The Ultimate Watercolor Sketchbook Comparison

Hello there! Today we are going to be taking an in-depth look at SIX easily accessible watercolor sketchbooks to see how well - or not - each handles watercolor paintings. The beginning of this video will outline the tests we’re going to be doing so that the individual sections throughout the video are easier to follow.
I’ve included timestamps for easier navigation, and scans of the tests and paintings are available over on Patreon for closer inspection. You can find these exact sketchbooks with their paintings available for sale over in my shop on April 5, 2021 at 1:00pm Central Daylight Time - mark those calendars! Each will come with a personalized note to the buyer. Finally, the mountain lion painting will be the limited edition postcard print for my Patrons for the month of April 2021. Join us at the postcard tier to get yours!
Sketchbook paintings go on sale April 5, 2021: www.etsy.com/shop/denisesoden (SOLD OUT)
Patreon (Scans, Tutorials, Postcards): / inliquidcolor
How to Paint Animal Textures: skl.sh/2Skycc2
** Supplies **
Colors Used for Test Pages:
Terra Rosa (M. Graham)
Piemontite Genuine (Daniel Smith)
Quinacridone Violet (QoR)
Ultramarine Deep (Sennelier)
Phthalo Turquoise (Da Vinci)
Handbook Travelogue Artist Watercolor Journal 95lb/200gsm: amzn.to/2OOMH96
Colors Used in Demo:
Terra Rosa (M. Graham)
Chrome Black* (Winsor & Newton)
Raw Umber(Da Vinci)
Handbook Travelogue Artist Watercolor Journal 140lb/300gsm: amzn.to/3c2Pzbm
Colors Used in Demo:
Florentine Green (Stoneground Paint)
Raw Sienna Deep (Da Vinci)
Gold Brown* (Winsor & Newton)
Burnt Sienna (Daniel Smith)
Raw Umber (Da Vinci)
Chrome Black* (Winsor & Newton)
Pentalic Aqua Journal 140lb/300gsm: amzn.to/3s380SB
Colors Used in Demo:
Cerulean Blue (M. Graham)
Terra Rosa (M. Graham)
Neutral Tint (Daniel Smith)
Moleskine Art Watercolour Album 200gsm (25% Cotton): amzn.to/3s5xRJB
This is advertised as a 200gsm/135lb journal. While gsm is standardized, lbs are not. 200gsm is 95lbs in nearly all other watercolor brands, and this handles as such. When in doubt, go with gsm!
Colors Used in Demo:
Raw Sienna Deep (Da Vinci)
Gold Brown* (Winsor & Newton)
Chrome Black* (Winsor & Newton)
Ultramarine Blue (Sennelier)
Transparent Red Oxide (Daniel Smith)
Etchr Mixed Media Sketchbook 230gsm (100% Cotton): amzn.to/3c02Y3I
Colors Used in Demo:
Ultramarine Rose (Stoneground Paint)
Burnt Umber (Daniel Smith)
Chrome Black* (Winsor & Newton)
Lemon Yellow Nickel Titanate (Winsor & Newton)
Florentine Green (Stoneground Paint)
Hahnemuhle Watercolour Book 95lb/200gsm: amzn.to/3vKyLh9
Colors Used in Demo:
Pozzuoli Earth Red (Stoneground Paint)
Mayan Dark Blue (Daniel Smith)
Neutral Tint (Daniel Smith)
Cobalt Teal (M. Graham)
*These are limited edition colors that may no longer be available.
Silver Black Velvet Brushes (Round 2, 4, 6, 8): amzn.to/3ug8HsI
Mijello Mission White Class Design Gouache, Matte White
I have created watercolor palettes in collaboration with Da Vinci Paint Co. Your purchase of these palettes and other purchases made with the affiliate links below helps to support two small businesses and this channel:
Da Vinci Paint Co: davincipaints.com/?aff=9
Denise’s Earth Friendly Palette (half pans): bit.ly/3A6B5CY
Denise’s Earth Friendly Palette (tubes): bit.ly/3NXnX8R
Denise’s Earth Friendly Refill Set: bit.ly/3G9VmLu
Denise’s Wildlife Palette: bit.ly/3NXAgSA
You can find all my favorite and most used supplies here: www.amazon.com/shop/inliquidcolor
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jackson's Art links are also affiliate links in which a small percentage of the sale supports this channel without costing you more. Thank you for your support!
Jackson's Affiliates: bit.ly/2HztjHF
** Timestamps **
0:00 Introduction
0:57 The Sketchbook Parameters
2:54 The Paper Test Process
5:17 The Demonstration Process
6:38 Ways to Support This Video
7:58 Handbook Travelogue 95lb
16:07 Handbook Travelogue 140lb
21:39 Pentalic Aqua Journal
28:44 Moleskine Art Watercolor
37:28 Etchr Mixed Media
46:20 Hahnemuhle Watercolor
54:27 Conclusion
** Support & Shop **
Website: www.denisesoden.com
Patreon: / inliquidcolor
Skillshare: skl.sh/denisesoden
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/denisesoden
RedBubble: www.redbubble.com/people/denis...
** Follow **
Instagram: / inliquidcolor
** Music **
Music licensed by Artlist.io
Like Paper Planes by Michael Shynes (ft. Marco Vendame)
Separation by ANBR
Migration (No Backing Vocals) by Ian Post
Icicles by Biba Dupont
It Can’t Rain All the Time by Attila Erdelyi
The Path by Patrick Ussher
Kindness Courage (Instrumental Version) by Kolby Knickerbocker

