Hahnemühle Toned Watercolor Sketchbook Review and Demo

[@paintlady2268]

Watching you paint is an eye/mind candy meditation for me. Thank you.

[@nailahassan5035]

Really loved your toned watercolour demo, I bought the smallest of the hahnemuhle landscape sketchbooks , l haven't tested it yet but you have inspired me , and will be trying it out hopefully in the field as weather improves. Thank you for your advice on the hahnemuhle paper, it's really lovely to work on. Keep giving us more, take care and have a great day.

[@kathyacuff6994]

I am totally in awe watching you work! I want to paint like that so bad. You make it seem effortless.

[@noodlecatcountry]

I'm glad when I started I found your video on using cotton paper, it saved me a lot of pain because I like to layer and lift a lot. Thanks for being awesome!✌💙🎨

[@cassiescreations9828]

Beautiful work! Your drawing skills are incredible! I loved seeing the work in your sketchbooks!

[@lynncooper1781]

"Sketchbooks the Library of the artist."-Lynn Cooper good sketchbooks are great for watercolors and a enjoyment to paint in.awesome presentation and video.❤👍😀😊

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Keep filling them in, you do beautiful work. The Stillman & Birn are superb.

[@barrieevans9719]

I love the mention of Wet Paint in St. Paul, MN. I was there two days ago and there were many variations of these notebooks available. -AND- tons of other supplies. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I’m a beginner who is playing around with an art journal and other projects for self-expression. The staff have given me great instructions on how to use what I buy. And they regularly recommend less expensive brands and materials if that’s what appears practical for the needs I express. ❤️💕 to Wet Paint and the staff.

[@brucenunn3268]

Awesome Watercolor Books..!! Love the channel..!! Such a Great Teacher.! Thank you for what you do.!

[@InLiquidColor]

These are very cool looking! I'll see if I can find one to play around with. Thanks for the video Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

In Liquid Color yeah pretty nifty. I’ve enjoyed messing around in them so far. Nice change of pace. Thanks for watching Denise.

[@joannegrrl]

Love their paper, their photography print paper is amongst the best I've ever seen, just great quality throughout.

[@warmyellowshade]

This would be brilliant for gouache! Look forward to seeing more work in these sketchbooks. I love hanhemule paper.

[@zenitude2206]

Toned watercolor (or painting) is the style I privilege above color! THANK YOU VERYMUCH for this video :)

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Steve. I find it difficult to go between wood pulp and cotton. But I think that has more to do with inexperience. I'll cut my cotton paper into smaller pieces just to have more to practice on and form them into a block. For card a I know I'm not going to need to layer or use much water I'll use the wood pulp. 👍

[@silkeschumann7261]

I put black and toned watercolor paper in the corner of gouache rather than transparent watercolors. With the opaqueness of gouache you have the full range of colors and needn't limit yourself to a limited palette or greyscale or monotone scale. FYI I would never abbreviate watercolor with WC esp not followed by paper. You find yourself immediately in the sanitary section and the bathroom paper on rolls. 🤣

[@dierkkoenig]

Thanks for the review! I just got my HM sketchbook started and found that it takes Watercolor Markers surprisingly well.

[@essietangle9931]

Thanks for the video. I have only used the tone grey so far. You hit the nail on the head about less water and it seems to love the gouache. I did take one page and put more water and layers on it. I was surprised that when it dried the memory of the paper came back more than I expected. This could really be great for Inktober too. Thanks for letting us know about new products and thanks to Wet Paint for having them... Take care and stay well.

[@GenWivern2]

Thank you Steve: these look nice. This business of using a mid tone ground took me back to my time as a baby industrial designer and getting a bit obsessed with watercolour and pastel renderings by Raymond Loewy and others. The technique was regarded as rather old hat at the time, markers being the big thing, but it's very effective, and enjoyable.

