Stillman & Birn Sketchbooks

[@teohyc]

Lovely sketches!!

[@westcoastcaroline]

Thank you for this. I use a Stillman and Birn and often wonder if I should be trying something else. But now feel there's no need. Don't fix what ain't broke I guess! Would love to see a sketchbook flip of one of your sketchbooks :-)

[@nein2883]

wow..you're truly an amazing artist 👏👏👏 hope i can get there one day

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@miraxterrik]

I envy your ability to draw machines, like cars and train engines. I'm in love with your work! And you travelogue is goals! Goodness, i havent visited those places but just by looking at those paintings i feel like i have been there.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you for the nice comment. I enjoy drawing all things...trucks, train, buildings, people. I thrive on variety!

[@kasiaslupecka]

Amazing sketchbooks. Such a joy to watch. You are my new watercolor inspiration! :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Kasia, Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Amazing and very inspirational work Brenda! Thanks for sharing. I'm only just getting to know the S&B books this year and, like you, I love the Beta and secondarily the Zeta Series. Great review, thanks!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks for the nice words. Yes, the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks are great! I'm glad to hear you've discovered them, too.

[@hanichay1163]

I love your fountain pens. When I was 12 I discovered them and got a Schaefer. It was pen if choice for my journal writing. Now I want to draw with them. Just learning. Love your brown ink.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks for sharing. Pens are great for sketching!

[@jenseymour5008]

Gorgeous work Brenda. What an inspiration!

[@stumptownrelichunter]

Thanks for the advice on the Stillman & Birn Sketchbooks ~ I'm getting back into sketching more and have been wanting to try better quality sketchbooks. I'm getting one of these ASAP!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Have fun!

[@owingsart]

Hi Brenda - Loved your video. I use S&B and they are my go to. Thanks for posting this. I love your work as well. ~Marty

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@laurafrench7315]

Brenda this is wonderful! I love peeking into your beautiful sketchbooks! Thank you!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Laura, Thank you! I agree it's fun to peek into other peoples sketchbooks =)

[@durianqueen]

This was such an informative video, thank you for doing it!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you for taking the time to write a comment! Happy Sketching!

[@danielleroxy]

Great review! I also love stillman & birn sketchbooks!!Your work is beautiful & must bring you so many memories when looking back at your books :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@katerilevasseur]

YOUR PAINTINGS ARE INCREDIBLE! IM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS! SUCH TALENT...

[@us5634]

Great books. Thanks for the review.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You're very welcome!

[@mjrobinson4355]

Your paintings are amazing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you❣️

[@annfriks]

Beautiful!!!!💖👏

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ann, Thank you!

[@akaMonkeyBusiness]

Beautiful Zeta sketchbook!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@Sandrinesgallery]

I love those books too, and your paintings are wonderful!!!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@suel4269]

Thankyou for the reviews!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

My pleasure!

[@matfryart]

Thanks for sharing this with us - I love your style with the very bright colors!

[@DocumentedJourney]

I was wondering if you ever made the blog post about your fountain pens? I looked but couldn't find it, maybe I missed it. Not sure but thought I would ask.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Hi, Sorry I haven't done a video about my pens...yet. Have you checked out www.gouletpens.com? They are my favorite resource for info and videos about pens. Happy Sketching!

[@cassmacme]

Loved this review of the different books! Your drawing and watercolor is beautiful. Thanks for doing this video. I have to check out your blog to find out which pens you like best. I am having trouble with that!

[@scribadibdib]

I ordered the zeta and i hope ill like it. I have so many sketchbooks ive tried for watercolor, ink etc...

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Abby, I especially like the Zeta for ink and light washes of watercolor. Enjoy!

[@scribadibdib]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors oh great ok thank you! Do you think it will handle gouache?

[@LeeShand]

I know this was 7 years ago, but your sketches are wonderful!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Lee, Thank you☺️

[@himanshipatel7021]

You have a very unique style .

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you. ~Brenda

[@Art-What..]

Your very talented and great review🕷️

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you kindly. Brenda

[@SebastianTinajero]

Just about to finish my moleskine sketchbook have been curious to try one of these out but I'm convinced definitely picking up one of these up

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Sebastian, You're gonna really like the sketchbooks! I do!

