Finally! Arches Makes a Watercolor Paper JOURNAL!

Those who know and LOVE Arches paper will be excited to hear that the company now makes a spiral bound watercolor journal!
In this video I'm sharing my thoughts on the Arches journal and creating my first painting in its pages!
If you like my style of teaching and want to take your watercolor skills to the next level, (and want the REAL TIME version of this bird painting tutorial!) become a Watercolor Mastery Member! ➡️ watercolormastery.com/wmsp
Download my FREE Watercolor Jump Start Guide ➡️ watercolormastery.com/jumpsta...
AND...grab my FREE 24 page Watercolor Pet Colors Ebook Guide ➡️ watercolormastery.com/pet-col...
If you enjoy this video, please give it a 👍!
❤ SUBSCRIBE if you're new to my channel & click on the bell 🔔 so you never miss a new video.
Also, feel free to leave comments below; I read each and every one. 😀
Follow me on Instagram @e_olson_art
In this video I'm using a very special handmade bamboo handle brush by Tracy Lebenzon. If you want to use brushes that are as unique as your own artwork is (and hold an incredible point!), check these out! Use code EMILY for 20% off. Click here to view the brushes ➡️ Web site: www.lebenzon-paintbrushes.com
Company Brochure: www.lebenzon-paintbrushes.com...
International shipping, too!
My handmade Arches paper journal is by ArtsiRosi on Etsy ➡️ www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsiRosi
Here is a full list of products mentioned in this video:
🎨 Arches Watercolor Travel Journal - 6" x 10", 15 Sheets ➡️ www.tkqlhce.com/click-9110133...
🎨 Daniel Smith Half Pan Watercolor Set - Ultimate Mixing Set ➡️ www.jdoqocy.com/click-9110133...
🖌️ Lebenzon Handmade Bamboo Handle Brushes - Small Diameter Brown Synthetic Brush With 3/4 Inch Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle ➡️ lebenzon-paintbrushes.com/pro...
🎨 Blick Artist's Tape ➡️ www.tkqlhce.com/click-9110141-...
🎨 Pebeo Drawing Gum - 45 ml bottle ➡️ www.anrdoezrs.net/click-91101...
🎥 Film & Editing Gear 🎞️
- Canon EOS R Plus RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit ➡️ amzn.to/3pC8mR9
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens ➡️ amzn.to/35uGlUS
- Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens ➡️ amzn.to/3MlGdYl
- Studio Lights ➡️ amzn.to/2Tz1xib
- Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod ➡️ amzn.to/3sNshi8
- Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH ➡️ amzn.to/35QTU0w
- pangshi 11inch Adjustable Articulating Friction Magic Arm ➡️ amzn.to/3CkT73X
- Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone ➡️ amzn.to/3tA3nBr
- RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm ➡️ amzn.to/3vIfgbb
- Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator ➡️ amzn.to/3tz3rl5
- Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Please note, some of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This allows me to continue creating helpful and entertaining free content! I only recommend products that I use and love.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Emily! I share your enthusiasm. When you're painting on Arches you know it don't you? So glad to see these journals again. They used to make them some years ago. They also used to make a hardbound version. Wish they would bring that one back too.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Steve, thanks for swinging by my channel! Yep, it’s the best paper! I didn’t know they used to make a hard cover journal. I agree-it needs to come back! 😄

[@bleuvertetforetdepin7308]

Dear Steve and Emily, would you bless us with a colab? That would be something epic for the watercolor KZbin game 😌.

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@bleuvertetforetdepin7308 That would be epic. I can't think of anyone better to do it with.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Ok we’re gonna have to make it happen! 😉

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@EmilyOlsonArt OH fun! Let’s. At the very least I want to interview you.

[@traceymars]

Thanks! I think this is a good travel sized journal! Bought it from blick after watching this!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Wonderful!

[@JadeScarlett]

Arches has had a journal like this for many years. They just changed the cover and marketed as new. I have one that I bought more than ten years ago 😊

[@ramosanaliz91]

I took my arches watercolor paper to staples to get it bound lol looks just like the one arches now sells, but I agree, they could have put more thought into the covers 😏

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Smart idea!

[@annenglish2935]

Yeah!!! Thanks 😊 for sharing this!!! I'm thrilled to hear Staples does this!!! And they do spiral bound! Awesome!!!

[@ladyhollman9534]

It’s a Travel Journal. Made for us to take them out and about, on vacation, etc. And yep, home / class use is a very good thing too. I bought 2 during a Blick sale when they dropped to a similar price as the 12 sheet W&N spiral. I do a lot of Urban Sketching & usually in a regular bound WC Journal. It’s nice that I don’t have to go across 2 pages for long scenes due to the dimensions; however, note that the back is of a different texture than the front. Still excellent but finer …Hot Press maybe for pen friendliness? (Of course, you aren’t going across pages in a spiral anyway.😊) Perfect to take on a trip and if you have a need use both sides, that’s 30 drawings / paintings…more than enough. I like it. Excellent painting 👍 Thanks.