[@AtiaDrawingAcademy]

i love watercolor....sir you are amazing artist

[@gcee8571]

Really like the Strathmore mixed media books the pages are so nice and heavy and use it as my gouache travel journals and for watercolor metallics on the black ones

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

Thank you for this. I've been pretty excited to see these in action! That tan is so light and peachy that it doesn't feel to me like a middle value, but I really like what you did with it. I love that you had a variety of other sketchbooks available for comparison. Wonderful review! 😁🖌🥰

[@mindofwatercolor]

True its more a light to middle. Probably more appropriate for watercolor.

[@maryanharrell5642]

This was great. I have not worked with toned paper before, so I was very interested. I love the way you paint trees, Steve. Hope y'all are safe and sound. Thanks.

[@karenjohnson6487]

Oh my goodness Steve !! I just got my sketchbook in the mail today!! I just unwrapped it and turned on your video. Wow wee wow.

[@karenjohnson6487]

Just finished watching video. Well done. I love your sketch. Just beautiful. I can't wait to give mine a try. Thank you.

[@janegadd1681]

Beautiful tones of tan and grey, very inspiring for watercolour pencils?

[@lisathaviu1154]

These look interesting, but now I really want to try the S&B sketchbook since the darker gray looks like something I would like to use with gouache. I recently saw a video in which James Gurney “under painted” his painting with acryla-gouache in a muted middle ground. The fact that the under-painting is done in waterproof but flat paint allows something similar but on a more stable ground like Crescent Board. I haven’t tried it yet, but I think I will give a try.

[@Rubbereyes]

I recently bought some toned paper and am looking forward to trying it. Thanks for this video, I’ve now got a better idea of what I “hopefully “ can do.

[@lindacsmith13]

Thanks for being honestly relateable.

[@ShellyParchman]

Now when I only use the first few pages of a sketchbook, I will call it the "Steve Method" :-)

[@mindofwatercolor]

😂

[@katherinebuchanan9350]

Lol - me too!! When I get a new sketchbook I often start at the back with test pages to see how different mediums (media?🤔) behave on it. And I always leave the first page blank because I don't like to 'mess it up' ... The first page at least is still nice lol

[@theamateurpoint8755]

Love this video. And man, you have to dedicate yourself to those glorious sketches you do and then make a video with a flip through. Amazing amazing sketches!!! Just continue the sketchig on those books also so the sketches that are already in there aren't so lost. Great work as always!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

I just had those Hahnemyhle books, grey and beige.

[@whitelotus1960]

Something new to try! I have learned so much from watching your videos. Trying to figure out how and why we sign our artwork. Nothing out there to figure this out.

[@anchesenamonsims5356]

I love the Hahnemühle watercolour sketchbooks and I bought the square toned one a couple of weeks ago :D Thanks for you review!

[@finnie2711]

These sketchbooks are real cool!

[@shamardaniel4819]

This must be new! I never knew that even a mixed media version existed. Thx for the review!😊👍🏽

[@cynthiarichter792]

Never tried toned paper, but may have to try some now. Think I will try the Stillman & Birn first.

[@miwagardner1353]

Probably better toning your own cotton watercolor paper with staining colors 😅 I wish they made it in bigger sheets too!!! Thank you for the video 🥹

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I've actually thought about doing this many times. I'll get around to it eventually.

[@kathleenu4461]

I’ve been waiting on these to arrive in the US for awhile. I ordered from Wetpaint today over the phone. Mentioned I saw them here. Great review. I have the Cappuccino and Grey book and haven’t used it yet.

[@donnalieblick8478]

Beautiful--as always. Thank you.

[@MedaHalmaciu]

I am currently using their normal A5 Waterbook. Pretty good except if you want to use layering and lots of water. But I don't think I could use the tinted books. Maybe for gouache illustrations.

[@grandma.p]

Have you ever tried "Nature Sketch" multi-media sketch books? Mine is almot full and it looks like I'll have to wait a while for another. It's worked really well with water color, pen and ink and calligraphy watercolor pencils for me. It's also supposed to hold charcoal acrylics and pastels -- maybe I'll try putting those in. I recommend this product. It's 130 lbs.

