watercolor journal tour

Watercolor sketchbook buyer’s guide: Watercolor journals, pads and more

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Watercolors can be lots of fun to learn and use, but developing skills will require practice and hard work — that’s where a watercolor sketchbook comes in handy. 

With a watercolor sketchbook (or two!), you can create, practice, and track progress wherever you please. It’s also a great resource to compile your work! On the other hand, finding the right option can be tricky. 

That’s why I’ve put together this buyer’s guide featuring my favorite watercolor sketchbooks, journals, and more — find my  top picks  below!

If you’re entirely new to this creative hobby , check out our in-depth guide to  watercolor for beginners  to get the basics down. 

Affiliate disclosure: Articles on Tiny Workshops may contain affiliate links.

Best watercolor sketchbooks: Quick picks

Strathmore 400 series Watercolor Journal

• 48 thick 300gsm cold-press pages
• High-quality hardback cover and binding enable two-page panoramics

Khadi Handmade Hardback Sketchbook

• 32 rough 100% cotton 210gsm landscape pages
• Made by hand from recycled rags
• Unique, socially-conscious option

Moleskine Watercolor Notebooks

• 25% cotton 200gsm pages
• Iconic and luxurious Moleskine cover
• Stylish but still affordable

Canson Artist Series Watercolor Books

• 20 thick 300gsm cold-press pages
• Perfect for beginners and intermediate artists
• Very affordable, but slightly less travel-friendly

Table of Contents

Best watercolor sketchbooks and journals

There are lots of watercolor sketchbooks on the market, so it’s important to do a little research to figure out which one meets your needs.

Just remember that no matter what, you want a quality sketchbook that allows you to work on your art comfortably, whether you’ve just started taking a few watercolor classes or are a seasoned artist.

With that in mind, here are my picks for the best watercolor sketchbooks and journals!

Best overall: Strathmore Hardbound 400 Series Watercolor Art Journal

It’s hard to beat the value of Strathmore papers, which is why Strathmore’s Hardbound 400 series is at the top of my list for beginners and intermediate artists. 

These sketchbooks feature 140lb (300gsm) paper designed explicitly for watercolor and lay flat due to their Smyth-sewn binding. This allows you to work efficiently and still store your work safely in a beautiful, long-lasting journal. 

Also, since it lays flat, it’s perfect for lefty crafters looking for left-handed sketchbooks and art journals !

These sketchbooks contain cold-press paper and come in three sizes. The number of pages per sketchbook will vary (32-48). The advantage of cold-press paper is that it allows for fine detail, which is perfect if your work is more intricate. 

The only downside to this product is that the pages are cellulose vs. cotton. On the bright side, that means they’re a little less expensive than other watercolor sketchbooks.

If you want to save even more money, you can get the  softcover versions , although I wouldn’t recommend the  wire-bound pads  if you plan on taking your watercolor journal on the go.

Strathmore is a revered American brand for artists that started providing quality art supplies way back in 1890. Today, it continues to produce for professional artists and hobbyists around the globe. 

Best for beginners: Canson Artist Series Watercolor Books

Canson is a well-known brand for watercolor beginners and up and makes a couple of great sketchbooks that won’t break the bank.

Canson’s Artist Series allows you to pick two different sizes to help you create the type of art you want. Each contains 20 sheets of 140lb (300gsm) paper that can withstand multiple washes on each page. 

Once you finish a piece, the pre-perforated sheets come out nicely, so you can display your work wherever you want. However, if you choose to keep them in the book, be aware that the wire binding can lead pages to tear off eventually.

These sketchbooks also come with a removable bookmark that offers many helpful suggestions and tips for reference. It’s important to know that this paper isn’t cotton but rather pulp paper. 

And while this makes it extremely affordable, rest assured: you’ll still get the authentic Canson experience with every book. This is a great pick if you’re trying out watercolors for the first time!

The company started producing art supplies in 1557 and continues to do so today, which, in my book, says something about the quality of its products.

Best budget-friendly: Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks

Next up are these budget-friendly watercolor sketchbooks by Arteza, a practical option that artists can afford at any point in their careers.

Each watercolor sketchbook has 32 sheets of heavy, 140lb (300gsm) paper with a rough enough surface to work with large washes or fine brushwork. 

These books feature textured grey hardcovers to protect pages. The paper is perforated, and the wire binding is strong, but take care of your sketchbooks to prevent them from getting damaged!

Arteza is a fantastic brand that aims to provide the tools you need to show off your creative side without breaking the bank and is known for encouraging everyone to explore the artist within.

We’re with you, Arteza!

Best multi-purpose sketchbook: Fabriano Hardcover Watercolor Journals

Maybe you’re looking for a more general art book that’s also compatible with watercolor — I recommend the Fabriano Hardcover Watercolor Journal.

Each book gives you 30 pages of acid-free 25% cotton paper. The smooth and lightweight paper is 90lbs (200gsm), making it suitable to hold up to watercolor as well as almost every art technique. 

This watercolor sketchbook works great as a multi-use pad for artists who like to try a little bit of everything on the go. It comes in two sizes (both landscape), with a hard cover and pages that lay flat to enable panoramic paintings.

Fabriano has been creating paper since the 13th century and is currently one of the most prominent paper manufacturers in Europe. The brand even develops banknotes and security papers for countries worldwide! 

How’s that for pedigree?

Best money for value: Hahnemuhle Watercolor Book

If you want a more standard-sized watercolor sketchbook, this Hahnemuhle Watercolor Book offers artists 30 sheets of 140lb (200gsm) paper that carry watercolor very well.

