Strathmore Watercolor Travel Journal ✶ First Impressions
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- In this video I'll show you (up-close) how the paint and ink looks on the Strathmore Watercolor Travel Journal, and share my thoughts about using it for the first time.
I wanted a portrait style, soft cover, 100% cotton sketchbook, and this one checks all the boxes! Mine is the 7x10 inch which I find to be the perfect size.
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Hi! Watching the close up on applying watercolor to the paper helped me a lot in deciding whether or not to buy this sketchbook. Thanks a lot!
Sarah
I do a great deal of line and wash en plain air. Like you, I found that although my uni-pins were water and fade proof, they wore down very quickly.
Last Christmas, my two grandsons gifted me a TWISBI fine nib art fountain pen and, most importantly, a 60ml bottle of Platinum Carbon Ink. Now, I simply fill my pen before I go out to sketch and take my cheap water brushes and “portable painter” with me. Problem solved and it also means I have very little to carry.
Hope that this helps.
I will look into that, thank you!
I would suggest a muji fountain pen. It is a very small and handy to carry pen with a nice grip and most importantly very durable! The twsbi is bigger and too fragile to carry around because it breaks very easily and you will have 1,5ml of waterproof ink in your bag (because it doesn't use ink cartridges or converters).
I love twsbi fountain pens for writing, but they stay at home. They are not travel friendly at all.
Another example of a travel friendly and sturdy build pen is a kaweco brass sport fountain pen. A pocket pen and great to carry but the muji is 20-25 euro and the kaweco brass sport is 60-80 euro. My 2 cents 😊
If you want a very fine point that doesn’t wear out I recommend something like an inexpensive Pilot Kakuna fountain pen with Extra Fine nib. I got into fountain pens through drawing and hardly ever use a fine liner anymore and am glad it is more environmentally friendly, especially when using bottled ink (lots of colors and waterproof or water soluble). Note that the Extra Fine nibs in Japanese brands like Pilot or Platinum are finer than European ones.
I always seem to forget about fountain pens lol...I have a few...but not sure if my ink is waterproof! Can you even use waterproof ink in them or does it clog up?
Can’t use India ink in fountain pens, but DeAtramentis Document series of inks are waterproof and have many colors. I love the brown for any kind of nature sketching. SketchINK is also a good brand and cheaper. Haven’t had any clogging problem so long as they are in fairly regular usage.
Liz Steel, an artist and urban sketcher in Australia, has a good series on her blog about fountain pens for sketchers. All the basics you need to know.
@@arlenealennox3136 I actually followed her a while ago and bought some pens she uses but didn't like them. I realizes the pen world is a deep rabbit hole I havent explored!
That rabbit hole is there waiting for you! I teetered around the edge for a few years and then fell in. Liz isn’t into extra fine, so as I said, try a Japanese extra fine.
Yay! A watercolor video! Beautiful art, beautiful video with beautiful soothing music. A win, win, win after a busy Saturday morning filled with errands. Thank you Sarah.
I'm glad it can help you relax 😌
Try the platinum preppy fountain pen with carbon ink cartridges, I love it!
This is one of my fav journals! Walmart use to carry them in the US and when they switched art supply brands I was able to get 15 of the 5x8 for $2 each! I slip them into a leather cover with a lined journal and my calendar
What a fun name lol! I will check it out!
I’ve been very happy with those sketchbooks too! I haven’t seen anyone else give them a try.
Mind of Watercolor did a video about it too, that's how I first saw it!
Faber Castell pens are great! They have many sizes and are wonderful to sketch with :)
For waterproof and fade proof fine liner, I use Pigma Micron, they have 005, 01, 02, 03, 05.
they have a 003 too. its the finest pen i've used. Micron pens are the best. they're super reliable. the really fine pens wont survive rough paper though. not come across a super fine pen that does. but they're affordable so that helps
Hmm..so maybe I should be looking for roller-ball style pens
You can take the nib out and flip it over. Idk how those specific pens come apart, but try to take the metal part with the nib off. Then pull out the nib and flip it over. You can refill them this way. And if you can find a nib that fits like from cheap pens or something, you can replace them.
Thanks, i'll have to try this sketchbook. With regards to ink i can recommend a muji fountain pen or platinum carbon desk fountain pen with waterproof ink. Both are a fine nib size. For ink you can use platinum carbon black or Rohrer & Klingner sketch ink (various colours). There are more waterproof fountain pen inks of course but they are for writing. And also, the sizing of watercolor paper makes it that it has to dry a bit before it has attached itself to the paper enough for you to paint over. The carbon black and sketch inks are the best to use for on the go, urban sketching or plein air 😊 the carbon black ink does stain your pen (hard to clean because waterproof) so i only use it with one specific pen for sketching
The Muji seems popular..I need to check it out.