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey Denise! Wow, yes, quite a video undertaking. Thanks for the info. Since you asked for feedback, I think our opinions pretty well line up. The Pentalic was my first wc journal (up until the start of my channel I was not a journal painter at all) and even now as a line and wash journal, its not bad. I, like you, loved the Handbook Journal too in the beginning. And for experienced watercolorists its still not bad strictly as a "sketchbook". I try not to think of any of the cellulose journals as appropriate for more polished, layered painting styles. I also really liked the Hahnemühle initially. I've done very limited work in it but it impressed me as much as a non-cotton journal could. Etchr? Yeah, they have a few growing pains. I had one of the first Leather bound Perfect Sketchbooks (Erwin Lian's original, before Etchr's reboot) and it was amazing. How could Fabriano Artistico not be. 😁 But paper aside, Etchr definitely missed a few quality points on the initial reboot of that one it seems. Not really surprising since Erwin's original was a kick starter generated, premium, hand-made book. I've only briefly tested the white cover cotton books and have been satisfied as you have (too many books too little time). Hopefully, they are slowly but surely getting their feet under them. They, at least, are responding to an outcry for cotton sketchbook demands that only a handful of other companies are. All that packaging though...yeah! One person I talked with at Etchr confirmed that as a response to a multitude of complaints for how shipped product arrived. Maybe they'll get a better packaging solution worked out eventually, IDK. Anyway, thanks again for great information and a thoughtful, thorough review. Hope you are well my friend!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Steve! It's great to have your thoughts on this one as well. It's nice to see that we've had similar experiences as well. I think what it came down to for me is that when I was using my sketchbook as something I took with me traveling, the Hahnemuhle and Travelogue did what I expected of them and I was happy with them. This past year, and more specifically these past few months, I've been keeping a more active, personal journal that I'm using for self expression. Since I'm in it way more than I used to be, that may very well be what got me noticing some of the issues... or maybe they did change the sizing, I don't know haha. While I don't do finished pieces in it, I have been enjoying occasional college-type spreads (not sure what to call them but they're still all watercolor based) that require a lot of small details so I do find myself layering quite a bit. I'm excited to try out the Etchr once I finish up my current book and see how that goes! Thank you again, and I hope you are doing well, too!

[@arleebean]

Ahhhhh, you did it!! Congrats on the creation of this beautiful resource! I can't wait to dig into this video. Thank you so much for all of the care and hard work you put into this. ❤

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you, Arleesha! I won't be tackling another video this intense for a long while, but I'm so glad to finally have this one done 😅 I do hope it's a valuable resource!

[@lavinder11]

I used to be a packaging engineer. Yes, that amount of packaging is probably necessary especially considering how soft their covers are. I just received goods from Italy that's been warped because of the damage in shipping and change in climate/pressure from warehouse changes. Packaging is actually pretty complicated lol the engineers would also tense up when someone mentioned conservation.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great comparison! I am going to send my viewers here when they ask for watercolor sketchbook reccomendations! I like the look of the pentallic.