The paper is made with cellulose instead of cotton. One of the highlights is that both sides of each sheet (front and back) are curated for watercolor: you can open your book and paint full landscape images across two pages.

In addition, the texture of each page is rough enough to allow fine detail with watercolor paint. When done, you can secure the book closed with a rubber band that wraps around the attractive black hardcover.

This watercolor sketchbook is sold in three sizes, but I recommend the A5 book (linked below) for the best mix of portability and page real estate. The smaller A4 size and larger A6 size are also great options.

Best for travel: Khadi Handmade Hardback Sketchbook

The Khadi Handmade Sketchbook offers 210gsm 100% cotton paper that’s perfect for socially-conscious artists who want nothing but the best.

Each book comes with 32 landscape-oriented (13x32cm) rough-finish pages. One side of the book offers an interesting deckle design that can give your work a fun border.

The book folds out fully, and the paper is bound in sections. Therefore, you can paint across two pages for large landscape painting projects. This travel sketchbook is bound in a unique hardback design that helps protect the rest of your pages while in use. 

Khadi Papers was formed in the 1980s to produce quality handcrafted paper for everyone. It comes from a small factory in India that hires locals, and the company has its own organic farm to help the local economy even more. 

When you’re looking for something with individual flair and want to make the world a slightly better place, you may want to take a look at these beautiful handmade sketchbooks!

Best black paper sketchbook: Shizen Design Black Watercolor Journals

Looking for something a bit more unique? This next watercolor sketchbook features black paper to try new techniques and styles while on the go!

Shizen uses 100% recycled paper from cotton cloths to make high-quality art paper that everyone can enjoy. The process starts in India and gets shipped all across the globe to put excellent paper into everyone’s hands. 

The books come in 140lb (300gsm) paper that dries well with watercolors, so you don’t have to worry about distortion. You can pick between rough and smooth texture paper depending on what you plan on doing with the book. 

These are also very compatible with gouache ! The main downsides are size (6x6in and 8x8in) and the wire binding, which isn’t the most resistant to wear and tear inside your bag.

The Shizen sketchbook may not become your everyday watercolor sketchbook, but can be an incredible change of pace for experienced watercolorists. And who knows, you may find that you prefer darker paper for specific artwork. 

Best heavyweight watercolor paper: Stillman & Birn Zeta Softcover Sketchbook

If you’re looking for heavier, warp-free paper, the Stillman & Birn Zeta can help you capture the beauty of any landscape image you see.

This watercolor sketchbook contains 180lb (270gsm) heavyweight paper that can sustain numerous washes with little chance of distortion. Each book has 28 sheets of smooth-finish, acid-free paper.

Truth be told, the softcover offers less protection than other options on the list. But in return, the properties composing this paper make it so that work lasts a long time.

Good news, considering this type of paint isn’t necessarily lightfast!

Stillman & Birn learned the finest Viennese binding techniques and brought them to New York in the 1950s. Today, the company still produces an American-made product with the main factory in Hamburg, New York.

Best for gifts: Moleskine Watercolor Notebooks

Next up is a series of watercolor notebooks from a brand even most non-artists have heard of and love: Moleskine.

The Moleskine Watercolor Notebook uses 25% cotton sheets to give artists the feel of more plush products at a substantially lower price point. The cold-press 135lb (200gsm) paper is perfect for almost every watercolor project.

These sketchbooks come in multiple sizes and feature an elastic band to keep them sealed when transported. The covers are a Moleskine textured wrap that feels very luxurious (you know if you know) but, more importantly, are very effective in protecting its contents.

Moleskine began producing notebooks in 1997, but the inspiration for these legendary pads goes back much further. When you try one of their notebooks for the first time, you’ll understand why so many stick to this brand.

They’re still one of my favorites after so many years!

Best for mixed-media sketchbookers: Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal

Last up is one of the most original options on our guide and the perfect pick for mixed-medium artists and crafters looking for creative ways to register thoughts and moments through art journaling.

The Strathmore Watercolor Visual Journal features high-quality 140lb (300gsm) cold-press paper to accommodate an array of materials besides watercolors, such as Posca pens , Tombow brush pens , Micron fineliners , and lots more!

While a spiral pad, rest assured, as this watercolor journal is held together by a heavy-duty spiral wire binding and protected by a cover. It also provides the convenience of opening to a flat, 360° angle.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a super creative gift for an art journaler! You can find more paper types/weights under the brand’s Visual Journal series. But if your focus is watercolor painting, this is my suggestion.

And while likely more appealing for more experienced hobbyists, beginners can definitely give this product a shot.

Best watercolor sketchbook alternative: Watercolor blocks

If you want to try an alternative to watercolor sketchbooks, I’d recommend checking out watercolor blocks . These are also known as gummed pads because they glue all the paper around the edges. 

These blocks are essentially stacks of pre-stretched watercolor paper on top of each other. The glued edges keep the paper stretched and warp-free while you work, preventing the pages underneath from getting damaged.

Plus, they’re super convenient and easy to work with!

Paper weight is also important for watercolor blocks. For example, thinner, 140lb (300gsm) paper will require drying before you remove the page from the glued edges. Heavier 300lb (640gsm) paper will stay intact no matter what and can be removed from the pad before completely dry.

Most watercolor blocks don’t offer as much paper per set, so you have to replace them more often. These blocks can also get bulkier and heavier, so you can’t carry them around as easily.

They’re more expensive than your average watercolor journal, as well. Without a doubt, these are top-notch products designed for professional artists first and foremost.

Here are a few of my favorite options when it comes to watercolor blocks.

Arches Watercolor Blocks

Arches Watercolor Blocks are truly the gold standard. Made from 100% cotton paper in France under rigid standards for quality, these blocks are a very popular choice for professional artists.