I've got a pen recommendation!! Try the "Uni-ball Vision Micro" or in some countries it's called the "Uni-ball Eye". It's waterproof with a tiny ballpoint. I've got the 0.38, and I believe it comes in a 0.5 as well. I've just discovered it myself and it works SOO much better on wc paper!!😁 The Uni-ball Air is supposed to be a pretty good option as well, but I haven't tried that one.
Hope this help!💗
Hi have a few uniballs but so far haven't found the tiny ones. I need to look into that
The perfect relaxing, Sunday morning video. Thank you! Always lovely to watch you working on your paintings.
My pleasure 😊
Hi Sarah. Bit late to this video. Loved this review and the process.
Don't beat yourself up too much regarding the W & N fine liners. I bought a complete set fairly recently and the three smallest sized tips were destroyed in no time, so I don't think they're particularly sturdy.
My go-to fibre fineliners have been Pigma Micron, which are terrific, but more recently I've been using Uni-Pin fine liners. Very hardy for use on watercolour paper and also come in two useful shades of grey in all sizes (smallest I tend to use for pen and watercolour sketching are 0.5 and 0.1). The Pigma ones I use as small as 0.05.
Hope this helps, but I'm sure that you're streets ahead of this by now.
Yea I gave up on the W&N, I think they are suited for completely smooth paper. I like the Uni-Pin as well. They also make Posca which I love
Try the Uni pin waterproof markers they come in black grey and sepia. They last a very long time too. And points from .005- 0.8. They’re my favorite and I won’t use anything else. But if you can’t get those there, then try Staedtler. Theirs are also good.
Do you use them on rough watercolor paper?
Copic Multiliner SP are refillable and also have replaceable nibs which you can get for appox. $4 depending on size.
I've settled on the rOtring isograph and totally in love with it!
This was a lovely video to end my afternoon thank you 😊
So sorry to hear you lost a whole pen in one sitting. ☕️☀️💋
Oh it wasn't in one sitting, it was a few. But still! Too fast
If any, I'd suggest Faber-Castell Pitt Artist :). I'm a lefty, I tend to be crampy and heavy-handed and those are the ones that frayed the less for me. They're also Indian ink, hence water resistant and lightfast, you can buy singles or packs with different sizes in them (XS would be the closest to your .1 liner there) and even though don't come in many more additional colours like Sakura Pigma Microns, Derwent liners or the Shinhan ones, they come in black, sanguine, sepia and if your lucky charcoal grey (I'd bet the sepia ones would go real well with your nature sketches :3)
I do like the Fabers, they feel stronger.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLOKI!!!!. I love your cats there so cute.
Micron is my favorite brand for pen
You do such a great job of explaining your process, including your assessment of your materials. I always pick up useful info.
Good I'm glad! 👍
I kill felt tip pens all too quickly on paper with little tooth, so I feel your pain in how quickly those pens can loose their nibs. I have found that I prefer dip pens and ink because the metal nibs take so much longer to wear down. I also have tried the Tombow Fudonoske brush tip pens and those aren't bad but I still prefer my dip pens. However, dip pens aren't the most travel friendly. ^^;
I love how you share your process and talk about the materials you use, it's incredibly interesting to hear another artist's thoughts.
I have a bunch of dip pens too and those are the BEST in the studio. I am on the hunt for something more portable and travel friendly.
I can recommend the Platinum Carbon pen. It is a fountain pen w cartridges w absolutely waterproof in and the tip is really fine. I use it all the time for ink work and for inking over watercolour. It is a bit long but I took a knife and cut it down to normal size, didn’t har the pen at all. It is also not at all expensive and will last forever-you just have to buy new cartriges and those are not expensive either. I used to use the Pigma Micron (?) pen, but they wore out far too quickly and became in the long run too expensive compared w the Carbon Pen. Go an look at Cult Pens-that is a great shop and they ship very quickly. I usually have my pens in teo days, and I live in Sweden!😉👍
Lovely watercolour!!
Thanks for the tip!
I recommend the rOtring isograph technical pens. I just learned about these recently myself and after using them i am literally yelling about them to anyone who will listen. They aren't exactly cheap, but they are refillable, and they have a metal tip so they wont wear down on paper. i've had no trouble using them on my cold press etchr books, though thye are very responsive so beware a shakey hand. If you look after them, i think they could last you several years. the rOtring ink is also very fast drying, dark and waterproof!
personally a must have for anyone who uses liners in their work often, its a worthy investment in my opinion, but worth doing a little bit of research before hand.