[@SebastianTinajero]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors I got Mine a month ago and I was def not disappointed already 5 pages in and I've been using both gouache and watercolor and Indian ink heavily and it takes it like a champ

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Glad you are enjoying the sketchbooks! The Stillman & Birn Beta sketchbooks can take lots of paint, scrubbing...and paper holds up!

[@SebastianTinajero]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors yes and it's the zeta that I got! By any handle have you have any experience using the Gamma one? Im thinking of picking it up next for more of my dry media and I like that the pages are ivory white which is something I really enjoyed about the Moleskine pages

[@xknyght]

I read that the beta version is smoother than other cold press papers, is that true? I typically use a fountain pen to ink and I find it has a scratchy feel on cold press 300gsm paper. I want the cold press look for my watercolor washes but I want the paper to be a little smoother so my fountain pen is gliding through the paper when I'm inking.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

That’s right. The beta is smoother than traditional 140 pound cold press paper. It has very little surface texture. If you like hot press paper with ink you might want to try the Zeta. Very smooth surface.

[@NorahsYarnArt]

Loved the review and the artwork. Thanks for posting xx

[@moniquevanderster1867]

Beautiful sketchbooks you’re making…love both the portraits and the travelsketches! Great work!!🙏🏼❤️

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you

[@DocumentedJourney]

Great video! Stillman & Birn are my go to sketchbooks! I haven't found one that I dislike yet! However, my favorite is the Zeta. I love the slickness of the paper. Oh and the softbound is just amazing! I feel that even though it is soft its not too soft! Your work is beautiful! I just subscribed and I am so glad I found your channel! I have an art channel too... I would love it if you checked me out.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks for sharing your channel. Happy adventures with watercolor!

[@madacaphoto]

Thanks so much for this review. I am ordering the delta now. These seem to be great. Great art by the way.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re gonna love the sketchbooks!

[@jasneskis]

I wish it was printed each book you reviewed. Only the 1st sketch book name is listed in the description with your video. Can you send a link to the other books reviewed. Your paintings and drawings are beautiful.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

The Stillman & Birn sketchbooks I use are the Beta.

[@sonyadeantonio]

Thanks so much for the review

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re welcome!

[@annepercival7814]

Their books are wonderful but wish they did one with 100% (even 50%) cotton paper

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Anne, Even though not cotton they still meet a very high standard. • A unique Mixed Media paper program giving artists a choice of paper weight, shade and surface/tooth • Internal and surface sizing: Double-sized (from non-animal materials) for enhanced wet strength and glowing color • Archival quality (conforms to ISO 9706 standard for permanent paper), acid-free, chloride free, lignin-free

[@manamemajeff6283]

Wonderful, beautiful sketches. I aspire to draw and paint that good, cheers~

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks 😁

[@ZuleykaK]

Love this!!! Have you used acrylic paint on S&B? Does the paint do well with this paper?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Zuleyka, I’ve used acrylic and gesso in the Stillman & Birn, Beta sketchbook. It worked great!

[@elizabethpopiel7187]

Your work and descriptions are delightful! Can't wait to get some of these by Stillman & Birn!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@aricyl]

thank you so much for your amazing review of these sketchbooks! I was wondering though, with the beta, do fountain pens work well and smoothly even with the textured paper? and what kind of ink do you use for your fountain pens? thank you so much!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ariana, The texture is pretty smooth...not a true cold press. For you questions about pens and ink please visit my blog. I cover those questions in detail. brendaswenson.blogspot.com/search/label/Fountain%20Pens?m=0

[@JacopoMoruzzi]

Cool video. I wished they were available here in Italy too! So much choice!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Are you sure? Please contact the company and check. [e-mail]

[@JacopoMoruzzi]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors thanks! I'll check

[@BolaGuys]

Love this , it actually helps when you follow step by step.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You can find in-depth tutorials in my videos/ DVDs. To see where they are available for purchase please visit my website. www.swensonsart.net

[@martinreinajimenez9266]

Maravillosos sketches

[@KatieSanvick]

Thanks for such an extensive review! I also love my stillman&birn- i've been using the Alpha for my watercolor sketches and after watching your video, definitely want to try the Beta next!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I love their sketchbooks...as you saw I've filled lots of the. Happy Sketching!