There are also a lot of options to choose from in the lineup. There are cold, hot, and rough press options in both 140lb (300gsm) and 300lb (640gsm) weights, several sizes, and blocks of 10 or 20 sheets, depending on the model.

If you want the absolute best, you can’t go wrong with Arches. Just be aware that each sheet can cost $2 or more, so save it for your finest work!

Sennelier Watercolor Blocks

Another great option comes from Sennelier, with watercolor blocks that come in both hot and cold-press finishes. Each block has 20 sheets of 140lb (300gsm) paper, so you must let them dry while glued down. 

The durable paper and glue let you work as much as you need to on a single page before switching it out. There aren’t as many size options to choose from, but you still get an excellent acid-free 100% cotton paper that’s a dream to work with.

How to choose the best watercolor sketchbook for you

For picky artists out there, finding the best watercolor sketchbook can be a little overwhelming. There are many different factors you have to consider before you get one.

And if you’re a beginner, it’s even more critical that you work with quality paper. In a nutshell, choosing the wrong paper will have you fighting the page, which usually leads to frustration. I learned this the hard way!

Opting for durable paper is essential, especially if you’re taking your sketchbook on the go. You want your surface to protect and help preserve your art as well as possible!

Watercolor isn’t lightfast, so the better and more durable the paper, the better the chances of keeping your work intact for longer.

Another key consideration is paper composition. For best results, aim for 100% cotton paper . Paper pulp is a great money-saver for crafters on a budget, but nothing beats cotton for quality. 

Each book will also have a paperweight. The heavier (and thicker) the paperweight, the less likely it is to warp. You’ll typically find 140lb (~300gsm) paper or higher in good watercolor sketchbooks.

If you go lighter, expect some warping once the page dries, especially with layers and washes. Note that you can absolutely get away with 90lb paper, but be aware that it won’t resist as much water or abrasion.

Finally, you have to decide on a paper texture. Hot-press is very smooth and ideal for precise brushwork and single layers. If you want to work in multiple layers and apply finer detail, you’ll need the roughness of cold-press paper to grab and hold the paint.

Rough paper is even more textured than cold-press, and it adds a really interesting effect to finished pieces.

Thankfully, you can find watercolor sketchbooks that have each of these qualities in different configurations, so you can combine the features you want most. Plus, once you find a brand you like, you can stick with it for years to come!

Where can I buy watercolor sketchbooks?

There are many helpful places to buy watercolor sketchbooks. Some of the best places online are Dick Blick , Jackson’s Art , and in a pinch, Amazon. You can also get watercolor journals and books from specialty art stores near you.   

How should I store my watercolor sketchbook?

You want to store your watercolor sketchbook somewhere it can stay flat and dry. It’s also best to keep it in a place that is temperature and humidity-controlled. When possible, keep the book closed and out of direct light so the color doesn’t degrade. 

Which is better: Cold-pressed or hot-pressed watercolor paper?

Both cold- and hot-press papers have advantages and disadvantages. The extra roughness of cold-press makes it more absorbent and great for any watercolor technique. However, it gives you less time to work with the paint before it dries, and the colors become somewhat dull.

Hot-press is a smoother paper. This means that paint takes longer to dry, and once it does, the colors will be more vivid. The downside is that the surface can get overloaded with too many layers quickly, as pigments aren’t held in place as well. It’s ideal for high-detail, precision brushwork.

Can I make my own watercolor sketchbook?

It will take some time and skill, but you can absolutely make your own watercolor sketchbook. If you find loose paper that you want to turn into a sketchbook, you will have to bind the pages together and add a cover. Here’s a YouTube tutorial to give you an idea of what’s in store.

You can also check out a few bookbinding kits to practice techniques!

How do I prevent my watercolor sketchbook paper from buckling or warping?

Warping can be a problem with watercolor sketchbooks, especially when you over-saturate the paper. The best way to prevent buckling is to use thicker paper. The extra thickness will limit the warping. There is also a stretching method, but that works better on single pieces of paper.

If bucking is a recurring problem, I’d recommend trying a pre-stretched watercolor block instead of a watercolor sketchbook.

That’s it for this extensive guide to watercolor sketchbooks! Hopefully, you’re now equipped with the knowledge you need to pick up a watercolor journal of your very own!

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DON GETZ 'WATERCOLOR JOURNAL TOUR' OF THE USA

Planning for the tour started in February, as I looked at my 'bucket list', for those things which I wanted to achieve in my artistic life.  I’ve enjoyed sharing my art knowledge with fellow artists for over fifty years.  It’s a joy sketching & painting 'en plein air', over being in a studio. Journaling can be done anywhere; on a ship, a train, car or whatever. This makes it ideal for seniors who can’t or won’t lug an easel and other items used in sketching and painting.

Journaling Locations and Dates

3 comments:.

Don, just wonderful! I wish I 'd been able to catch up in FL. Your pictures are wonderful! Thanks to you..I love journaling! Cinda

Don, I would like to know what paper you are using. Your paintings are wonderful. I haven't found 140 lb cold pressed watercolor journal books

Try Cheap Joe's Kilamanjaro 140# watercolor sketchbooks. They're great.

• Create account

5 absolutely Gorgeous Art Journal & Sketchbook Tours

July 20, 2022 • Beautiful Places • Food illustration • Local artist • Travel

Once I discovered how sketching in art journal nourishes the soul with happiness, joy and contentment, I was hooked. The best thing is… sketchbooks get finished whenever they get finished. No artificial deadlines needed.

Plus, although I’m not consistent with this 100% of the time, I carry around with me at least one notebook. I jot down thoughts, ideas and observations as they careen through my mind.

