper - 140gsm), as well as a Ryman soft cover (more off white than cream paper - 120gsm) and both are great for gouache, mixed media, some light wash, and neither has bleed through from my rohrer & klinger sketch ink. All relatively cheap and all come with an elastic strap. The best thing is I can resist becoming precious with them.
My go to sketchbook is the Arteza. The size is perfect for my bag, for leaving in the car or on a corner of my work desk. I get them from Amazon -Prime Day and Black Friday sales often have great sales on them for bundles. I just received a Baohung cold press sketchbook, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. I've used Baohung cold, hot and rough, in blocks and loose sheets and love them. For gifts that will be framed, I use Fabriano. I also have the Strathmore in a larger size.
Love my etchr hot pressed sketchbook the best but also like the strathmore and stillman and birn too zeta series as i prefer hot pressed textures as im really into detail and botanical type work.
I live in the town that manufacturers one of your favorite sketchbook and grew up close by to Bee Creative paper company. I guess that is why I love paper.
Congrats!!!! Nothing like your art on a Cover 👍👍👍🎉 … outstanding! Whew … though I was the only one who bought a Zeta by accident. Good to have a companion in that respect 😂 I’ve tried & have most of those (exceptions: Seabright & that new one) Etchr is actually a mixed media book which I find interesting because I consider Canson’s Montval mixed media to be excellent and a step above its Montval watercolor paper. It’s some of the best flowing water anything on the planet, imho. Problem is the economical ones are spiral, including the ArtBook lines. You’re definitely right about Hahnemule and S&B Beta … just awesome, hands down for watercolor. Strathmore is also at the top. Khadi is simply fun & unique. Some new ones (hardbound) to try out that I think beginners would like & won’t pocket pick …. Baohong, Speedball (200 gsm Red WC journal ) , Potentate / Lightwish, Tumuarta (25% cotton or 100% cotton ),
For a long time I’ve used the moleskine, I started with the sketch book and loved it because of its cream colored paper and I’ve even used a bit of water colors with it. Then I used their watercolor paper and liked it a lot as a beginner that doesn’t know a lot about watercolors. But recently I’ve been dissatisfied with their paper. I find it hard to get any real watercolor effects with it. So now I’m using stillman and burn and like it. I want to try the “khaki” paper you mentioned. There is another watercolor I’ve seen someone using, it’s speedball and it’s 300 gsm. Has a blue flower on the wrapping. The cover is like the Artizia one. I’m thinking of getting it. Have you ever tried it?
Thank you very much! This was a very comprehensive video and I really enjoy the way you explain things. I use mostly Canson (I don't enjoy it), because there's not much else I can get where I live. I have tried the Academy and Baohong papers and I like them a lot, but I haven't found them in sketchbook format... Also, I'm a begginer and wouldn't know much about this subject (except that it's really easy to tell between cellulose and cotton paper). Thanks again 😊🙏
I just got a Baohung sketchbook from Temu. Got it last night so I haven't had a chance to try it. I do have Baohung blocks in cold, hot and rough press.
Please consider moving away from UA-cam and Patreon. I’d love to become a supporter but can’t see Patreon’s garnishing relationship to creators. Substack? At least they are transparent about their revenue model.
Congrats on having your beautiful art featured on those paper pads! That’s awesome!
Thank you so much!
I like Seawhite, nice and smooth and white, I have them in all shapes , sizes and bindings, great if you're on a budget. When I find something I like I tend to stick to it. Moleskine is my least favourite. Nice to see your work on those products.
As a vegan who uses the hahnenmühle sketchbooks obsessively I can confirm they're not only amazing to paint on but they also taste delicious 😂
@@Achatfell Great to know for when the Zombie apocalypse finally happens. 🙌 😁
@@dougjacksonart All jokes aside, they're seriously my favorite sketchbooks of all time
Thanks for the comparison, I'm a fan of the Stillman and Burn small sketch books Beta series. Paper and soft cover is easier for walking around with my kit.
Totally agree! Great books 📚 👌
Brilliant review and summary. I think I’ve tried all except the Khadi and hi-end Etchr; the one I have used ( will have to check ) wasn’t very impressive. Thank you for your time and effort discussing all of these wonderful sketchbooks. And, your work is so very good. How about a book of your sketchbook favourites thus far? I’d buy it and I bet many others would too!
Thanks for sharing! That's a fabulous idea. Thanks for the I spiraling. 😁😁
Thanks Doug: your thoroughness, humour and photography are all much appreciated. Since you asked, the Pith books seem to use a Coptic stitch construction, which is an ancient form of binding as the name suggests that has become very on trend amongst small volume binders over the last ten years or so. Quite a few people make their own sketchbooks using this structure because it opens flat and you don't need anything much in the way of specialist equipment.