[@tdelphia1]

Pam H By Pentalic for multi media and 25% cotton. I have a bunch of these too...very affordable! I find the paper a bit too textured for ink drawing...it’s just a personal preference on that one. The 6x12 size fascinates me...it’s really fun to work with that size.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sounds interesting. Are they toned?

[@grandma.p]

@@mindofwatercolor The one I have has "natural white" pages and is 5 x 7. I don't know what other sizes and colors they come in because this was the only one in the store. Next time they open (The Artist and the Craftsman) I'm going to ask because this is good for instruction and practice in so many different media. Unfortunately I can't find it on line because my book is almost finished.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

@ReggaeQueenable THey stopped making them!! I think it's the best sketchbook I ever found and I will only get to ever have one.

[@apaintingjourney6985]

Very nice demonstration and comparison :)

[@EmeralDQueenTV]

Ooooh I need one of those, that is awesome! Thanks for the review :)

[@noodlecatcountry]

They have the thick toned tan from strathmore in sketchbooks, just got it and love it so far. I really wanna try out these now.

[@isabellahaz]

I’d love to try these! Great video too, amazing review

[@gwenlynn7261]

Omg thank you!! I was debating with myself weather to buy one of these or not since they came out!!

[@stephw1363]

You are sketchbook rich! I dont think i will get too excited about monochromatic watercolor though....i really prefer pencil in that way. I love the colors on white paper and how they seem to glow....toned paper....i think i will save for my pencils. I did buy some strathmore for that.

[@labaccident2010]

Ooooh these look super cool!

[@carolynderricks3226]

Hi Steve, I’ve been looking for quality watercolor sketchbook/journals for some time! Many are back ordered. Looking forward to trying the Hahnemühle!

[@NathanSplosion]

Awesome will definitely pick one up, i was just recently looking for a toned watercolor book, as i love using toned paper for dry mediums like charcoal and have had alot of success working that way. Cheers!

[@rnee1000]

Great review. I was very interested in this new toned watercolor paper. I tried the Strathmore mixed media toned paper but did not like it for watercolor. I am also a 100% cotton lover--get much better results.

[@BlushnBlue]

Your art is amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@bettykemp2640]

Would like to give these books a try.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

But what is the surface texture like? Smooth? Cold press? I'm curious about the surface of the Cappuccino book also. Those Strathmore toned tanned paper is too rough and absorbent for my taste. Their mixed media paper is smooth, I just love it.

[@rickbuck2675]

I enjoyed seeing some of your earlier work! Would it be possible to see some more? Maybe even do a show! I remember you saying the worst job you ever had was having to draw/paint dumpsters. I'd love to see your dumpsters and other stuff. I love your videos. Rick in Tri-cities, TN

[@mindofwatercolor]

Not really the worst job but boring. Most of that technical work is digital and archived somewhere. On to greener pastures. 😄

[@gcee8571]

Strathmore has the mixed media books with full hard cover

[@Juliedyret]

How random, I bought one yesterday and saw this video now. :) I hope I'll manage to use it for more sketch like paintings.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh wow, today June 28, 2022, I have bought some Strathmore Toned Mixed Media 184 lb. Paper pads in the colors of Tan, Grey/Gray, and a Blue. Have you used the blue ones? I wS thinking about trying some watercolor painting with each of these originally but now I’m not so sure. Maybe 🤔 mostly for drawing with color pencils or maybe watercolor pencils. I have not been able to find out many details of using the toned color papers. This will be a new type of paper for me to use. Thanks for sharing this informational video. Always love your artwork.

[@mindofwatercolor]

The Strathmore toned papers are nice but are not watercolor paper. Mostly for drawing and dry media. If the washes are light and not too wet it will probably be fine though.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks so much for sharing this informational tip with me.