In reality, I don’t know if other artists do this but I use different types of sketchbooks and art journals for different functions. Out of 6+ types of sketchbooks I use, here are four that may open a small window into an artist’s creative process - at least mine.

1) JUNK SKETCHBOOKS

There’s my Junk Sketchbook .  I always carry around a form of this one with me - just in case. It’s a catch-all type of journal with very standard thin and blank pages.

I use it mostly to warm-up, brainstorm with pencil,  pen or marker. I capture the embryo of project ideas both in words and visuals. I started getting some dedicated creative practice in it with pencil but ...soon realized I much preferred using pen and ink since the record is a little bit more permanent.

The journal is a very good example of my messy process. It now looks like something a zombie crawled on. It’s gotten so bad now that only a prayer holds it together!

2) ALTERED BOOK ART JOURNALS

Then there’s the Altered Book Art Journal. It requires a bit more thought than the Junk Sketchbook.  I pre-plan a little bit of what gets in there - a general theme here, a journal prompt there.

Often, when I’m feeling adventurous and want to learn a new skill, I follow along another artist’s tutorial. These experiments live discreetly among these pages either as realistic art, stylized artwork or small abstract paintings.

Art Journal Altered Book Entry : Par Avion

I crack open the Altered Book Art Journals far less often than any other journal I use. They are beastly thick! Once I’m in there however… I mean business. It’s also a one-seating sort of journal.  I tend to up-cycle unloved and deteriorating old books I don’t like or are on their last legs for this type of art journal.

I paint with all sorts of media in these books but nothing too fine arty. Pages gets glued together. Collage happens. Watercolor paintings find their way in there.  Charcoal and ink try each other on for size.  Fluid acrylics gets dumped onto faux leather. One time, I even burnt these pages for vintage effects. For example:

The original journal entry of Veve ...

...Now turns into a striking wall art canvas print

...but definitely benefits from a companion. 

BUY THE CANVAS PRINT

The reality is that these books need to be sturdy to survive the incredible mix-media marathon I put them through so... most of them are hardcover books. The good thing is that, in the end, they still look a bit more put together  (or organized ) than the junk sketchbooks.

3) WATERCOLOR ART JOURNALS

One of my all-time favorite type of sketchbooks though, is the thick, 140 lbs  art journal, I get mine from the company Pentalic Nature Sketch because I love how they feel and look. However any similar journal will do in a pinch.

Botanical Illustration Ink Wash Drawing

I love to use this journal for planned graphic illustrations , watercolor illustrations, mixed-media illustrations (using ink with watercolor, gouache, markers, ink, graphite, etc.), or other types of watercolor paintings and the likes.

4) URBAN SKETCHING ART JOURNALS

Ultimately though, one of the most exciting and rewarding types of journal for me to play with, is the urban sketching art journal. Since my sabbatical in 2014, I’ve discovered the extraordinary activity of capturing meaningful slow travel experiences in atmospheric painted vignettes.

Slow Travel Destinations: Ephesus,Turkey

It’s like a visual reportage but using expressive artwork combined with graphic art instead of photography.

I guess this could also be called travel art.  I visually capture everything from snippets, postcard like moments, day-in-the-life instances or landmarks. When “read” in sequence, it’s fascinating the story that unfolds.

Slow Travel Destinations: Boston Public Market – Hanging Globe Terrarium

These journals alone are worth their weight in gold because they really solidified my practice as a freelance illustrator & artist. They help me document an entirely new visual vocabulary from food illustrations, travel illustrations, architectural illustrations, archeological illustrations to exotic designs and patterns.

Several times, these pages have led me down rabbit holes of fascinating ideas I then collect in a separate document, for future use in the art shop ( Sky Mountain ) , personal projects  ( Slow Travel Vietnam ) or commissioned client projects ( Otomi Dulce ). 

REALLY AWESOME SKETCHBOOK TOURS

With all this in mind, here is a small crop of some art journal tours showcasing beautiful and deeply personal sketchbooks from other artists I recently discovered along the way who inspire me.

Each bring novel insights into how I could better harness the incredible power of my own pages. I confess. Some of these tours… I’ve re-watched a number of time.

_________________________________________

Work With Me

• To see what original art and art prints have been released and are already available for sale, visit the art shop at United Wanderlust . 
• Want to see more watercolor travel illustrations, botanical art or food illustrations ? Explore them here .
• If you’d like me to commission a new art piece or license existing art for your own projects ( marketing , book , editorial , stationery etc.), simply submit a request in my Illustration studio contact form with what you have in mind and we can go from there.
• Or, send me a note through the United Wanderlust shop 's contact form .

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Her Packing List

Packing Lists

Art on the road: why i enjoy keeping a watercolor journal (plus what i pack).

The following guest post has been submitted by Denise Bleakly.

I have always been intrigued with artists who keep sketch books, and I have numerous books on traveling with a watercolor journal . When I was in my 40s I decided that there was no time like the present to start. I started with a weekend workshop on travel sketching – that was over 10 years ago, and I now I always travel with art supplies .

I don’t worry about making art , instead, I try and get absorbed in the place and record in my journal what I am seeing and feeling. Now, when I look back at my older journals, I can perfectly recall the moment I made the image, the time of day, what I saw and what I felt. To me, these little drawings are the best mementos of my journeys.

I have several little kits – my most basic consists of a permanent Sakura Micron Pen , a water soluble Pilot Razor Point pen , a Sakura Koi Watercolor brush pen and a Moleskine water color journal . I keep the pen and brush in a reading glass case and I keep it in an outside pocket of my travel bag, just in case I want to record something.