Yes I bought one of those and really love it. I already broke a couple nibs lol
I use the Strathmore 500 Multi Media Sketchbooks for plein air. They have 100% cotton paper with a cold press textured surface with the same hold out treatment they give their watercolor paper as far as I can discern (I forgot the specific name for that process) which is why the 500 is my favorite paper. I haven’t discovered the difference between this paper and the paper designated as specifically cotton watercolor paper with the notable exception being price. The multi media books are much less expensive, come in handy size choices for plein air use thus I never hesitate to drag them out and about. I use the Strathmore 500 watercolor paper precuts at home. Full sheets can be secured from various art supply shops. For sketch pens I do have some micro fine tip ones and prefer to use generic waterproof ones I find for cheap on Amazon since like you discovered they do not last long on textured paper. New subbie.
Hmm I'll have to check out the 500 Multi Media Sketchbooks and compare! But I love this one a lot
I had the same issue with winsor and Newton fine liners. I actually really love the uni Mitsubishi fineliners.
Maybe they are just too weak for WC paper!
Your hobbit home came out beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this. I've been looking at this journal and wondered how it performed.
I have been loving it!!
I love my Copic Multiliner SP pens - they come in a bunch of sizes and the aluminum ones have replaceable cartridges and replaceable nibs! They are a little pricier to start with but being able to refill and replace the nibs as needed is great - I hate throwing out plastic pens :( - and they have a nice weight in the hand with the metal barrel
Thank you! I'll check those out
Thank you for an enjoyable video.
I actually got some of these sketchbooks in two different WalMarts in the Central Florida, USA area. A few months later, in a different WalMart they were marked clearance. It did surprise me to get 100% cotton paper in WalMart.
That's awesome! I noticed mine were shipped from overseas...which is funny because apparently the paper is made here!
Now that you have used your micro palette for a while, I would love to see you comment/ do a short video? on both the micro and the pocket palette......pros of one over the other, preferences, etc.
Good idea!
Big fan of your content and wish I could migrate over seas as well. Definitely my goal. Always wanted to be a full time artist. Not ready just yet. You give me inspiration to push on. Thank you
Best of luck!
The struggle is real! I've been using Micron pens. But, yeah, the tips get chewed up especially since I like the .005 😫. I am also on the hunt for a good extra fine tip. I have several fountain pens, nib pens, glass pens, extra fine sharpies, bamboo, etc. I'm trying out whatever I can get my hands on.
I suppose its a long journey of discovery for all of us 😅
Very beautiful your work. Lovely
I have visited the hobbit holes. My parents live near them in NZ. Super expensive tickets to see them but definitely a great place for more inspiration to paint. If you get a chance to visit NZ I would definitely recommend it. Anyway I thought I would mention it as I have seen you paint hobbit holes a few times. Thanks for sharing this beautiful painting!
Its on my bucket list! NZ in general is
The best truly waterproof pen that I've discovered is Acruit Professional Waterproof Technical Pen. I have the WN ones that you are using and they did bleed some when I put water over them. Jerry's Artarama has these quite reasonably priced. Make sure you get the Prof. Technical, they have another that isn't waterproof. ..This is such a lovely painting, you always inspire me and I'm glad to know how the Strathmore journal works . Thanks for sharing, Sarah.
Oh thanks Nancy! I will look into that one
@@SarahBurnsStudio I hope you can try one. I buy them in boxes of 12, really makes them reasonably priced, to share with my grandchildren. They all are into various forms of sketching and water media.
Just found you! A great video and now off to watch more of your excellent work.
Awesome, thank you!
This is so peaceful 🥰
Glad you think so!
Also I use unipin fine line pens. It says they are water and fade proof and they come in a range of nib sizes!
Noted!
Thanks for this beautiful video!
Glad you liked it!
I use hot press paper with pens.
I use a micron pens there's a bit of a dry time but I usually not noticed it as I tend to go in right after the line work.
Lots of people recommending those! But I'm leaning away from the felt tips
I use the Micron .005, 01, 02, 03, they also don’t last too long. I like technical pens but don’t like the hassle of filling, cleaning etc.
Yea I'm kinda on the fence with technical pens
Very inspiring channel!
Thank you!
Glad you enjoy it!
On watercolour paper I use a fine tipped gel pen. They have steel nib so won’t wear down on rough paper. Otherwise the Fabre castel uni pin waterproof ink pens are good 0.1 nib size
Thank you! Is there a brand who makes those?
