WATERCOLOR JOURNALS – There is just something special – when it comes to opening a crisp new journal and flipping through its smooth white pages. I’ve tried a number of watercolor journals in my years of painting – but have to say I’ve never quite fallen in love with one as much as this.
WATERCOLOR JOURNALS
// You See I’m Quite Picky.
Yeah – you heard me! I’m extremely picky when it comes to my paper. Um – for crying out loud I even created a whole series just testing out a bunch of random watercolor papers from different brands. I’ll link it below if you are interested. With that beings said – I have several qualifiers when it comes to a good kind of paper in my book!
1 // 100% Cotton
My first qualifier is the paper must be 100% cotton. After testing hundreds of papers – there just really isn’t anything like painting on pure cotton.
2// Smooth Tooth
My second qualifier is the paper must have a smooth tooth or texture. Hot Press Paper – or paper that has been “hot ironed” flat is the smoothest type of paper to paint on. I love working on smooth surfaces – since this allows me to add intricate ink and pencil details – that might get lost in an otherwise. While Cold Press Paper is great for water control & a bit easier to work on – I still have a sweet spot in my heart for Hot Press.
3 // Saturation of Color
My last qualifier is the paper must be able to absorb my paints with ease – thus giving me the best coverage and color pay off!
// The Results Are In…
After working in this journal for a month – I have to say I’ve loved every minute. I’ve tried swatching colors – glazing and even pushed it with some wet on wet effects. Overall, for the price – I’m extremely happy! Is it the best paper I’ve painting on – NO. I still have a sweet spot in my heart for 300lb paper that is in sheets. But that is for another post. That being said – is it the best watercolor journal I’ve worked in – YES. If you would like to snatch one up for yourself – make sure to check out the link below. If you purchase through that link – I’ll earn a small commission! So thanks in advance and happy painting!
10 Comments
Carol Robinson
April 29, 2020 at 2:51 pmHi Carrie,
Thank you for your hard work. I know when we don’t feel our best that it’s difficult to project a happy, perky image to the world. Yet, you come through again and again for your followers. I just wanted to assure you that it is appreciated!
Sincerely,
Carol
MaryAnne
April 29, 2020 at 4:05 pmGreat find and thank you for sharing! Just ordered the Pink one through your link! I’m also loving the new website. Well done both of you!
Misfit
April 29, 2020 at 5:16 pmThanks Carol! That means so much :)
Misfit
April 29, 2020 at 5:18 pmThanks MaryAnne – yeah it seems when it rains it pours. Monday my website’s old theme started glitching – so had to revamp the entire website overnight. I like it better – so though it was stressful I think the end result turned out great :)
Elizabeth Keefner
April 29, 2020 at 5:54 pmThanks for the review! I have been so frustrated with watercolor journals. I have tried several others and had such a horrible time but I feel like I should be painting in a journal. It seems like that is what all good artists and aspiring artists do. Meanwhile I have random piles of paintings mostly on the 6×9 bee paper. It would be nice if they were consolidated into a single journal but alas I am to busy/ lazy to make my own. I will be trying this one out ASAP!
Elizabeth
April 29, 2020 at 8:54 pmHOW DID I MISS THE PINK ONE?!?!?!? Ordered — looking forward to trying.
Craig Bunker
April 30, 2020 at 9:59 pmTruly glad you are so picky. Great art begins with great supplies!
Nichole Wade
May 2, 2020 at 2:42 amExtremely timely because I was just looking at an expensive Australian one and they wanted you to purchase 3 at a time! And it was cold pressed paper and not my fave. Thank you! I am putting together a travel watercolor kit so I can do more while I am out driving around. :)
Dalles Hill
May 6, 2020 at 6:27 amThank you so much for this helpful tip! I’ve been in transition the past year and finally settled in enough to start painting again. I was looking for a good notebook to take along on hikes. This one is Perfect! Love all your tips and style and new website ?
Ann
June 6, 2020 at 10:26 amThank you Carrie, I saw this video a while back and have just been able to order my journal today.
I just want to say thank you for the amazing high quality videos, tutorials etc you do. I love all the courses that I do with you and find your advice on art supplies refreshing in that you limit what you suggest and give the reasons why you recommend them.
I love being part of Misfitland and whilst work does not allow me to be on as much as I want I thoroughly enjoy when I do.
I cannot wait to receive my little book tomorrow and use it with the new video re tracing onto water colour. Will use one of the deigns I have brought from your shop.
Thank you.