[@violettahaven3706]

I know they use to make books like this a few years ago, but they were only available in Europe. The cover was different though. Glad they are back and available here.

[@maryannegunter115]

I like this, I use arches exclusively and glad to see another product. I often cut my 9x12 sheets in half. Thank you Emily

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That’s so resourceful! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Shuvah2Him]

my fav paer company!

[@annenglish2935]

Can you paint on both sides? Glad someone mentioned Staples makes the same type of journal with your own paper!!! Thank 😊 you for sharing! And yes, you and Steve from MOW would be great having a video together ❤️

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, you can paint on both sides with no noticeable difference. Thanks for your comment! 🙌

[@annenglish2935]

Thank 😊 you!

[@Saahrish]

They can do a little better for journal. Maybe in future they might release more options. I prefer buying sheets and cutting them to smaller sizes. Haven’t made a journal or a sketchbook out of it yet. Love the painting. Its so beautiful! Thank you so much for always mentioning the color mixes and the colors you are using. Its such a big help for someone like me who lives where limited colors of Winsor and Newton professional watercolors are available. Your tutorials and the watercolor mastery has helped me pick colors(that I would use) while ordering from abroad. I’m still waiting for your must have colors in your palette video 🙈

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yay! So glad you liked the video! And having a limited selection of paints is better, in my opinion-you get really familiar with your colors and can create harmonious artworks. :-)

[@JuJuForREAL]

Omfggg 😂 I was just about to make one 😅😮‍💨 thank goodness

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

So enjoyed your painting. Your style is brilliant! Love the way the splashes and water drops turned out. This was so delightful to see and trust one day, my talent will be as good as this. Thanks too for sharing about arches and the journal. They really do have the very best paper. This was my first time seeing your work. I guarantee, I will be back to see more!✨🧡✨

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I appreciate that so much!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Hmm 🤔 on further looking it looks like a regular “pad” not a “journal”

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yep pretty basic!

[@maryhazlett]

Thanks, Emily! Glad you did the review. I bought one but haven't used yet.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@helengill5481]

Awesome as always so simple but great to watch and looks amazing :)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks, Helen!

[@Frameabless]

Thank you for your review ❤️✨

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@carrollwilson5169]

I’ve love to see in that handmade journal at your art… looked great

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks Carroll!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Cute painting 👍💛

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you, Sharon!

[@kellyro77]

Hello, neighbor! Beautiful painting. I miss the sound of signing robins in the spring. Hope you're enjoying the snow today. Arches made something similar in the past - a sprial-bound sketch pad, only it had hard cover versus the soft-cover you're demoing today (it's disappointing they went even cheaper with the soft covers this time around). They were very, very difficult to find. I actually bought mine from Giury's. Like you, I feel like they're kind of a cheap presentation for their premium paper and wish they'd come out with a more substantial actual stitch-bound hardcover sketchbook. I like Koval sketchbooks for really special watercolor paper sketchbooks. I have one that they made with Arches paper.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I need to try a Koval sketchbook! Those look wonderful!

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

Woohoo! Love Arches. I mean who doesn't right?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

The best!

[@mjpete27]

I love Rosi's books too! I learned about her from Lindsay the Frugal Crafter! She does so many different mediums and is accomplished in them ALL! I use a Ruling Pen when applying masking fluid I did use brushes when I started but the metal Ruling Pens work just so well! I have used a large brush when masking out large areas, but never my watercolor brushes NEVER! I believe this is not the best product and not a must have. Good review and thanks for giving everyone a good look at one!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Oooow I didn’t know about these and I live in France….. maybe they got launched in USA first perhaps Thanks for sharing 😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@susanpatrick7941]

Loads of other people do a little book, what's so exciting?

[@tasticola]

The quality.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

The paper really is SO good!

[@nancytestani1470]

Going with their name..don’t need to fancy it up…you know it is arches and reputable…ciao..looks good..

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yep, can trust the quality of Arches!

[@hildybean]

Saunders Waterford makes a spiral bound pad of 100% cotton 140lb paper. The short side has a deckle edge. Similar to the Arches pad, not a journal, but stiff backed spiral pad with quality paper.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes! I’m going to try these! I love that they make cold, hot and rough pressed, too! Have to pay a little more for shipping to the US but worth it I think!

[@RhiannonKagoe]

awesome video! I wish this was supplied in the UK

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Saunders Waterford fat pads are a perfect alternative! Sold through Jackson’s.