Cool, thanks. That's great to know. Glad you like the waffle. 😁😁😁
I've been using Hahnemuhle, Moleskine, and Rhodia. My experience is similar to yours. I'm in denial about the cost versus value of the Moleskine, but at least I get to hang out with the cool kids when I use it......
Hahnemuhle is the winner for me in terms of how it takes watercolor, and the Rhodia is great when I'm using fountain pens or graphite pencils.
I went to the Khadi website and I think I'll try one of their sketchbooks for watercolor, and maybe some of their loose sheets.
Thanks for the reviews!
You are most welcome. Thanks for the time taken to make your fabulous comment. Much appreciated 🙏 ☺
The Baohong sketchbooks both the hot and cold pressed are fantastic as well.
Thanks for the tip. I'll try those out.
Exactly the information I needed. Thank you! 😊
@@arabellaholzapfel2046 Fabulous. Thanks for your comment Arabella 😁
Well done Doug ,getting your art on those pads…what an achievement..you should be very proud of yourself!Very useful information here!I only have very cheap sketch pads that I dabble on and have always wanted a really nice proper pad lol!I think it’s a confidence thing ,thinking my art isn’t good enough and I would be somehow spoiling a nice pad,probably lots of other people have been in this phase but you have given me the encouragement to get on Amazon and buy one..Thanks so much for sharing!❤
Thanks Beverly. It's a great way of tracking your progress, that's for sure. 😁
Your artwork is amazing. Thank you for this video. I collect sketchbooks as well and can’t resist a new one
@@meryle.hawkins880 I know what you mean Meryle. They are just lovely things. So full of potential.
Thank you for such a useful video. I've taken you up on a couple of the beginner recommendations, but I'm sure I'll try some of the others later, except the Moleskine. Long before I retired I realised that their notebooks were more fashion accessory than useful work tool, so I assume the same applies to their sketchbooks.
They certainly don't seem popular in the comments
Thank you for this great review, and thank you for including the Strathmore 400 series watercolor sketchbook. You're the first person I've seen actually talk about it. It's my go-to cellulose watercolor paper, and in my opinion, it's better than some cotton papers I've used. It really can take a beating.
They also make a 100% cotton mixed media sketchbook, but I haven't tried it yet.
You are so welcome!
Very COOL seeing your art on the paper pads! Congratulations
Thank you so much!
Thanks for a great review. I have used Moleskine for urban sketching and sketching in museums for years but on a trip to CASS Art they showed me a Pith sketchbook and I love it, great for pen and wash and minimal watercolour. I use Seawhite travel journals for serious watercolours, I prefer the texture to the similar Hahnemuhle although I prefer the cover on the Hahnemule! Now I'm going to try Strathmore and Stillman and Burns after seeing your review. My wife will kill me!
Just get them delivered to a friends house...🤣🤣
Thanks for all the work you put into the video. I'll definitely be trying a couple of the books you reviewed. I've also tried a Canson sketchbook but as I've only recently come to sketching and painting the jury is still out as to whether it will end up a favourite book. It's spiral bound which I'm not too keen on.
Usefull info Jane. I need to tryvthe Cansun pads and paper. 👍
Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed seeing your artworks in your different sketchbooks. The Etchr sketchbooks are definitely one of my favourites, the cover is actually white canvas on purpose because it’s meant to be painted on. I always paint the cover with acrylics after I finish the sketchbook, it’s one of the things I enjoy the most about it.
Thanks for the tips! That's great to hear. 😁😁
I have to say, the Khadi books are immensely fun to paint on! Very tactile and unique.
Super yes. Totally agree.
Love the shot with the manikin and sketchbooks at 0:46 LOL clever.
Thanks. 😀
so VERY helpful !! thank you ! ☺💟❣💟❣
You are so welcome!
Great advice Doug, going to try Pith, Arteza and Khadi. I have never used the Etcher as they are too expensive for my need. Tried Moleskine and I really didn’t like the paper. Using Seawhite, Strathmore and Stillman & Birn, love them all. Thank for your run down on sketchbooks.
@@margaretsmith51 You are most welcome Margaret 😁😁
Thanks for doing all the hard work. I have been using the Arteza pads and never even realised that the pages have different textures 😳Not much hope here eh!! Great to hear your unbiased views. And absolutely love your sketches. Cheers
You are so welcome!