[@Rowlandph]

I saw...'...on my way out to Greenville, NC?!.. Hey!..I live there (here!)...do you come here often?...Let me know, if you will...Thanks!.. Rowland Harris

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Rowland, In the area every couple years to teach at Cheap Joe's Art Stuff in Boone, NC.

[@Rowlandph]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors But...Boone..is on the other side of the state!..Do you know someone in Greenville?..Thanks!..

[@sylvia4425]

Would love to see a future video where you do a watercolor sketch in one of these sketch books. The shadows on the white building took my breath away @ 0:02--0:30. I need gorgeous-shadow lessons! lol 🎨 🖌

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Sylvia, Shadows...I love to paint shadows! I think you'd find my DVD helpful. www.cheapjoes.com/sketching-techniques-with-watercolors-by-brenda-swenson.html

[@sylvia4425]

Thanks, Brenda. I just saw where you'll be doing a workshop at the SDWS in June. I'll likely see you there! :) Is your Visconti fountain pen the silver-plated or the rose-gold plated 125th year anniversary pen?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Sylvia, The SDWS workshop is full. Look at the dates and locations closer. I have the rose gold nib fine that came with the pen and a silver plated medium I can switch out. Hope I've answered ALL your questions. I am swamped with workshop planning, emails, jury duty......... and have limited time available. Take care

[@MissTinaTv]

Great review and art. Every artist needs to make the trip to New Mexico to experience the unique light and landscapes, particularly of the north. I made my home there for 15 years. (Very lucky me!) You've captured some of my favorite places in some of my favorite mediums -- watercolor and pen & ink. Well done! Thank you

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Tina, Thanks for the nice comment. New Mexico is like eye candy to the artist. I plan to return this October for a weeks of sketching in Santa Fe!

[@MissTinaTv]

You've chosen a spectacular time to go, Brenda. Gold aspens against that sapphire blue sky -- and so many more en plein air opportunities beyond the ski basin and City Different. The Bosque del Apache, Madrid, Tent Rocks, Lenora Curtain wetlands, Diablo Canyon, so, so, many to choose....can't wait to see what you discover. Enjoy!

[@AntonioMazzolaWatercolors]

Absolutely agree! Have not tried the soft covers yet.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Tony, Thanks for your comment. As you know all the of Stillman & Birn books are wonderful.

[@manasvini6194]

Show as how to draw these pls

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Have you looked at my continual line contour video?

[@SerenaLewis]

Wonderful video, Brenda. Very informative, thanks. I love your work! :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@soliferi]

have you notice any might dry faster than the other? I'm looking for a relaxed boring bus waiting sketchbook for watercolour. just curious because they all look amazing it's hard to choose. I also love your artwork its very lively!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

I work wet and use the Beta. Heavier paper.

[@soliferi]

Okay thank you very much : ) hope you have a lovely day.

[@Blissfulthings]

I just ordered two soft cover books one in portrait and landscape both are beta and we're a store special promoting the soft covers and with any purchase they are giving a package of all of their papers to try it could not here what type of fountain pen that you like so much...could you mention here for me? I've been getting overwhelmed with all the options available so I'm confused lol take care Heather

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You're gonna enjoy the Stillman & Birn Sketchbooks! Fountain pens...I love them all from inexpensive to high end. If you are new to the fountain pen world I'd start with a nice started like a Lamy or Pilot Metropolitan . A good source for info: www.gouletpens.com Be sure to check out they're video on the pens. You'll learn LOTS!

[@Blissfulthings]

thankyou Brenda for your quick reply! I will check out the fountain pen company you mentioned, I also found out that you can purchase the Stillman & Birn paper as single sheets in various sizes! I do like to bind journals in different sizes and bindings. I hope you have a creative week I'm getting ready for a morning session of watercolour "play" it's a great way to start the day and I do the same late in the evening to relax before bed Heather

[@Natasha-li3dt]

Wow I love your art 😍 you just gained a new subscriber 😁

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed my artwork.

[@ezequielruiz2488]

Congratulations!. Your scketches are very "clean".....good drawings.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ezequiel, Thank you!

[@ezequielruiz2488]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors you´re wellcome, Brenda. I like the different kind of colours and lights, you apply on your drawings.

[@musiea]

Wow I love your sketch style it's so free and colors so light!!!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@User-nc1vp]

Love your sketches 😍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Usami, Thank you!