An example is this drawing I did as a passenger in a car while driving through the San Luis Valley in Colorado, USA. It was late in the day, the hills were green with deep shadows and there was verga , rain that doesn’t hit the ground. It had been a lovely day, and to me this picture puts me back at that special place.

When I want color, I have two small palettes that I carry with me. One is homemade with 3 colors in it, a yellow, a blue and a red. I can make almost any colors I want with these three. For a bit more variety, I sometimes carry another homemade palette. It was a child’s paint set that I emptied and replaced with some of my most favorite Daniel Smith and Winsor and Newton watercolors.

Most recently, I’ve been experimenting with Artist Trading Card sized paintings. Artist Trading Cards , or, ATC’s, are 2.5 by 3.5 inches and are a very handy way of keeping small art materials at hand. A few years ago, I took a trip to Costa Rica and created a whole series of paintings on these little cards. When I got back home, I mounted them in a slightly larger album and now have a wonderful little memory book of that trip.

When I know I am traveling to one of the National Parks in the United States, I bring along a special journal I have kept for many years devoted to this purpose. It is an acid free, leather notebook that I picked up at one of the parks. In the back I keep some small watercolor sheets, and I use that journal to record when and where I visited. The National Parks have special stamps that your can use that has a date and name of the park on them.

I usually stamp my book and do a small painting of something I saw at the park.

None of these supplies take up much room, and they are very light. If I am going on a longer trip, or a trip where I am planning to paint more, I usually put my pens and brushes in a clear zipper bag from Blue Avacado , or a Reveal bag by Rume .

If you would like to get inspired to try some travel sketching, the book, “ An Illustrated Journey ” by Danny Gregory, is a great way to see the wide variety of approaches to travel sketching . Travel sketching is a rewarding way to record your journey, and it will give you a lifetime of enjoyment!

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Reader Interactions

February 20, 2014 at 8:28 am

Beautiful illustrations 🙂

February 20, 2014 at 3:36 pm

Awesome! I always have a travel watercolor set with me. Watercoloring and sketching on trips is my favorite thing to do, it makes for the best souvenir!

February 21, 2014 at 6:37 pm

Great article! All wonderful supplies! Carrying Art supplies can be a bit of extra weight coming home, but its worth it. And with the right supplies, it wont take up too much room! I traveled around Italy painting with watercolors and acrylics, even took a painting/drawing class. My paintings turned out to be the best souvenirs I brought home with me. Also remember to leave room for written musings or bring a glue stick, to collage in bits of your trip!

February 27, 2014 at 1:57 am

Danielle, Thanks for your comment! I couldn’t agree with you more! I’ve loved the little collections of odds and ends I’ve pasted into my journal with my paintings.

On one trip, I had a delicious beet salad – I used the beets to add color to my little drawing of our meal! When I look at that page in my journal, I can remember what that wonderful salad tasted like.

On another trip, the soil and rocks were a really unique color. At one point I took a small amount of the soil and mixed it with water and did a wash on one of my drawings, the soil acted like a pigment, and made my little drawing look a little more like the thing I was trying to capture – which made it all that more special.

Denise Bleakly

February 23, 2014 at 9:42 pm

Thank you! I am always looking for a way to bring art supplies along and still be able to fit them all. I love the idea of making your own mini-palette.

February 27, 2014 at 1:51 am

I appreciate your comment. What did to make my own little mini-palette — I found a small tin – like a mini Altoid’s tin, and I got some empty watercolor 1/2 pans (available at art supply stores and at on-line art supplies) filled them with my favorite paints and then glued the 1/2 pans into the Altoid tin.

I’ve made mini-palettes out of empty make-up and eyeshadow compacts. With those, I pried out the empty makeup and then refilled the areas with my favorite paints.

February 25, 2014 at 9:36 pm

Such lovely photos! I sometimes sketch little things in my notebook, but mostly I stick to writing. If I could make lovely paintings like that though, then I probably would find a place to shove that all into my backpack!

February 27, 2014 at 1:46 am

Laura, Thanks for your comment! I started out making little sketches, and then adding color — just try it! Before you know it, you’ll have nice little paintings.

September 27, 2016 at 8:57 am

Thank you for taking the time to write this! I am just starting to include art in my journaling and your article had some great ideas.

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The Best Watercolor Travel Sets for Artists Who Love Traveling

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

If you are flying 38,000 feet off the ground or on a train running miles away from your hometown, you have the perks of a wanderer: to take delight in bright blue skies, red-orange sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes.

However, for an artist who moves places, every trip is worthwhile when you capture these picturesque sights and draw them in your sketchbook using a brush or pencil. For a vast spectrum of colors and artistic effects, perhaps you go for the best watercolor travel set. But the next question is, what should you look for when choosing a portable watercolor set?

• First of all, a watercolor travel kit should be portable and compact enough to put away in your luggage or pocket. A gawky and bulky watercolor set would be too cumbersome to carry around and probably end up in disarray.
• Furthermore, it is significant to consider what a travel watercolor kit consists of. Besides the color palette, does it include a travel-friendly brush or a sponge? Does it come with a handy carrying bag for hassle-free storage? Although the accessories and tools depend on your preferences and needs, a complete mini watercolor set only delivers the essential tools.
• Another crucial part is the overall quality of colors. A small watercolor set should not present substandard pigment quality and blend- No matter how compact it is or how few the color options are, the pigments should be vibrant, blendable, and lightfast.

Not all artists travel by plane. But if you do, make sure you get a TSA-approved watercolor set. Aside from that, there is much more to learn in this comprehensive guide and review. I will show you the in-depth guidelines, as well as the top-pick products that best suit your artistic demands.

