Which is the best sketchbook? Taking a look at the Etchr watercolour sketchbook

In the interests of full disclosure, I was sent this sketchbook for free (thank you to ‪@EtchrLab‬) but I said I would only do a review if I could be 100% honest, so this film is my true opinion. It is the A5 portrait watercolour book with 100% cotton paper and a NOT/cold pressed surface. These sketchbooks aren't cheap, but they have a cult following among artists, so take a look with me and see what you think before you buy. I also share some ideas for getting over the fear of starting a new sketchbook.
I try out fineliners, watercolour, Platinum Carbon ink, Quink, fountain pens and Stabilo Point 88 pens. I plan to use mine for urban sketching, so I really want to see how the paper takes pen and wash.
For comparison, I show it alongside the Moleskine sketchbook I am currently using. This is not specifically for watercolour, but it is interesting to compare size, paper, binding and price.
In the UK you can buy Etchr materials through Jacksons Art (www.jacksonsart.com. Elsewhere, go to www.etchrlab.com to find out about shipping to your country.
You might also like to see how I painted the cover in line and wash watercolour. In hindsight, I should have prepared it with watercolour ground or gesso, but I was excited to try it and just jumped in. You can see the result here: • Painting the cover of ... .... I'm pretty pleased with it and it's coming to Australia with me.
If you enjoyed this, please like and subscribe and hit the notification bell to be emailed when I release the next film. I try to do one per week.
If you are interested in learning far more about Line and Wash, why not take a look at my course over at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk.
I also run a facebook group which is a lovely place to meet artists from around the world, share your ideas and tips and show your work. You are welcome to join us here: groups/watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton/
#lizchaderton #lineandwash #etchrsketchbook

[@majrminer]

Thank you for the honest review. I find many artists now push any product they get for free and hardly mention drawbacks. The longer I've been sketching, the more I appreciate the cheaper sketchbooks. I can get a lot done in them without concern, and that allows me to be free and unconcerned with what materials and techniques I'm putting down. Thank you again, Liz!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I love getting freebies, but only accept them if I am allowed to be honest. I used this in my travels and found it coped with very rough treatment, though the paper seemed to dull my colours. I think they are great quality but about too expensive for me!

[@cathyzura5758]

Came here to hear about books and somehow ended up with an Amazon cart full of pens, lol! Thanks for the review Liz!

[@LizChadertonArt]

oops! Have fun!

[@Cynthia.B]

❤ Thanks to your video tutorial on making your own sketchbooks, I finally made one - a ring-bound one, as that one seemed the easiest to make and the most versatile. I messed up with the hole punch marks, but kind of covered that up! I am feeling a little uncertain about the first page also, so I think painting the set of watercolor pencils that I have would be a good idea there. Thanks for the great suggestion and for reviewing the sketchbooks! 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

Well done on doing it. It does not have to be perfect, but it does need to be used 😀

[@ashleyhawkeswatercolor]

Every time I watch your videos, I sit and chuckle to myself because you say the funniest things! (I’m American so I have never heard some of the things you say and I LOVE it!) My husband always asks me “What are you laughing about this time?” 😂 Anyways, I’m so excited for your trip and think you will love the Etchr!! I have loved mine so much. The paper is a delight! I ended up re-covering mine with leather because I didn’t love the fabric cover, but the Dorland’s Wax idea is brilliant!! ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad I make you laugh! The book is standing up to travels so far, though it’s getting grubby.

[@anncorsaro224]

Have a wonderful trip!! I love your artwork, videos and you’re such a nice lady.🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@ghajba]

Looking forward to what lovely sketches will fill your new sketchbook! Have great travels!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Liz! Glad that you are enjoying your trip so far! Etcher does make real quality supplies, however you have to do something with the cover that white stains so quick and leaves fingerprints and everything else showing, it’s nice that you can paint the cover and eliminate the problem right away. I feel that you gotta find them on sale or on offer to justify purchasing them! I am looking forward to seeing your book when you get back! Til then be safe and have yourself a grand ol’ time!

[@LizChadertonArt]

agreed entirely about that cover. I ended up painting it and applying cold wax. Also agree that I would want a special offer before buying another. it’s too much for a work horse, which is what my sketch books usually are.

[@debs_7163]

I really had to chuckle when you mentioned the kitchen towels and how you wipe your brush on your leg, because almost all my pants have a smudgy paint spot just above the right leg 🤣

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am travelling at the moment and foolishly packed a pair of white linen cut offs….phthalo blue is a pig to get out!!