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much, Lindsay! I hope you are doing well!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@InLiquidColor aside from a very "meh" week not too bad.

[@lurklingX]

a cheap one that works pretty dang well is the *140lb vision journal by strathmore* . i've gone through a TON. actually started on the smooth bristol haha. a little tricky for watercolors but the water is no prob, no warping. but the other one is probably better for beginners or people who get frustrated. (the bristol sure taught me water control though!)

[@jasperdoesstuff9082]

I don't even need another sketchbook I just watched this because I find your videos so relaxing

[@Nik.66]

If there was an official award for KZbin watercolor video of the year, you’d have already won. What an undertaking! So perfectly detailed and useful since I’ve already bought four different ones since quarantine (and only one was acceptable so I’m still looking for my favourite) this is such a valuable resource!! Thank you! And amazing work!!

[@InLiquidColor]

😭 Thank you, Nik. That means a lot to me!

[@barbararegina5198]

I am an eternal beginner, because I get distracted with other hobbies and don't practice enough. However, I discovered about a year ago that Etchr is my preferred paper, and I use it almost exclusively. Their cotton postcards are less expensive than Arteza! I am eagerly waiting for them to start producing their paper in sheets in addition to sketchbook format. Glad you gave them a tryy!

[@kathyhackney7950]

I wish they would sell large sheets of etchr paper. I love it! It would also be cool if they'd make a cheaper sketchbook with their 50 percent cotton paper 📃

[@shortielikestoart]

I was seriously just searching for a new one yesterday! This is perfect timing!

[@lindsayjayne2169]

Me too, thankyou for an ᗩᗰᗩᘔIᑎᘜ video!!👏🏼

[@TheJenstewartphoto]

I am painting on my first watercolor sketchbook and it happens to be the Moleskin you reviewed. I’ve been fighting with it and, since I’m a beginner, thought it was my lack of skill was my issue (which may be playing a factor for sure). But seeing you struggle with the same issues I’ve had, makes me feel like maybe it’s not *ALL* me! Thanks so much for the review, it was very helpful.

[@squinj7004]

I took watercolor in college when I was a broke college student 20 years ago and I got the cheapest paint and brushes and paper…. I struggled so very hard. Fast forward to maybe 5 years ago and I decided to give it another go with nicer brushes and paints and paper…. It makes a huuuuuuge difference

[@barbhayes5613]

I so appreciate your approach for this video; well thought-out and balanced (the 'science girl' in my soul is doing a happy dance.) The amount of time you put into all of your comparison (and swatch) videos is always evident, and downright flabbergasting for this particular endeavor. Thank you so much for sharing this information, AND for sharing your lovely animals. Cheers!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Barb! It's great to hear that it's appreciated and makes all that work worth while :) I can't say that I'm eager to jump into another intensely detailed video again anytime soon, but I also look forward to figuring out how to streamline my approach so that my videos still feel like mine while not taking SO long to produce, hahah.

[@diannaa5631]

This really shows how important paper choice is.thank you for the time spent.very much appreciated

[@adventsign]

I like the Moleskin sketchbooks, but I use them exactly as you suggest, sketching with a Micron or similar indelible pen and putting a layer or two of watercolour over top. I actually enjoy the unpredictability of the paper for this, but totally see why it wouldn’t work for other styles.

[@InLiquidColor]

That sounds spot on, James!

[@susansacco7583]

Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into this video to help us find our perfect sketchbook! I really enjoyed listening to you, the music, and watching you paint your lovely paintings. I’m really looking forward to painting in the Etchr sketchbook. I appreciate you so much Denise.💕

[@MandaPanda254]

I truly appreciate all of your hard effort that has gone into this video. You are so dedicated and thorough, thank you so much ☺️ This is a great resource that so many will find very valuable! 👏👏

[@c8Lorraine1]

Absolutely thorough deep dive into watercolour sketchbook properties. Thank you for sharing your experiences with these books. I find I gravitate towards your channel more often than any others on KZbin. A testament to your generous sharing your experiences.

[@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane]

Thank you Denise for all your research and testing of these journals. Now I can make the best purchase for my needs. I love the Etchr sketchbook for it's 100% cotton paper.