Comprehensive or what! Really good, informative and well presented video; I do like the humour, tha knows. I have umpteen sketchbooks (much to the chagrin of my wife), from Etchr (not yet used, except for painting its little symbol on the front), Seawhite, Pith and the Baohomg Academy and Artist quality gummed pads. I have read so many negative reviews about Moleskine that I will not be purchasing that make.
Now, how about a review on inks? From your recommendation I have a Lamy fountain pen and am not sure which ink I should buy.
I have thought about inks and will cover that at some point.
Very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to help us newbies out!
Glad it was helpful!
I have used Royal Talens Art Creation books for sketching, watercolor and gouache for years and they are a fraction of the price of the books reviewed here. For instance my watercolor sketchbook cost around £6.
Good tip. Thanks.
Thank you for the video! I find I am more spontaneous when I use a less expensive sketchbook- I don't feel like the picture has to be perfect or that I'm 'wasting' paper :) less 'fear of the blank page too.
I know exactly what you mean. I race through cheap sketchbooks but expensive ones take ages to fill up.
The A5 Seawhite watercolour travel journal also comes in portrait format but very few outlets seem to stock it…..I don’t know why
Good info Anne. I'll look out for one and I could do with a little portrait book
Great review, Doug!
So far, it's been Hahnemuhle for me but would like to give others a try.
@@hulamunki Great place to start!!
What a teaser! Looking forward to finding out your views.
Great information. I have tried several of the brands you reviewed. Liked the criteria you consider when selecting a sketchbook. Thanks Doug!
Glad it was helpful! 😁😁
Thanks Doug ~ very helpful and timely as I’m just about to buy a new sketch book for this year’s Inktober challenge. I used a L’Oiel one last year (A5) and liked it, but think it was a bit pricey. I’ve an unused A5 Moleskine on the shelf … am saving it until I feel worthy!
Glad it was helpful! You are always worthy Kate. 😁😁
I clicked subscribe in under a minute. Love your sense of humour ❤ I’m a watercolour artist with over 30 years of experience, but as they say…”you never stop learning”. Not sure if they say it…or who “they” are. But I said it, so that’ll do 😂🥰🌻
Awesome! Thank you!
Etchr is my favorite and I like that I can get it in both hot and cold press. The white cover is intended for your art work. A close second is the Stillman & Birn Beta series which is a slightly textured surface and their Zeta series is incredibly smooth and great for pen and ink.
Great Fiona. Thanks for your comment.
That’s awesome that your sketch is on a sketchbook. Congrats 💚💙💜
Thank you!! 😊
Thanks Doug. A very useful video. I'm a complete novice and have tried a few cheap sketch books, but at the moment I'm using Seawhite and Pith. Love them both and I agree with you on the Pith books, they are really interesting and feel quite different and special. Thanks again.
You're very welcome!😆😁
Thank you! Great information for a beginner.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks!
No problem!
This was really extensive, great comparisons, thanks! Now I want to try a few. Personally I'm a big fan of Kadhi. It has so much character to it.
Great video, it was worth the wait 😂
Thanks for watching!
Tried Khadi after watching one of your previous videos and its definitely my sketchbook of choice now. Lovely texture. Also a fan of the Seawhite of Brighton sketchbooks but everything seems a little boring after trying Khadi paper. Might give the Arteza pad a look now though.
Thank you so much Gary. Those Khadi Sketchbooks are very charming.
Great video. When I finish this, I'll be ordering a copy of Pith sketchbooks. I have a custom-made journal that uses the same binding system, and it's my favorite journal after Elia, which uses Tomoe River paper and is better for fountain pens. As for my sketchbooks I'm not real picky as long as it's 100% cotton paper and the paper is heavy enough to take a light watercolor wash. I do prefer hardback or wire bound sketchbooks.
Thanks Gary. I too prefer a handbook rather than a wire one. A good reccomendation. Thanks.
Nice review. I have a number of these sketchbooks, some I like more than others. I have the Khadi fat book which is so much fun to use. If you enjoy that, the Artway Indigo cotton rag sketchbooks are worth a try. Don’t knock the lighter weight paper sketchbooks. I regularly use Royal Talens Art Creations (cream coloured paper - 140gsm), as well as a Ryman soft cover (more off white than cream paper - 120gsm) and both are great for gouache, mixed media, some light wash, and neither has bleed through from my rohrer & klinger sketch ink. All relatively cheap and all come with an elastic strap. The best thing is I can resist becoming precious with them.
Thanks Fiona. Great info that thanks so much. 👍
Great video and info, Doug !! 🤩🤗
Thanks! 👍
Well done sir. I just subscribed. Great reviews.