[@m.c.5124]

Thank you for sharing your talents where so much beauty lives. I think of you as the anti Bob Ross......but in a good way!! 😁 I would ask if I could buy your sketch but I’m sure I know the answer. So I’ll just watch your vid a couple of times. Thanks for the info on the paper. Think I’ll give the German hot press a whirl if I can find it. Stay safe!!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Sweet review and demo Steve of an interesting product.I think, like you, my favorite toned sketchbooks are Stillman and Birn hardcovers. But since they're so pricey (and worth every penny), I usually use the Strathmore, which is a perfectly good paper. But the watercolor toned paper seems more like a mixed media paper with sizing? Not sure, but it looks like a fun paper to try maybe with a watercolor gouache combo? Yet another great video!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Steve Atkinson Fine Art thanks buddy. Yeah your summary is about right. I think they handle more water a little better than Strathmore’s mixed media but it’s a pulp paper regardless. Maybe one day someone will do a cotton version. Thanks for watching Steve!

[@joedomeier2863]

Hi Steve, these pads are sized internally and externally. Built from design to paint as a book for WC and mixed media.

[@MDCampbell]

You, my friend, are _such_ a cotton-paper snob! LOL!!! That made me smile! I used to buy toned sketchbooks, but ended up giving them to students years ago because I just never used them. I'm actually editing a new video now (about accordion sketchbooks) and one of them is on Strathmore 500 Series 100% cotton slate blue charcoal paper. I'd have to test it with watercolor, but I don't think it would be good, but still it's a great alternative to regular white paper. My question on these is if you were in a pinch and had to buy only one toned watercolor sketchbook to work with forever, would these Hahnemühle's be your go-to, or is there another that would you'd reach for first? As always, this is a top-notch introduction to these sketchbooks! Thank you and really enjoyed every minute of this one! Be well! ~ Mark

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey thanks Mark. In answer to your question, I would probably reach for the Stillman & Birn. Not really because of watercolor but for the purpose of handling a variety of media. The Hahnemühle are nice but I would love a slightly bigger book which I can get in a S&B. They are heavy enough to take a certain amount of watercolor and gouache and I like that they are a bit darker. If I was only going to paint in watercolor I would probably choose the Hahnemühle but I actually prefer dry media or a media mix most of the time in toned books. I just wish H. made theirs one size larger. I'm not big on tiny sketchbooks. Thanks for watching dude!

[@MDCampbell]

@@mindofwatercolor I went through a Stillman & Birn phase and found their Zeta series fit my style. For some reason, though, I keep going back to those Hand•Book Travelogue journals, despite not being considered a high-quality book, at all. They just work for me. Thank you for the feedback and yes, I have a tiny shelf on a tiny bookcase for all the tiny sketchbooks I've bought over the years! lol! Stay well! ~ Mark

[@albertpietrosanu2667]

Very useful.

[@pavlovajack3561]

Thanks for this!

[@AurorasArtWorld]

These look like awesome sketchbooks.. I've often wondered why someone hasn't come out with toned watercolor paper before, leave it to Hanemule to be the first! 💖

[@annettefournier9655]

Bockingford has toned watercolor paper. And has had for quite some time. I think Jerry's artarama has some.

[@AurorasArtWorld]

@@annettefournier9655 really? That's awesome to know! Thanks! 😊 👍

[@mindofwatercolor]

Bockingford is not widely available in the States unfortunately. I almost never see it. These are the first toned watercolor books I've ever seen. Don't currently see them on Jerrys. It is interesting that Legion decided to make a Stonehenge Aqua Black before a toned tan/gray paper.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I did just find some Bockingford tinted on Blick. No sketchbooks though,

[@annettefournier9655]

@@mindofwatercolor Yes, the paper is loose and not in book form. Sorry I confused Jerry's with Blick. I'll blame it on old age. 😉

[@captivatednightshade1432]

Really nice sketchbooks. Will look into trying it out if I can. Thanks for the video!

[@SheilaLandry]

Thank you so much for showing these. I actually had some of these pads in my cupboard and was waiting to see what to do with them. I was wondering if you had a video showing your Inktober tree and pumpkin that you showed at about 5:20 on this video? I kind of looked through your playlists and didn't seem to find it. I love pen and ink and have to be brave enough to take the step to try. I have all the supplies - now to just get the courage. ;) I really appreciate you and your channel, Steve. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sorry I don't think I did a video of that one. I honestly can't remember but I don't think so. It was for the end of Inktober a few years back.