[@meperez05]

😊 Great content! Super helpful in my new watercolor journal hunt! Thank you! PS. Those who appreciate you will never be disappointed in your growth and honesty!! I have watched your videos for years now and appreciate all you do. Your energy is beautiful! Thank you again!

[@SpellboundArtstudio]

Amazing work as usual. My favorite is Etchr. From my experience the texture can vary from page to page but it doesn’t affect much. Still an awesome sketchbook.

[@purplestarkatz]

Legit just checked my Amazon history to see what I paid for my Moleskine watercolor sketchbook. I was so relieved when I finished that one, I wasn't a fan. Luckily, I got it for a steal at less than $11, lol. It was also my very first watercolor sketchbook, which I'm sure didn't help either. I'll give it that watercolor pencils weren't bad in it. I ended up learning to make my own sketchbooks, though this can be a lot of work. Might give that etchr one a try someday though, I've heard so many good things, and this video tells me I would really enjoy it. Thank you for all the work you put into this video.

[@hannahthufvesson]

Thank you, Denise! This is gold! It's such a jungle and it's so, so helpful to see how they behave and compare to one another! 🌻

[@peggydid]

Denise, this is an awesome presentation! As someone beginning to learn watercolor, it is so helpful to see what is expected in the action/reaction of the paper, and what went wrong. I love the animals, and especially liked watching the mountain lion come to life. I suddenly saw, "He can see now!" Thank you for all of this hard work!

[@brenapulve5343]

Yay!!! This is exactly what I needed because I've been trying to find my own sketchbook that I will fit all my watercolor needs! Sketchbooks mean so much to me, I just love them! This is the greatest video ever! I can't wait to get some new sketchbooks so I can also do my own experiments and tests with the different papers. You are the best!!! So so grateful for you and this wonderfully in-depth video!!! Thank you thank you!!!♡♡♡

[@KikiFu]

Great video Denise!💗 I appreciate all the details...Thank you for all the work you put into this video. It's amazing!

[@MollyM2]

I can't believe how much work you put into your videos! Thank you for making this, it's so helpful! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕

[@jennw6809]

Super useful, I was thinking of trying the Pentalic! Thanks so much for your hard work on this.

[@ChrissieNicely]

Oh, wow!! I am finally getting to watch your very in-depth review. Thank you so much, Denise! 🥰😘❤ This is such a valuable resource! You're a 🌟! 😊😍🥰😘

[@terri6584]

Wow! Such talent & beautiful art, too! Thank you for video!

[@MAYOMORENOG]

Gracias Denisse! Siempre tan dedicada a tus videos!! 🤍🤍🤍

[@valeriemartin3506]

As a beginner I thoroughly enjoy this video (actually all of them) I found it informative and helped me to better understand how and what to look for in paper. In addition I enjoyed your background music selections. It was extremely motivating as well as relaxing. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into all of your videos!

[@roxydawn1507]

Your paintings are so beautiful! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your reviews. Wishing you health and happiness!

[@leahstanleigh2383]

What a wonderfully comprehensive video! Thank you! I especially like the paper test to see direct comparison between the books. I have an Etcher I haven't started yet, but I think you just inspired me to get on that!

[@dhowell9000]

Fantastic comparison and Demo! Thanks for sharing Denise!

[@bruceosborne1892]

Fantastic and thorough video, Denise. Thank you.

[@elainebrown160]

Great video. It answered a lot of my questions about sketchbooks.

[@betsyblack15]

Bravo! I can see all the hard work that went into this video and it’s a masterpiece, as are all your paintings in it. You really know how to overcome paper challenges. Well done!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much Betsy!

[@kayphi1496]

Thank you for this detailed and incredibly informative video! The amount of work you put into this is commendable ❤️

[@jennw6809]

When I watched this a year ago, I was very inexperienced with paper. But this time I can see how hard of a time you were having just trying to lay down that underpainting on the Hahnemuhle. If you haven't tried the new cotton Hahnemuhle you need to! You will be thrilled. It is so nice and so reasonably priced at Wet Paint. Do be careful with masking tape and fluid though - use low tack tape, and don't use masking pen or a colored fluid. Remove both promptly!