Sakura XNCW-24N

Winsor & Newton 390640

Lightwish MeiLiang

Table of Contents

1. Sakura XNCW-24N Koi Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box

2. winsor & newton 390640 cotman water colour paint, 3. lightwish meiliang watercolor paint set, 4. artsy watercolor paint set, 5. meeden 4336971288 watercolor paint set, 6. jerry q art jq-124 watercolor travel pocket set, 7. artistro 432 watercolor paint set, 8. sennelier 10-131605 french artists watercolor travel set, 9. artify ‎4336953153 watercolor field sketch set, 10. winsor & newton 390658 cotman watercolor brush paint set, what to look for when buying watercolor travel sets, what is the most reliable watercolor travel set brand, can you fly with watercolor paint, how do you do a watercolor travel journal, what is included in a watercolor travel set, top 10 watercolor travel set reviews.

From its size to quantity, you can tell that this Sakura Koi watercolor travel kit is thoughtfully curated for painters or artists who love traveling. It features a compact size and sleek design that you can easily fit inside your bag or even your shirt pocket.

Impressively, this small set has the essential tools for basic watercolor painting, with a water brush (refillable) and a half-pan watercolor set.

The colors are formulated to present beautiful and vivid hues. Aside from that, the highly pigmented shades blend well to create a wide range of colors.

Moreover, it uses no ordinary brush; it is a refillable water brush that lets you paint without using a container with water.

Since you can fill it up with water, you can simply take it out of your pocket or bag and are all set for a painting session! You can paint effortlessly even when you are on a plane, on a train, or sitting by the park for Plein air painting.

In addition to that, this kit comes with a detachable pegged palette where you can mix your favorite colors. When you are all done, you can just place it back inside the kit for hassle-free and neat storage.

I also want to emphasize the base pull-down ring at the back of the watercolor set. Although it is just a small detail, I found the ring is quite useful if you want to keep the palette steady as you hold it. While it keeps the watercolor kit from sliding off your palm, the ring also helps you paint comfortably wherever you are.

• Compact and sleek design
• Includes a water brush tip and a detachable mixing palette
• Fits perfectly in bag or shirt pockets
• Highly blendable and pigmented colors
• Has a base pull-down ring for easy holding
• Paint blocks need stronger adhesion to prevent from falling out

For professional quality watercolor set brands, Winsor & Newton is among the ones that always come to mind. The colors deliver high-quality pigments that explicitly showcase your art with vibrant hues and artistic painting effects. Plus, the colors in the palette blend impeccably well.

This pocket watercolor set includes 12 Cotman Watercolors that render good transparency to create beautiful washes. I also noticed that these colors have intense tints and uniform consistency that lend an excellent layout of colors.

Therefore, even though these are half-pan watercolors, there is no need to build the colors to achieve their vividness. A few dabs and strokes can already create rich watercolor tones.

Aside from that, I appreciate the addition of white in the range. Although the white tone of the paper serves as a brilliant backdrop for watercolors, the white pigment can ramp up the drawing or watercolor art with highlights and subtle color mixtures.

All these amazing features come in a small watercolor palette that can fit inside your shirt or bag pocket. The longest side is roughly six inches and just a tad bigger than a card! Even when you open it, the upper side has partitions where you can mix colors.

• A half-pan watercolor pocket set that offers brilliant colors
• Pocket-sized watercolor travel kit for superior portability
• Designed with a mixing palette in the lid
• Includes a small brush
• The brush is too small and slightly difficult to use

The best thing about this MeiLiang traveling watercolor kit is the great color selection that does not break your bank. With just a slight difference from the price of the Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint set, you can indulge in a wider color range with this one.

Right before that, the first thing that caught my attention was the metal case. Contrary to most portable watercolor sets I have seen on the market, this one uses a sturdy case that keeps the pan secure.

Even when you stack in your fully packed luggage, there is no need to worry about breaking or damaging your watercolor palette.

Besides that, the flip cover works as a mixing palette as well. Similar to the Sakura Koi watercolor travel set, this one also has a metal ring under the case for steady and hassle-free painting.

When it comes to the color quality, I must say that it is pretty impressive since they are highly pigmented and fluid. This allows you to create glazing effects and revel in smooth watercolors without any chalky or grainy textures after drying.

Moreover, it features a compact size, perfect for traveling. It is long but has a sleek and slim design that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Another useful addition is the refillable watercolor brush that makes painting a lot easier and mess-free. I can simply take it out and paint it on my watercolor travel journal whenever and wherever I like.

• Offers a wide selection of highly pigmented colors
• Creates beautiful glazing effects that without grainy textures when dried
• Comes in a sturdy metal case
• Slim and sleek design
• Includes a water brush
• The brush has some loose bristles

The highlight of this Artsy Watercolor paint set is the innovative pocket design. The first time I saw it, I did not think it would have 42 colors! This artistic palette comes in different trays that you can fan out to see the vibrant array of assorted colors.

Every tray has color labels at the bottom to help you identify which colors to use. I find this useful since some colors, particularly the orange and red shades, look a bit identical. Thankfully, there are no duplicates in the colors, allowing you to mix and play with various combinations.

Moreover, these beautiful pigments are lightfast and vivid, allowing you to showcase watercolor artworks with their amazing color quality. Mixing the colors is not a problem at all since they are highly blendable. Plus, they dry quickly, preventing any ink pooling and grainy textures.

When you are done painting, you can simply slide each tray back to its palette for storing. This leaves you an ultra-compact and portable watercolor set that you can fit in your shirt or bag pocket.