Much appreciated!
Interesting video 😎
Glad you think so!
My go to sketchbook is the Arteza. The size is perfect for my bag, for leaving in the car or on a corner of my work desk. I get them from Amazon -Prime Day and Black Friday sales often have great sales on them for bundles. I just received a Baohung cold press sketchbook, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. I've used Baohung cold, hot and rough, in blocks and loose sheets and love them. For gifts that will be framed, I use Fabriano. I also have the Strathmore in a larger size.
I really need to try Baohung. They seem pretty popular.
Great review, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant, thank you!
You're very welcome!
Love my etchr hot pressed sketchbook the best but also like the strathmore and stillman and birn too zeta series as i prefer hot pressed textures as im really into detail and botanical type work.
Fabulous...so many sketchbook lovers. 😁😁
Very informative and interesting!
Glad you think so!
I live in the town that manufacturers one of your favorite sketchbook and grew up close by to Bee Creative paper company. I guess that is why I love paper.
That makes sense 🤔 😀
Congrats!!!! Nothing like your art on a Cover 👍👍👍🎉 … outstanding!
Whew … though I was the only one who bought a Zeta by accident. Good to have a companion in that respect 😂 I’ve tried & have most of those (exceptions: Seabright & that new one)
Etchr is actually a mixed media book which I find interesting because I consider Canson’s Montval mixed media to be excellent and a step above its Montval watercolor paper. It’s some of the best flowing water anything on the planet, imho. Problem is the economical ones are spiral, including the ArtBook lines.
You’re definitely right about Hahnemule and S&B Beta … just awesome, hands down for watercolor. Strathmore is also at the top. Khadi is simply fun & unique.
Some new ones (hardbound) to try out that I think beginners would like & won’t pocket pick …. Baohong, Speedball (200 gsm Red WC journal ) , Potentate / Lightwish, Tumuarta (25% cotton or 100% cotton ),
Fabulous tips here. Thanks so much 🙏 😀
For a long time I’ve used the moleskine, I started with the sketch book and loved it because of its cream colored paper and I’ve even used a bit of water colors with it. Then I used their watercolor paper and liked it a lot as a beginner that doesn’t know a lot about watercolors. But recently I’ve been dissatisfied with their paper. I find it hard to get any real watercolor effects with it. So now I’m using stillman and burn and like it.
I want to try the “khaki” paper you mentioned.
There is another watercolor I’ve seen someone using, it’s speedball and it’s 300 gsm. Has a blue flower on the wrapping. The cover is like the Artizia one. I’m thinking of getting it. Have you ever tried it?
Wonderful info. Lots of people agreeing about that Moleskin paper. I'll check out the Speedball pads.
Thank you very much! This was a very comprehensive video and I really enjoy the way you explain things.
I use mostly Canson (I don't enjoy it), because there's not much else I can get where I live. I have tried the Academy and Baohong papers and I like them a lot, but I haven't found them in sketchbook format... Also, I'm a begginer and wouldn't know much about this subject (except that it's really easy to tell between cellulose and cotton paper).
Thanks again 😊🙏
I just got a Baohung sketchbook from Temu. Got it last night so I haven't had a chance to try it. I do have Baohung blocks in cold, hot and rough press.
Amazon also has 2 sizes of the Baohong watercolor sketchbooks (Cold & Hot press). The 4x6 cold press sells out quickly tho’.
You're very welcome! I need to try the Baohung paper.
Amazon has size A6 Hahnemuhle 100% cotton - 140/300 watercolor sketchbook for $17. - Thank you fit this video & info 🙏❤
Thanks for the tip!
Have you ever tried BEECHMORE BOOKS Art Sketch Book, they are cream colored paper but the quality of paper is good.
No I haven't but will have a google. Thanks
Excellent review, thanks Doug. Especially moleskin, I find the paper breaks up, it's awful
Agreed. I don't even like them for note taking.
You and me both!
So, you recommend . . . everything?
Everywhere...ALL AT ONCE!! 🤣🤣
@@dougjacksonart It's so hard to maintain perspective, painting with hotdog fingers :)
👍
😁😁
❤❤❤❤
😁😁😁
✌❤👍
😁😁
Are you testing my patience 😂
Please consider moving away from UA-cam and Patreon. I’d love to become a supporter but can’t see Patreon’s garnishing relationship to creators. Substack? At least they are transparent about their revenue model.
Thanks for for you advice. Certainly worth thinking about.
I’ve seen people using Substack instead of Patreon, what’s the difference?