[@jyotasama]

Was looking forward to this for years! Thank you for making an update. :)

[@beccatraber8233]

I love all of your videos so much. You're so knowledgeable and clear--an excellent teacher.

[@SketchWithBex]

What an incredibly informative video. Fantastic in-depth reviews! I'll be recommending this to anyone who asks about watercolour sketchbooks. 🥰 Thank you for taking the time to create this wonderful resource. I am absolutely addicted to your channel!

[@francineh.7825]

Thank you for this great video and all of the work you put into it!! Was such great information. By the look of the test page I would definitely buy the Etcher book. Again...amazing video as it was really interesting!

[@freestylefineart6134]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I absolutely love the detail you put into your work(both art and reviews).

[@kathysampson826]

Fantastic video! Congrats on excellent painting plus explanations and reviews! Rally inspiring.

[@bridgetvollmer6337]

Thank you so much for this video. I love all these animal paintings, it is hard to choose a favorite.

[@johnyopp]

Been waiting for this one as I’m in the market for a sketchbook. Great detail and thoughtfulness. It really helped.

[@mald379]

I have to mention Koval sketchbooks, they're made in Poland, where I come from, but they ship internationally, and im very happy with them ♡ I believe Teoh has video on them

[@amberdreams_0]

Koval are beautifully made books but rather expensive - even before shipping.

[@lilyannepaints]

Thank you so much for doing this. I found this very helpful. Your analyses is always very informative.

[@itsgabriela.br18]

Thank you for doing this video! I have been looking into buying a watercolor journal and this help a lot!!

[@lishapisha002]

I’m so glad you finally tried Etchr! I completely agree about the packaging, but at least most of it is recyclable. And they’re such a dream to paint on. The moleskin ones looked similar to Paul Rubens, which is not my favorite, and now I only use it for color swatching.

[@sharonrego823]

Thanks Denise ! Excellent content 🎨😊 your paintings are always beautiful and your music selections provided a calming background. Just perfection 👌

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much, Crestbirch! So glad you enjoyed it :) Oddly enough, finding suitable music is always stressful haha but I'm always happy to watch it back at the end for the de-stress :D

[@banditrose8432]

Thank you sooo much, Denise! I've been looking for a watercolor journal for forever now but was to scared to purchase something that might not work for me. Your video was very well done and quite enjoyable!

[@denglerclaudia]

What a great job on this review!! I really appreciate the etchr story...I had a similar reaction to their packaging.

[@BrokenAnguissette]

This was incredibly helpful! I've been pondering a new sketchbook as I've almost finished my current one, and I'll definitely be looking into the Pentalic and the Etchr. Thank you so much for such a thorough video!

[@InLiquidColor]

I'm so glad it's helpful Regina! I hope you enjoy whichever one you get!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Denise. My painting time is precious and limited. I don't want to fight the paper. I would stick with the cotton . I'll save the extra up. Great music BTW. Thanks again for the very informative video. Take care.💜

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Thanks so much for this thorough video. I have not purchased a sketchbook for watercolor. I have been using watercolors for almost a year, though not new to painting or art. Once I tried arches paper, I was hooked. So glad to find 100% cotton sketchbook, will definitely buy this soon. You put in so much effort and time, thanks again 😍👍🎨🧑‍🎨

[@LilDivette]

Great, informative video-as always-so good, I watched it twice! Helped me narrow down the perfect book for my painting style, thanks! 😊🎨

[@debig1136]

WOW you are just an amazing artist. I really enjoyed your take on the different papers and am deciding on 2 😄 I cked your Etsy shop and missed 😫 getting one of the sketchbooks with your painting but am grabbing some stickers to decorate my new sketchbook. Thanks for the video

[@gypsysgardenthebutterflyba8317]

I love all your paintings! So beautiful!

[@IK-wi9pm]

Extremely well worth working on your video it has surely helped me and I am very very grateful for your hard work and effort into creating it!!! 😊thank you so much!!! 💓

[@angiewright-artist8246]

This is so awesome Denise!

[@hermitcollector]

Just bought the Etchr one based on your video! Thank you!!