[@BlueLotusLife]

I tend to write a lot on my sketches and watercolors so I prefer a bit of tooth. I guess more like a hot press watercolor paper. But that’s too expensive. I am always looking for the Goldilocks of paper. I’m wondering if, after your review here, I should try the Etchr? I wish you could order paper samples…

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@BlueLotusLife Where are you based Gina?

[@catepearce2138]

Thanks for the comparison, the Moleskin seems quite flimsy in comparison to the Etchr sketchbook. Enjoy your time in Aus, its very hot here in north Queensland at the moment. I look forward to seeing your sketches when that is possible. Stay well and stay safe.

[@LizChadertonArt]

it is a quality book, for sure. we have just arrived in Airlie Beach…37 degrees on the way up from Rockhampton. Where about are you? We’ll be heading up to Cairns in a few days.

[@catepearce2138]

@@LizChadertonArtwow - I'm here! I live in Proserpine, which is between the airport and Airlie. So glad you are taking the time to visit our little spot. Hope you are taking advantage of all that is on offer.

[@mjpete27]

@@LizChadertonArtI do hope that you have plenty of memory cards for pictures and video for any on-site artworks! Looking forward to seeing more of what you bring back!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@mjpete27 I wondered if I could film while I was travelling, but decided I couldn’t. I will do a flip through when I’m back.

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@catepearce2138 howdy neighbour! Just been to Cedar Creek Fall for a gorgeous swim with no crocs or stingers!

[@Linna_fleur]

I never thought about keeping the box. The white cover gets so dirty! It’s what keeps me away from these sketchbooks. The paper is lovely though.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’m using it as a travel journal at the moment and I am finding that colours are a little muted on it. have you noticed that?

[@Linna_fleur]

@@LizChadertonArt yes, I have noticed that. I like the way watercolor behaves but, just ended up with too many negatives to justify the price and went back to my moleskine.

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@Linna_fleur They are pricey, and I think if I need watercolour paper rather than heavy weight drawing, I will make my own book. But they are lovely and I’m enjoying using it.

[@saftah0305]

Is it possible to spray the cover with a water protectant like a silicone spray to keep it from getting dirty?

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@saftah0305 you could use an acrylic varnish. You want something flexible and waterproof and that won’t rub off. I’ve used Dorlands wax and I will see how it is when I get home!

[@FizzyStarArt]

Hi Liz, the link in the description for the painted cover is private. Have you used Jacksons sketchbooks? I was wondering what they are like.

[@TR-rz1xt]

Sorry for jumping in here but although not the sketchbook I have used Jackson's watercolour paper pads and blocks and have a problem with washi tape lifting the surface which it doesn't with Arches etc. Not sure if I'm alone in that, or just unlucky.

[@FizzyStarArt]

@@TR-rz1xt Thank you for the information. I have always found that Washi tape removes quite easily without damage, providing it has not been left too long, so maybe it is problem with the paper.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am in Australia at the mo and set all these up before I left. The cover one won’t go live until 6 March. I haven’t used Jackson’s. usually I use Seawhite, but cartridge paper. if you gently warm the tape with a hairdryer it should come off without harming the paper.

[@LizChadertonArt]

that’s annoying! Jackson’s customer service is very good. have you emailed them? And if you warm the tape with a hairdryer it should come off easier

[@FizzyStarArt]

@@LizChadertonArt Thank you, I will look out for the video on the 6th.

[@malinamorin4296]

Another wonderful video. Just a little ? though. In bold print at the bottom at 1:33 it says, "Link to how to make this in the description". I was hoping to find a link to another video on how you made the sketch book. I didn't see a link for that in the description. Is there a way you could provide that if there is one? Or tell me to read it again because I missed it. Or maybe I misunderstood and there isn't one. Thank you for making such wonderful videos!

[@LizChadertonArt]

probably me! I was doing this before I left for Australia. Try kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoC9pIOYg82jmLs or this kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKipZoGnl5iDaZY. if you look there is a playlist too. Have fun!

[@malinamorin4296]

@@LizChadertonArt Thank you for your prompt response!!! I watched both and am excited to get started! I made a few small accordion style books. The directions I gleaned from one your videos on different types of textures in watercolor. I love them. Your sketch books are filled with amazing content and so are your videos. Thank you for your generosity in sharing such wonderful information!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@malinamorin4296 it’s nice to be able to use your favourite papers in your own book

[@saftah0305]

May I ask what are those watercolor pens you are using? I am not familiar with them. Thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

Which ones? The orange is Stabilo 88. it is a dye based ink in lots of colours, but the nice thing is the ink moves with water so you get line and tone. the Elegant Writer is dye based and only in black which splits to turquoise and pink with water. Neither are light fast unfortunately.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

What gsm is etchr ?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I thought I said in the film….230gsm for cold press