[@misspetite9285]

Your art is gorgeous 😍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You're very kind. Thank you!

[@morrisyates7151]

How many pages for the stillman and birn zeta sketchbook 8x10 I want to get that one but I don't want to run out of pages

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Please refer to the website for specifications. www.stillmanandbirn.com

[@antoniskyriakou327]

AMAZING ART!!ONCE AGAIN I SAY, I CAN NOT RESIST LOOKING AGAIN AND AGAIN.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

antonis kyriakou, Thank you!

[@tmvh09]

thanks for reviewing these. out of curiosity, what line what you recommend for a beginner watercolorist? do the different paper thicknesses vary that much? I've only recently seen these and they all look like they held up well to your sketches. I don't know if I'm heavy or not with water because I don't usually do wet in wet.

[@tmvh09]

PS by line I mean alpha beta etc.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

The one I use the most is Beta. I also enjoy the Delta which is the same surface but has a slightly warm tint, and the Zeta which is slick like hot press watercolor paper.

[@KeithGShafer]

Hi Brenda! When and why do you use gesso on your sketchbook? Thanks in advance.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Keith, I usr gesso for one of two reasons: 1. To cover up a sketch that didn’t work and paint on top of it. 2. A toned surface to work on. It works different than watercolor paper but I like the effect.

[@KeithGShafer]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors Interesting...I'll have to try that. Thanks for your time.

[@Em-kn2bz]

Great review! Lovely images too :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Glad you like it!

[@CherryBlossomHill]

Do you pretreat all your pages with tinted gesso and if so why not watercolor grounds instead? I get warping for the Stillman and Burns unless I use very light water .

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

I rarely pretreat a page. I only do it when I want to cover up a terrible sketch beneath. A little warping is normal. If you're getting a lot I'd reduce the amount of water you're using.

[@leorobles7060]

Hi, I was wondering what kind of ink you use because I’ve use noodlers waterproof ink but it still bleeds when I add water so I was looking for a good substitute that’s actually water proof! Hope you can help :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Leo, I had the same problem with Noodler's ink. But I found two of their colors that are waterproof...Lexington Gray and Polar Brown. Happy Sketching!

[@latination2013]

you said the first is beta and the 2nd you also said beta but different surface and weight

[@biancasantiago2958]

Thank you for this! It was amazing

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Bianca, Thank you!

[@blossomboba7444]

Wow you’re very talented. Love it

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re very kind. Thank you!

[@judyonody7748]

Thank you so much! Very informative! And your work is stunning!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Judy, Thank you!

[@swilliams8176]

Your art books are amazing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Shenna, Thank you!

[@creativegorilla8530]

What was it you said you used as a base? I think you said "jesso" tinted with watercolour. Am I right, I'd like to find something like that as a base for watercolour. Lovely books! Thanks for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Hi, I painted a base of Acrylic Gesso. It comes in white so I added a little watercolor to tint it. Have fun!

[@abakerful]

I am considering purchasing the Beta series, but I am unsure if it can withstand layering and glazing in watercolor. Those are my favorite watercoloring techniques to build depth. Also, are you able to do any lifting or light scrubbing with watercolors on this paper? There are just so many choices of paper and it can be very overwhelming.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

The Beta sketchbook paper is the best for glazes, scrubbing, lift... I holds up great. The Delta is the same paper with a warm tone and the Zeta is slick but still heavy weight paper.

[@MPFConservation]

Brenda my biggest problem is my experience is the books don't lay flat. And no A4.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Really? I use a clip to keep the pages from flopping around but the center section is flat.

[@charujha8705]

Lovely sketches !

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Charu, thank you!

[@javann7588]

I’m definitely gonna buy this now!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re gonna be glad you did. I love these books!

[@javann7588]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors thanks for making a video about it, I’m buying the soft cover one in landscape today! I love your videos, I subscribed :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

JaVann , Thank you!

[@vampazilla2622]

Loved your video and your excellent critique on the products mentioned. So informative. And your personal artwork is so beautiful and inspiring. My Fine Art fever has went up a few degrees after seeing this video! Thanks! Kisses!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Vanessa, thank you for your nice comments and your appreciation for the art of sketching!