One of the best things I love about this set is the water brushes. Unlike some portable watercolor paint sets that only have one water brush or paint brush, this one includes three water brushes. They work as backup brushes in case you like mixing a lot of colors or filling up your watercolor journal with your travels.

In addition to that, this set has a sponge where you can dry and clean your brushes after painting.

• Innovative compact design for enhanced portability
• Offers an array of pigmented colors
• Highly blendable and quick-drying
• Includes three water brushes and a sponge
• Intuitive pan display and labels to identify and view all the colors
• Color pans are not replaceable

Comparing this beside the Artsy watercolor paint set, you can see some striking similarities with the innovative pan display, color labels, and even the painting tools. Moreover, it comes at an affordable price range.

If you look closely at these palettes, the differences fall under the brush and color selection. Both have 42 colors but this one has darker tones in neutrals, greens, and blues. When you mix them with water, the colors beautifully blended, presenting rich and artistic watercolor washes.

As I work with these watercolors, I also noticed that they dry quickly and can resist fading as well. Curated with a vast array of colors, this palette allows you to create an endless range of vibrant hues for artistic and colorful artwork.

With regard to its design, this travel watercolor paint set does not fail to impress with its unique palette design. Similar to the Artsy portable watercolor kit, you can fan out the palette and swipe out to different tabs to find the color you need. Aside from that, there are color labels to easily identify the shades.

When you put everything away, it shifts into a lightweight and compact palette that you can slip inside your bag or pocket. Another sweet treat is the addition of four different water brush sizes that you can use for fine to broad applications. Not to mention the addition of a sponge to clean and dry your brushes.

• Ultra-lightweight and compact palette design
• Offers a great selection of pigmented watercolors
• Quick-drying and lightfast colors
• Includes four refillable water brushes in various sizes
• Does not have a hard case or cover to protect the palette

It can be a bit challenging for a beginner watercolor artist to find the best watercolor travel set to start with. With that said, this Jerry Q Art pocket set has the tools an amateur artist needs when traveling and painting with watercolors.

Sifting through the details, this pocket watercolor set features a slim and sleek design for enhanced portability. Once you open the lid, it is pretty awesome to find an array of beautiful colors along with the necessary painting tools. This includes a water brush, a small sponge, and detachable mixing pans.

For a beginner, I bet these tools and color selection are more than enough to start with a watercolor travel journal. Since everything is compact, there is no trouble putting them away in a small pocket in your shirt or bag.

Though it is made of plastic, it is surprisingly sturdy. I also like how the lid closes tightly, keeping the palette secure and protected whenever you travel.

While that already sounds impressive, the colors do not fall short of their quality and performance. The brilliant colors have a nice amount of pigment, revealing a bright and stunning spectrum of colors. Furthermore, these watercolors are highly blendable, making it much easier to create washes and preserve some translucent watercolor effects.

One more thing I noticed is the ceramic calligraphy tray. I did not know what to use it for but I think it would be useful for artists who practice calligraphy art.

• A portable and great quality starting watercolor kit for beginners
• Sleek and slim design for hassle-free transportation
• Brilliant color selection; very pigmented hues
• Highly blendable colors that can create vibrant washes
• Includes a water brush, a calligraphy pan, a sponge, and a removable mixing tray
• No color labels; difficult to find matching watercolor replacements

At first glance, I could already tell that this watercolor paint set would be an exquisite gem. Right from its vibrant mint metal box and dainty artwork details, ARTISTRO did a great job of making this kit to be aesthetically pleasing as possible. I even love the elegant metal lid lock that looks like the one you see on classic musical boxes.

Upon opening the watercolor palette, everything inside is even more fascinating. You can see all 48 vibrant colors arranged into a neat and beautiful layout – ranging from light to dark tones.

On the upper part of the lid is an organized space for the essential painting tools. This includes a water brush pen, a sponge, a drawing pencil, an eraser, a watercolor brush, and a swatch sheet. Plus, there are small watercolor sheets as well. As a beginner, I sincerely do not think there is anything else to ask for!

The palette is a combination of pigmented fluorescents and metallics, rendering unique, vibrant colors. When mixing the colors, I can tell that the watercolors are highly blendable, producing rich washes and artistic textures. Mind you, the binder is thick and a bit gelatinous, causing the watercolors to create grainy or granulated textures and finishes.

With that in mind, some artists might not fancy such grainy textures. However, this allows you to create artistic effects and colors besides smooth and colorful washes. I find this an amazing trick to amplify watercolor artworks. Aside from that, the exclusive water brush pen and original brush make blending and layering effortless.

On the other hand, the size is not as compact and slim as the previous watercolor sets on the list. It is a bit bulky though it can still fit well in your bag. And since it is a metal tin case, it can protect the palette from damages.

• Offers vibrant and pigmented colors that can produce washes
• Creates granulated textures for unique and artistic effects
• Includes essential painting tools for convenient travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case for added protection
• Suitable for advanced and professional artists
• Not the ideal option for beginners
• Slightly bulky compared to other compact watercolor sets

I have always been hunting for the best watercolor paints for professionals. But my curious self has always wanted to try other reputable brands other than Winsor & Newton. Thus, Sennelier was my next target, and I am glad I did give it a shot.

I hear a lot of amazing things about this brand, particularly the superb quality of watercolors. However, I admit that the price tag is the least attractive thing. But the question is, what is so special about it? To concur with the reviews and rumors, it was definitely the pigmented colors that I have seen the best so far.

Unbeknownst to many, the highlighted ingredient is honey. This helps preserve the longevity and quality of colors, making them impeccably brilliant and luminous at the same time.