[@stephaniejensen4055]

I LOVE your videos!!!! I was wondering if you could possibly to a tutorial on how to paint a bonfire.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great idea!

[@eumaycondouglas]

Hello Emily! Great review! I have a question and some suggestions too. First, my question is, can we use both sides of Arches or any other watercolor paper to paint? Is there any difference that can affect the painting quality, or just the tooth of the paper changes? Second, my suggestions, I would love to watch your reviews on these papers> Hahnemuhle Expression 100% cotton paper (cheaper than Arches and Fabriano); Saunders Waterford paper; Baohong Academy block (which os the cheapest of them all) and Baohong Artist block. I would love to have some discount this Black Friday on your Mastery Membership plans. Can’t wait to learn more from you! Sending love from Brazil! 💓🫶🏻

[@ramosanaliz91]

I’ve tried the Hahnemuhle Collections 100% cotton paper and I loved it. Haven’t tried expressions yet, so I would love to see reviews on that as well.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, you can paint on both sides with no noticeable difference. So with 15 sheets, you can create 30 paintings! I have tried all of those papers except Hahnemule-it’s on my list! Baohong is surprisingly very good!

[@eumaycondouglas]

@@EmilyOlsonArt thank you 😊

[@nancyscunningham]

Arches made a "Carnet de Voyage"./Travel Book 6-8 years go. It had a white stiff cover with an illustration. It was the same paper as the new one, 15 pages. I don't remember the price but wish I had bought a few at the time. The white cover with a small illustration was much more attractive than this new one with the traditional Arches green cover.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm sad they discontinued those!

[@eilidghmacdowell3204]

It's French- pronounced Arsch (no es). Great review!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yikes! Please forgive my American pronunciation! 🤣

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

@@EmilyOlsonArt 😊❤

[@bloody0thorn]

Arches actually had journals before this, and they discontinued them. They were hard cover spiral bound. I actually have a sealed one

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Bummer that they discontinued those!

[@Blick_Art]

Love the size and proportions of this book! Watercolor painters are notoriously selective (and brand-loyal) with their paper, so it's great that this option is now available!

[@AmberwingArt]

Blick, I'm sure a lot of us (myself included!) would love it if you'd carry the Saunders Waterford Fat Pads also!

[@Blick_Art]

@@AmberwingArt Thanks for the suggestion! Right now we just have the 12 sheet pads (new items for us). We'll make sure to pass along the tip!

[@AmberwingArt]

@@Blick_Art Ooh, I'm just about to place another order - I'm so glad you mentioned those pads! I hadn't seen them... Thanks!!

[@hildybean]

@@AmberwingArt these are my favorite.

[@AmberwingArt]

@@hildybean which are your favorite, the Arches pads?

[@SimplyOrganizedLLCMadison]

Do you dip your brush into liquid handsoap before the masking fluid? Thanks Emily.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, I do! Helps the brush clean up perfectly!

[@swalker1348]

Awesome! (Still drives me nuts that everyone pronounces Arches (it’s pronounced “Arsh”) wrong…. But I love your channel😁)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I stand corrected! 🙈 Forgive my American pronunciation!

[@swalker1348]

lol. I only know because of some other KZbin artists I watch. 🤪

[@shawnas464]

Do you have a link for the handmade arches journal?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I just included a link in the description. 🙂 ArtsiRosi on Etsy.

[@JadeScarlett]

These have been around for decades! The only thing new is the cover 😂

[@lmessenger4171]

Can you provide the link for the hardcover journal you mention in this video?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes! I'll add it to the description, too! They are made by ArtsiRosi on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsiRosi

[@lmessenger4171]

Thank you. I really enjoy your channel!! You are an awesome creator of art!

[@artsy_scorpio2419]

I just had this in my wishlist at Cheap Joe's and now it's gone. Hmm.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Oh no! Try Blick?

[@recoveringsoul755]

How many sheets of paper, or in pages it would be double because they assume you'll use both sides of the paper. Edit: ok at the end you say it's 15 sheets (30 pages)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes that’s right!

[@mrsdee47]

This is 140lb, which is 300gsm. I think you thought this was only 140gsm…

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Oh, I probably misspoke! Yes, 140lb, 300 gsm.

[@greekveteran2715]

Arches is far from being THE best. Hahnemuhle mould made paper, is superior,Hahnemuhle makes the best quality. I prefer the inferior Fabriano mould made sheets, to Arches.

[@tanyaratti]

Please get it right… its pronounced Arsh,,, the name is French. Its not Ar chez. The S on the end is silent. Not Arch. Arshhh.

[@ladyhollman9534]

You think they care how ‘mericans pronounce it or if we buy it & rave about it ??? Btw, the Romans would claim the French (Franks) are pronouncing it wrong. 😊