[@SheilaLandry]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you. That's OK. It isn't like you don't have other videos to choose from. I love just going back and letting them play in the background, as I always learn new things. I want to do my own style, too, so maybe it is for the best. I can try to play on my own. Thank you for taking the time to answer. :)

[@pauloricardosantosneves5644]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷💕 Ficou lindo o desenho 👏

[@phedran]

Clairefontaine has some mixed media "Paint On" toned paper pads, I have the grey and tan but theres a black and a textured white too. I've only tried gouache on that but they seemed pretty good. I know that my current favourite watercolour paper, Bockingford from St Cuthberts Mill, also has toned alternative colours but not in a sketchbook format. Their site lists cream, grey, eggshell, blue, and oatmeal coloured, but Jacksons lists blue, cream, green, grey, yellow, but either way! Maybe worth a look!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the info.

[@seanclinton7024]

Reese, please tell that deadbeat sidkick of yours to make a new video, I'm drying up here.... love your vids and work!

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

I think you are really cool Steve :) xox

[@m.c.5124]

I have a quick question off topic kind of. Are you having trouble with your Arches watercolor paper or do you always go for the gold and use the hot press. I’ve heard the cold pressed is having sizing issues. Am I a johhnny come lately to the party??

[@mindofwatercolor]

No issues with either cold or hot press. I mostly use cold press. Arches has responded consistently for me for over 40 years. The sizing issues I think are mostly repeated rumor (every time someone has a problem) or isolated occurrences and not related to manufacturing. Humidity and poor dealer storage can play a part. I've had defective sheets on occasion (stains, etc.) I stopped buying single exposed sheets from racks. I now only order packs of 5 or more that are sealed in plastic from the manufacturer.

[@m.c.5124]

The Mind of Watercolor you know I’m glad I asked someone who actually was working consistently with both products. I love arches. I’m upset with all these Chanel’s that are getting the free Artesia and are putting it in the professional category. Not a professional yet yearning to be and will use professional grade products. Thank you for your time and input. Tried to find a vid first couldn’t see it thanks for being so responsive stay safe.

[@KurtPeters]

Could you please make a video about watercolor grounds. Can you paint it on cardboard and then use it for watercolors?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, but run of the mill cardboard is not archival. It will deteriorate over time. If you put it on an art board of some sort like acid free mat board it would be better.

[@nectarandice]

Do you know if the strathmore toned 70lb sheets take colored pencils, like PrismaColor, as well as a gouache, or do you have to lay down some white colored pencil before adding the pigmented pencils?

[@mindofwatercolor]

They take both. Laying down gouache first would affect the tooth.

[@nectarandice]

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks!

[@joyfulldj]

I have the strathmore ones. Have to say I mostly use them for, no offence, pencil doodeling. Stillman is more friendly to my micron nibbs. So jeah I don't do this as my profession but sketchbooks can get out of hand fast lol. I was reorganising my art closet and was like ehm "Oops"hahaha.

[@kashfiahare3190]

Hi Steve. Your drawings are very nice! Do you typically draw at an angle or flat on the surface?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Angle unless using very runny washes.

[@joyfulldj]

I Love Hahnemuhle. Im counting my blessings that we can get them fairly cheap in the EU. Like around 7 to 11 euro. But a watercolor toned sketchbook?? I certainly hope you like it hehe. I do find they tend to have blooms a bit faster then the hahnemuhle blocks,then again those are 100% cotton,at least the ones I have. I think it is a pitty that Hahnemuhle doesn't have 100% cotton sketchblocks like the harmony and expression paper; that would be a sketchbook that I would buy if they ever do that.

[@lkv2021]

The blocks are difficult for me when it comes to getting off the paper. Paper cuts and torn paintings...yikes. But, it really is quality paper.