[@sabihashehzad7391]

Thanks ❤️for the great videos on my favorite subject watercolors 💕

[@jenneke9763]

Thankyou for this wonderful video! So much information! And though you mentioned that the point was not comment on whether we liked the paintings, I can’t help but say how much I admire them. Watching your painting process was so enjoyable. Even when you experienced difficulty , it was super to see how you overcame the downsides of the paper. Wishing you all the best.

[@tandyluras7756]

This is a great review! I really love to do my research before I buy any watercolor products since I can not afford to try them all. I don't mind investing in good quality products with reviews like this. Thank you so much for the time you took to help us make informed choices!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you, Tandy! I'm so glad it's helpful.

[@mvachon6201]

Soooo useful! Thank you for your dedication

[@juliehickman2880]

WoW! Gorgeous video! A little art therapy for this Saturday morning. I am excited because I have a new Etcher sketchbook to try, along with a Hahnemuhle.

[@InLiquidColor]

Yay! Happy painting!

[@northernruby2116]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Your opinion is very precious! I now know which watercolor notebook to buy! Thank you for your hard work on this! 😊

[@Fr4Fry88]

I adore your videos...no matter how long they are

[@nlorens]

Thank you for the very comprehensive review! Beautiful paintings

[@mdragon5536]

Yesssssssssss I love hunting for the perfect WC sketchbook. Hope you're doing good Denise!

[@joycegentile8552]

I have enjoyed watching you paint all of this video with the plus of learning about the journals strengths and weaknesses I have just embarked on a quest to paint wildlife with the help of an artistic .gifted photograher, with his full permission of course.

[@SilverrWinter]

Very pretty paintings, and great feedback!

[@sandrah1779]

Hi Denise. Thanks for the thourough review. I love your videos!

[@stevemurray6543]

Very through review and well presented. Thank you. Very much appreciated. Your work is very detailed and presentation is a very high standard. Thank you.

[@darcyreads]

I can always rely on you on the technical side of watercolor. Now I have a clearer idea which sketchbook to buy next time!

[@iri5016]

omg the etchr took my breath away. i loved how smooth the colors looked. + the way i laughed when you were offered a coupon for your concerns😭

[@carolineguf2711]

Love this. You paint beautifully. This was also suuuuuper helpful to me. ❤ Thank you.

[@Zoiekiwicoco]

Wonderful demo! I’ve owned the Pentalic which was my favourite for a long time, and the Travelogue 95lb, and all of the Etchr’s, starting with the Perfect Sketchbook. By far, all of the Etchr ones I’ve tried have outperformed the others I’ve used, which also included Bee, Strathmore, and Stillman & Birn.

[@RyeMiArt]

The amount of work you did for this video...also you give us so much information. Thank you for this video.

[@InLiquidColor]

I'm so glad you like it! Thank you so much!

[@rebekahgoodcharles3726]

Such a great review. Thank you so much for the really high quality, educational, and enjoyable video.

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks so much Rebecca! I'm glad you liked it!

[@mwGoosman]

It’s so good to see your lovely paintings in this post! This will assist me in future purchases. I will be checking out your Etsy store on Monday and please, do what best works for you as far as what you offer and when. I love your paintings so much that I purchase your stickers to give as gifts to my science teacher friends as they too get to experience the joy I get from your artwork. Take care and keep painting!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much, Michelle! I really appreciate the kind words and support. I'm also looking forward to seeing how this shop restock goes! I know a lot of artists do it this way, but it's new territory for me 😅🤞

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

Thank you so much for this! As someone who only occasionally uses watercolor and doesn't get through books often this is a wonderful resource to know what to get next if I ever make it through my current book.

[@InLiquidColor]

So glad you enjoyed it Trisha. I hope it proves to be helpful!

[@rosawolke2788]

initially I wanted to try the etchr sketchbook but after seeing your comparison I’m not so sure anymore because the technique that is most important to me is lifting while I almost never use any layering. Thank you so much for comparing all these sketchbooks 💕

[@MeganM-fm9od]

Thank you so much, this has been so helpful!