[@pamorale]

Beautiful artwork!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Pablo, Thank you!

[@rammmin1]

Beautiful.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@ichselbst6609]

Amazing! Your sketches look better than my final paintings. Also, the books seem to take watercolour very well. Great sketch books, great art works in the style of a journal. Thanks for sharing.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ich selbst , thank you for the nice comment. The sketchbook handles watercolor really well.

[@hairdebi]

Do you always use gesso on your pages for watercolor?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Debra, I don’t always use gesso. You misunderstood what I said.

[@WagnerCecatoMavigno]

Very good watercolors!!! What ink are you using in fountain pen for Watercolor?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

I like the De Atramentis, Document ink in my fountain pen. It's waterproof and archival.

[@mikewadley2700]

Just bought my first S&B yesterday. Can't wait to try it out. Your video and sketches are very inspiring! Love your work!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Mike Wadley, Thank you!

[@santiagoyoutube621]

im impressed!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@headingoutside]

I love you artwork!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@noemikvc134]

Hey :) Do you know which series is the best for acrylic, ink and pen? Im thinking of buying the beta sketchbook,but I dont know if acrylic is as much bleedproof as watercolors? Thank you and greetings from germany!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Noemi Kvc Beta or Delta would work great. Did both the same weight at the Delta has a creme tone.

[@noemikvc134]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors okay,i think im now sure im going with the beta.Thank you for the fast answer :)

[@katerilevasseur]

I could only DREAM to be able to draw so SpECTACULAR like you! I cant believe a person can draw soooo well. I would love to be good but I am terrible at drawing. Very jealous! lol Too bad you cant teach me...... I still keep practicing YOU ARE A WONDERFUL ARTIST AND HAVE A GREAT GIFT!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Kat, Thanks for the kind words. Practice, practice, practice...is the best teacher. Draw everyday and draw from life. I make it look easy only because I've been at it 25 years. Happy Sketching!

[@katerilevasseur]

Brenda Swenson Watercolors Thank you Brenda.... Im watching all your videos and you have INSPIRED me. I appreciate when Artist are willing to share their knowledge. Also I must tell you that you and your husband are the Cutest. Nice To see a loving & Happy couple.We really feel the true & kind love you have for each other! Peace and Love Kateri Levasseur Toronto

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@jennymay4720]

Books look great, especially with your art in it Brenda. This may sound stupid, but what do you do with your sketches? And Portraits- I mean with the spine line down the middle. Do you sell them, or is your main work taking out groups to paint?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Jenny, Good question! My sketchbooks have a different purpose...to play, explore ideas and for me to enjoy. I don't remove pages from the sketchbooks with a stitched spine. But I use them for inspiration for paintings. I do paintings for competitions, shows and sales. I elaborate on the subject on my blog. I think you'll enjoy this: brendaswenson.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-purpose-of-art.html Brenda

[@jennymay4720]

Thankyou Brenda. Your work is amazing! I love it. I travel and sketch too and would love to do a workshop with you if you could contact me please.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Contact information is available on my website. www.swensonsart.net

[@deborahraenelson]

Thank you for the thorough review. I'll be trying the Beta and Zeta. I'm giving the softcover a try. Thought they might be less bulky and lighter. Ordered them both sizes, landscape and portrait. I'm excited to find which I prefer.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Deborah, It's hard to choose =)

[@Justkisha]

Your art brings me joy.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Kisha, What a sweet comment. Thanks!

[@jennymay4720]

Is the Beta paper a watercolour paper with texture Brenda or Zeta?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Jenny May, Beta has texture, Zeta is smooth.

[@jennymay4720]

Thank you so much Brenda.

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Likethumb aren’t good enough for what I feel looking at Your work, there should be a Love-icon, now I need to restart this video so I’ll listen and doesn’t drewling 😉

[@antoniskyriakou327]

You are so good!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Antonis, Well...thank you!

[@marafdez]

Trying to decide between Beta and Zeta but i can't quite tell the difference between them... is one smoother than the other?

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Hi Mara, The Zeta is slick and Beta has a little texture. I would go with the Beta for the first time. Happy sketching!

[@xSugarHighDD]

Hey! I bought myself the Delta from JetPens a week ago and I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival, but I will also try the beta because I like what it looks like. Thank you for the review!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’ll love it!