Handbook Journal Co. Artist Watercolor Sketchbook Journal, Large Portrait 8.25 x 5.5 Inches, 140lb / 300 GSM, Hardcover w/Pocket

I've tried at least a dozen different brands of art journals, but find myself coming back to this one. I use it for drawing, markers (they bleed through, of course, but don't feather), ink and light washes, gouache, color swatching, note taking, all kinds of things. They aren't 100% cotton, but what I've discovered is that when it matters I'm best off carrying a 100% cotton watercolor block, because no journal I've tried completely lives up to the needs of watercolor work. I've also been happy with the Handbook journals for sketching, inking and light washes. These two journals from this brand have become my preferred journals, over and above Moleskine, Illo, Hahnemuhle, and maybe even Art Creations. I just wish they were a little more affordable.

I purchased 2 of these as well as TAVOLOZZA Watercolor Paint Set, 50 Vivid Color as well as Refillable Watercolor Brush Pens for my sisters trip to Italy. The journal size is a perfect size to carry around on your travels. They absolutely love the idea and cannot wait to sip wine and coffee on their balcony in Italy as they journal their trips with art : )

I like everything about this sketchbook.

I use this as a daily sketch book. The binding and paper are excellent quality.

It was suggested that I purchase this particular journal for a class I’m attending. It is very classic looking and well made.

I saw this on a watercolor artist page and I had to get it. Nice for traveling and easy of sketching and painting.

This little booklet is rad! It's a nice thick paper that held up well to a lot of water, the book was durable and handled 3 weeks of travel, and it's really a fabulous size. I'm a novice painter, so maybe other people would have different standards but this thing was perfect and once it's full I'll get another.

I find the paper quality better than the Moleskine watercolor sketchpads. The paper in this sketchbook feels thicker, nd hold watercolor and ink better, without bleeding or featheirng. Will be buying this brand going forward.

100% perfection for me. I’ve used with NO BLeeding: 3 layers of heavy acrylic paints, no bending or cracking either,, Watercolor on opposite side of same page & today I’m trying Acrylic Inks and Some pouring medium even! I bought this to do it all. So I could do a 15 mins art a day no matter how busy or what type of art medium used. I am in love I want 20 exactly like this for the year!

This is a sturdy, attractive watercolor book with strong, substantial paper that takes the paint very nicely. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and will definitely order more of these books in different sizes.

Top quality watercolour book that doesn’t pill. I’m happy with it.

Perfect for watercolor and moreI like the quality of the paper!

This sketchbook is great and does everything it says it does, but I only gave it 4 stars because the paper is ok. U can watercolour on it but it seems like the water just lays on top of the paper, it won’t absorb it it just sits on top once it dries and that’s why I only use it for project planning or just practicing on my watercolouring skills. It’s a great sketchbook but that’s the only con with me.It lays completely flat and came way earlier than I expected it to which is a plus. You can sketch in it but in some parts will be quite difficult because the paper is “toothy”.