@@SarahBurnsStudio yes Uni signo has a 0.38 nib. I bought mine from Jetpens. www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-UM-151-Gel-Pen-0.38-mm-Black/pd/306
beautiful. is this sketch from memory? u are so talented
I just made it up as I went, I've painted lots of hobbit homes in the past so my internal visual library is quite full 😄
Uni ball micro deluxe. Waterproof and NOT felt tip. Great for CP paper. I use it alot on Arches Rough.
I have a micro, but I wonder the difference of the deluxe
Ok weird question...most places here say they are discontinued..but i found one place selling a box of 12. I noticed the description says ".5mm tip, max line width .2mm" - i wondered if you had any insights, is the light super thin? that's what I'm looking for but don't want to commit to 12 without knowing! lol
Gorgeous work Sarah! I also use this sketchbook on days when I'm hiking really long (all day tough hikes) because it's flat and light and can fit in my backpack. I don't *love* the paper and still tend to use my small handmade sketchbooks (which you saw when I came to Scotland) since those are still light and small but have better quality paper. I've become such a paper snob, but I noticed it really makes such a huge difference for me when I'm out painting. As for pens, I am also still on the hunt for something that doesn't wear down on watercolor paper since I tend to use a lot of ink with watercolor. I'll keep an eye out in your comments if anyone has any ideas!
I still haven't tested out a proper landscape on this paper, but will soon. If I get my shit together I could teach myself how to bind my arches paper like this Strathmore because it looks pretty basic...
@@SarahBurnsStudio I have made/bound my own journals w Arches before. I honestly like the smoother cheaper paper (moleskin) for plein air. It just is easier for the pen portion.
I’m heavy handed with my nibs on watercolor paper, microns are cheep and accessible where I live (USA)
BEAUTIFUL……….KITTY GETTING BIG,AWWWW
That looks amazing. It looks like a childrens version of ”The Hobbit”. The way You make those hobbit Doors, can tell us You’ve made them thousands of time. 😜🤪. I look forward to a new video and when You wanna do Streaming again. It’s nice to have that laid back company and I can choose how active I wanna be in the chat.
Thank you so much 😀
Flokie got over his snip snip it looks like...not snubbing you at least😻
He's doing just fine :)
Awesome❤
Faber Castle pens. They have different size nibs and the really small nibs. They are water proof.
Noted!
I love the Strathmore travel journals! Have you tried the Stablo travel easel for watercolor?
No but a few people have mentioned it to me.
@@SarahBurnsStudio I just recently got mine and it's really convient, and it's really light and compact. Great for plein air painting.
I love watercolor brushes and use them at home or plein air. Our climate is so dry that they keep my paper from drying out immediately.
Did you draw this Hobbit Hole from memory or do you have a copyright-free photo? I have painted some befor in my sketchbook, but they’re not copyright-free, so I can’t post then]m nowhere.
I draw them from memory. It's pretty simple..just a round door and quirky hillside features :D
Happy day to kitty! I am not familiar with the water brush you are using! What is it called? :) Beautiful work as always, Sarah.
It was just a random one I picked up in an art store ages ago. It's not very good!
Just wondering if the disc bound system (Happy Planner) would work for you to make it easier to make your own sketchbook? I think it would worth a try ☺️
I used ring binder when I made my own sketchbook and It was ...OK. but not as nice as this
Sarah what was the roll artist chair you use I've tried to look on Amazon for something like that just to get price and put on my xmas art wish list it has a umbrella attachment also but is that purchased separately....
It's the Guerrilla Painter chair/umbrella
I am Team Macron pens. I have those for ages and they work on just about anything. Pentels got ruined after first use and since they dont come that cheap that was a bummer. So Micron and Uniballs it is LOL. Im still not certain on my favorite paper. Strathmore rarely disapoints. Fabriano is not my fancy thing. As for 100% Cotton I adore Paul Rubens blocks Im hoarding those like crazy. It is affordable yet decent. Nothing tips arches but I dont have the budget to buy those all the time. Id say Rubens is a nice alternative. Some drool over fabriano artistico and Im just not feeling the drool. Maybe its a paper that needs more practise. I Love Hahnemuhle as well but nothing triggers my halleluia just yet. Maybe in time,lol
I love all your insights and agree with a lot! Except I haven't tried the Paul Rubens...now I'm curious!
@@SarahBurnsStudio Not being sponsord by any means ( I wish: Hello if one is reading,LOL ) the only trouble Paul rubens has is the first page sometimes being stained? But I use it for cards so I just cut to size.
@@joyfulldj hmm OK. Have you used their sketchbook?
@@SarahBurnsStudio Hahnemule has decent sketchbooks, though I gues decent is personal preference, as for rubens no I haven't, neither for etcher as I have some paper left and want to finish some sketchbooks first. But next to try is Etchr.
I love my etchr sketchbooks!