Best Sketchbooks for Watercolor
Papers are as abundant as sand on the beach.
Finding the right sketchbook that ultimately brings you the results you desire can sometimes be easier said than done.
Over the years, I've experimented with various sketchbooks, and in this article, I'll reveal the ones that have truly won me over.
In Part 1 of the article, I'll share crucial tips for choosing your sketchbook, and in Part 2, you'll discover my favorite sketchbooks and the reasons behind my choices.
Paper and its characteristics
In the captivating world of drawing and painting plants, selecting the right paper is a crucial step.
In the first part of this article, I'll list the characteristics you should consider when choosing your paper or sketchbooks.
Paper Weight
My first piece of advice is to choose watercolor paper with a minimum weight of 300 g/m² (also 300gsm).
This weight provides your artwork with the necessary stability, preventing unwanted deformations.
It also absorbs water well, reducing the risk of unpleasant effects on the back of the page.
Surface Texture
The paper's surface texture significantly influences the final outcome of your sketchbook entries.
Consider which texture suits your style – rough, smooth, or hot-pressed.
For freer and more casual sketches, a coarser paper might bring satisfaction, while, for detailed sketches, hot-pressed papers are my personal preference.
Dependent on Technique
Consider the technique you use. Do you work solely with watercolors, or do you prefer mixed media?
Thicker papers with a smooth surface are versatile and eliminate the need for switching sketchbooks when experimenting with different techniques.
Bindings/Cover
There are different covers or bindings for sketchbooks: hardcover, softcover, ring binding...
Your choice depends on your preferred sketching technique.
There's no right or wrong – it's all about personal preference.
Sizes
The beauty of sketchbooks lies in their various formats and sizes – portrait, landscape, square, A3 to A6, and even mini accordion-style sketchbooks.
Smaller formats are charming, especially for beginners.
They're easier to fill, both individual pages and the entire book, making them less intimidating for newcomers.
Paper Color
The paper color can also have a significant impact.
Experiment with different tones to see which complements your plant creations best, considering the colors you prefer to use.
Whether you love vibrant colors on white paper, or you prefer a monochromatic style on brown or gray paper, the choice is yours.
Remember, these decisions are part of your creative journey.
Be adventurous, and discover which paper suits your individual style and preferred technique.
My 4 Favorites for Botanical Sketching
What ties all my favorites together is their suitability for both watercolor and ink/graphite.
This is important to me as I prefer the simplicity of sticking to one sketchbook.
Here are my top picks with smooth/satin paper surfaces, perfect for botanical painting:
Hahnemühle ZigZag
The Hahnemühle ZigZag is a sketchbook in accordion format, meaning it has a fold-out design. It consists of 18 pages, and you can even beautifully paint on the backside.
The paper features a fine surface texture and has a weight of 300 g/m².
Out of all the accordion sketchbooks I've personally tried, the ZigZag stands out. I don't see any reason to look for another one.
It's incredibly enjoyable, very convenient, and the quality has truly won me over.
It's like the perfect companion for unleashing your creativity!
Hahnemühle Watercolour Book
What surprised me positively about the Hahnemühle Watercolour Book is that despite its 200 g/m², it's remarkably sturdy and absorbent.
This 60-page sketchbook comes in various sizes, from A6 to A4, and is available in both landscape and portrait orientations.
The paper has a fine-grained texture.
Although I don't use it as frequently as my other sketchbooks, I can still say it's a beautiful sketchbook.
I highly recommend it, especially for someone who prefers dry watercolor techniques.
Clairefontaine Fontaine Aquarellbuch
The Clairefontaine Fontaine Watercolor Book is my absolute go-to for outdoor sketching.
It boasts satin-finish paper with 300 gsm, comes in a durable hardcover, and includes 24 sheets.
What's really cool about the Fontaine Watercolor Book is its beautiful white linen binding that you can customize with watercolors, adding a personal touch to the exterior of your sketchbook. (It's so much fun!)
And here's a fun twist – the different book formats also include either postcards, business cards (both for you to personalize, of course), or even blotting paper.
#NiceFeature
Stillman & Birn Zeta-Serie
One faithful companion on my artistic journey is the Zeta Sketchbook from Stillman & Birn.
It was my very first sketchbook for botanical painting. I see it as a perpetual sketchbook where I work on finer details in a more subdued manner.
The Zeta has a weight of 270 gsm, is satin-finished, and is available in softcover, hardcover, and ring-bound options.
So, if you already know that softcover or ring binding is important to you, definitely give the Stillman & Birn Zeta a try!
Of course, this sketchbook is also available in various sizes and formats.
Personally, I lean towards the softcover in the 20.3 x 25.3 cm size with 28 sheets from the series.
It's like having a reliable friend by your side on your creative journey.
No matter which sketchbook you choose, you can't go wrong. All these models are versatile and have never disappointed me, whether I'm sketching indoors or outdoors.
Get your sketchbook and start creating!
In diesem Sinne: Happy painting.