[@joyfulldj]

@@lkv2021 i use a pallet knife for that.

[@lkv2021]

@@joyfulldj I do too. I think I may need to use a sharp knife instead. Do you start at the one of the red marks? Thanks!

[@joyfulldj]

@@lkv2021 what red marks?? I just stick a pallet knife into the slot at the back of the block, i guess I did not quite understand what you were asking?

[@lkv2021]

@@joyfulldj On the Hahnemule blocks, where they are sealed together with the binder and string, there are tiny red marks. I'm just wondering if that's where you insert the knife to separate. Thanks for trying to help me!

[@soon_to_emerge]

Great sound quality, I could tell texture of everything you touched just by the sound of it. (Though, flicking paper was a bit painful to my ears in headphones x_x)

[@mariannapanopoulos4276]

Hi Steve, thanks for sharing! Just wondering, do you prefer toned tan or toned grey paper and why? Cheers!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Like both for various applications. More of a mood than anything. I probably use tan more than gray but I really like both,

[@mariannapanopoulos4276]

@@mindofwatercolor Thankyou!

[@johnharkness6304]

I think I'm going to break my own rule and buy a couple of green tubes. I use Winsor & newton so I'm thinking of hookers green and viridian. Any advice ?? Absolutely love your tutorials. Hope all are well.

[@mindofwatercolor]

No advice. Your preference.

[@johnharkness6304]

@@mindofwatercolor ok thanks for that.

[@Kaylasdaintydesk]

These look great! Thank you for the demonstration! How is the sizing? I was wondering if this would would alright with colored pencils, like blending with mineral spirits since the paper is thicker?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Should do fine. Sizing is about what you would expect for a non cotton sketchbook.

[@scott-xg1il]

can you make a video which uses pen and ink and watercolor, just like you made previously. i like to know how can this mixture give result. use both inks: permanent and non water soluble.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Do you mean specifically for this toned watercolor book?

[@littlesparrowlisa]

What was that song playing while you were painting?

[@gabriellaritaart]

I bought the Hahnenuhle Capuccino sketchbook and I really disliked it. I gave up on it completely after 3 sketches. It buckles very badly, practically gets distroyed, even if you only apply light washes, and is also too smooth for pencils and crayons, which I often use. It's practically useless in my opinion, at least for my style of art. Maybe other people had more luck with it.

[@aaronnutting6798]

I had the same experience with trying to use watercolor on Beta Stillman and Birn.the water sits on top

[@cherylynn927]

You are an amazing artist! Love your work. Did you purchase your gouache paint in the palette and if so where did you find it? Thanks so much! Video 4/25/20

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, I filled it. Its Holbein gouache.

[@JA-ed1tj]

Thank you Steve for the review. I have a question. What brand of gouache do you recommend?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Schmincke, Holbien, M. Graham, and Winsor & Newton are my top 4 recommendations. I have a video on that (don't have the link at the moment).

[@infoninja]

I know I'm late to the video here, however, I am seriously interested in what gouache set you have there? Is it bought or did you piece it together? I am looking for an easy yet, decent quality travel set.

[@mindofwatercolor]

It's Holbein gouache. It wasn't a set. I squeezed out the paint into an empty pan palette.

[@infoninja]

@@mindofwatercolor Do you recall the colours? That palette suits my project and I loved how it flowed yet was controllable.

[@joetringali4884]

Steve, Is the Holbine gouache a set or did you fill the pans. I have problems with filled pans and when dried the paint cracks and falls out. Is the Holbein better?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Filled them.

[@joetringali4884]

Wow, it looks like they don’t dry out and crack!. Thanks for the help!

[@elvirita]

Hi Steve. Thank you for your videos. I've been trying to find you on Instagram but has been impossible. Would you mind to give me your username please.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sure, and for the sake of any others reading, there is a link right on my main channel header banner. The user is @mindofwatercolor

[@aaronnutting6798]

Does Stillman and Birney make a watercolor book?. Water rests on the page.