[@basherwo]

This was beautiful work and really helped me choose my first sketchbook journal (Etchr). I’m a beginner who has slowly invested in better supplies over time. Your swatch test was fantastic. *chef’s kiss* I’m now going to incorporate that into any new papers I try. Also your previous sketchbooks are absolutely beautiful. I didn’t see a video on a flip through on your channel, but I’d love one (Patreon?). I find I absolutely began to excel at watercolor quickly when I painted subjects I was passionate about (animals). You’re an inspiration, truly! Thank you for your hard work. 😊

[@niazhannanwatercolors]

Such indepth description. Great info🧡

[@SurinaSlackArt]

Holy smokes, the amount of work you put into this video is bananas, and very appreciated!

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you, Surina! I'm so glad it's appreciated!

[@SurinaSlackArt]

@@InLiquidColor no problem. Btw, I use the Moleskine Watercolor Album at the moment and the binding on the spine doesn't hold up well over time, I've found that the pages come loose and wiggle a bit too much. I plan on finishing it, but I probably won't get another one

[@InLiquidColor]

@@SurinaSlackArt Yikes! Good to know.

[@simplelsie]

Thank you for this helpful resource; it’s much appreciated.

[@KatyONealKillingsworth]

I'm so excited to try the Handbook Travelogue 140lb! I didn't know it existed, but I have enjoyed the 95lb one.

[@amberzartwork1466]

This is so meticulously done, I'm extremely impressed. Thank you for this review! This is such a great resource for the watercolour community.

[@carolekamieniecki2523]

Great comprehensive review! I started out using the Moleskin ones but I wasn’t really happy with them. Someone else recommended the Etchr ones so I tried them and fell in love with them. I might give the Travelogue ones a try although the 100% cotton paper in Etchr has spoiled me.

[@chantalp.146]

Thank you Denise! 🥰

[@sandyman2732]

So much details! Thanks💖💖💖💖

[@kellysartthrob]

You put soooooo much into your videos. I get so much out of each and every one of them. Watercolor sketchbooks are such a confusing art supply because of the cost, types/weights/fibers/sizes and bindings. I have avoided buying them because of that. Thank you for such a detailed and comprehensive comparison. I can see keeping several different types, but needing to be very familiar with their strengths and weaknesses to choose appropriately for the given project. I might actually buy one or two, now that you've given us the information to make informed choices. Thank you very much, Denise. This video was well worth the wait. ❤️

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks so much, Kelly! I'm so very glad they are helpful. I know how hard it is to commit to a long-term product, and I'm glad to help where I can. I hope you find one that works well for you!

[@shalinib9670]

Wow I've been searching for a new watercolor sketchbook for a while now. Thanks for this video

[@InLiquidColor]

I hope it's helpful and that you enjoy whichever sketchbook you decide on!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Very helpful. Thank you for doing the work for us. I end up making my own a lot and am glad to know about options.

[@InLiquidColor]

Ahh, making your own is so much fun! I'm still going through my homemade one, but it's hard to find time for them all!

[@natashajohnson5776]

I tend to make my own as well. I like the option of choosing paper that I know I'll enjoy using. Making and binding my own journals and sketchbooks wasn't as difficult as I originally thought it would be either. :-)

[@zoetkt]

Denise, lady, you are crazy!! 🤯 You out sooooo much work into this video! What a thorough review and amazing resource you have created. Thank you. I love the hahnemühle Sketchbook for urban sketching but all your issues about it are totally valid. After this review i am tempted to try out the etchr Sketchbook..

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you, Zoe! It was the combined factors of that frustration with Hanemuhle and finding the 140lb handbook that made me want to look for other options, so I do hope it proves to be helpful for you too if you're looking for a change!

[@kennethneild8684]

Denise Soden thank you for your input. I just want to say your very inspiring! Very well informed and i have to include I purchased the Davinci Earth-Friendly palette that you curated and i cannot get enough this 24 set is incredible. INCREDIBLE COLOR SELECTION. I love how there is the perfect primary mixing colors and then the bottom 12 are an array of convienance earth tones. The pb16 is gorgeous!! Davinci ultramarine is very clean and fresh looking. In love. Thanks.

[@InLiquidColor]

I'm so glad you love it, Kenneth! Makes it all worth while :)

[@Lexouchan]

Thank you for all the work ! This is so informative and well put together !!! Congratulations ❤️❤️

[@InLiquidColor]

Thank you so much!

[@Lexouchan]

@@InLiquidColor you're welcome !! It's was well deserved ❤️

[@jazminalvarado8433]

Awesome video! Thank you!