As expected, the colors give off vivid hues that blend nicely in a beautiful shade. Even with simply dampening the colors, it is easy to obtain pigments and render bright washes and representations of what every color should be.

In terms of portability, this half-pan watercolor palette is small and slim, providing an ideal size for traveling. Plus, it comes in a sturdy metal case that secures all the colors.

• Impeccably brilliant and pigmented colors that easily blend
• Creates vivid strokes and washes even with just a few dabs
• Very compact and sleek design for hassle-free storage and travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case
• Excellent color longevity
• No brushes included

Another budget-friendly option for watercolor travel sets is this one from Artify. This mini kit gives amateur watercolor artists a chance to try great quality watercolor without breaking their banks. I know for sure because I have seen the quality pigments that produce an imaginative and endless range of colors.

Impressively, the colors blend well and deliver vibrant hues when mixed with water. Therefore, making washes and artistic effects would not be a problem. Aside from that, the watercolors dry quickly, preventing any messy spills that can bleed through paper.

How about the size? I must say that this set is the perfect fit for your pocket whether it is a bag or your shirt. The plastic case is sturdy, securing the palette from any damage.

In addition to its portable and innovative design, I think the removable palette is genius. Not only can you arrange the colors according to your preference, but also reuse and wash them should you ever need to. Plus, the mixing tray is detachable and can be placed anywhere within your reach.

Some artists might not find this a big deal but I was impressed by how thoughtful the manufacturer designed the palette this way. Thus, it can accommodate left and right-hand painters.

Moreover, three brushes and two sponges complete this watercolor travel kit. The ring at the back of the base keeps the palette convenient to hold. Hence, this makes painting and traveling fun and easy to do!

• Removable and customizable mixing tray to accommodate left and right-hand painters
• Compact design
• Includes essential painting tools (three brushes and two sponges)
• Designed with a base ring for comfortable painting sessions
• Some paints break easily when not properly stored

When it comes to Winsor & Newton, I have nothing to expect but satisfying results in terms of color blends and vibrancy. Luckily, this Cotman Watercolor Brush Pen set is not so different from my favorite watercolor sets from this brand.

First of all, the size of this half-pan set ensures hassle-free storage when you are traveling. It is so dainty that you can fit inside your shirt pocket or mini compartments in your bag. When it is closed, it presents an understated yet sophisticated design that you can take out for a quick paint session anywhere you go.

As soon as you open the lid, the upper space provides partitions where you can mix different colors. Afterward, my eyes took me to the color labels that are neatly presented to help you organize and identify colors. Since the pans are replaceable, the color labels are crucial when finding matching shades.

As usual, Winsor & Newton did it again with this impressive array of colors. They deliver quality pigments even with just a few dabs, allowing you to create vivid washes and artistic watercolor effects.

Aside from that, the water brush pen is a handy addition to this set. It lets you paint without dipping into the water and start with your painting right away. And since it is refillable, you can simply fill it up whenever you have to. The clear barrel or reservoir lets you know how much water you have used.

• Creates vibrant color blends and watercolor effects
• Designed with color labels for easy identification
• Has a mixing tray to blend colors
• Includes a water brush pen
• Very compact
• Water flows heavily sometimes

Portability and Storage

When looking for a travel watercolor set, it is reasonable to consider whether it is compact enough to put away in your pocket or luggage. Since you will be moving from one place to another, it will not be practical to add some unnecessary weight to your things.

With that said, you must have a portable set that you can easily take out or put away and keep in mind that a complete travel painting kit does not need to be big and bulky. Fortunately, some brands offer foldable watercolor palettes and travel-friendly sizes that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Accessories and Tools

A set consists of a variety of tools and accessories that will provide you with a complete setup for painting on the go. For a watercolor travel set, it should at least include a portable and refillable water brush. Since you will be traveling by air or land, this type of brush dispenses water as you paint, allowing you to paint right on the spot conveniently.

There is no need to fill up a container or cup with water, which can end up quite messy while traveling. Just fill the brush up and you are all set to paint anytime and anywhere you want. Some sets also include a pencil, a sponge to dry the brush, and a paint palette for mixing colors. Others have multiple refillable brushes for versatile applications.

Pigment Quality

Many artists use watercolor because it can spruce up drawings and sketches with an array of vivid colors. Aside from that, it can add unique effects to your artwork, especially if you love working with mixed media.

Therefore, it is important that you have high-quality pigments so as to deliver a vibrant spectrum of colors. No matter how few the color options are, a lightfast and premium quality watercolor palette can exhibit promising results.

Color Selection

The color selection all depends on your preferences and needs. But since watercolor travel sets usually have limited options, it would be better to stick with the primary shades. They typically come in sets of 9 or 12.

Lucky you if you can have more options without comprising the storage properties and portability. Some brands offer more than the usual colors that come in 24, 36, 42, 48, or more packed in a foldable or compact case.

Blendability

Watercolor is among the versatile art media that allows you to mix and blend colors, creating a custom color selection for your artwork. A watercolor travel kit homemade palette usually has that, presenting your favorite shades and mixtures.

A portable or mini travel watercolor palette should also let you do so despite the limited amount and selection of colors. Moreover, the excellent blendability allows you to maximize your palette and achieve your desired color combinations. Hence, you can browse the reviews or test the watercolor set for seamless color gradients.

TSA Approved (Transportation Security Administration)

This is a mandatory factor to consider for those who are planning to fly with their watercolor sets. Airlines provide specific and detailed regulations about the items that you are allowed to bring in a carry-on.

In general, TSA has restrictions on liquid watercolors. Every tube of watercolor paint should be no more than 3.4 ounces, and all wrapped in clear zip-top bags. For dry watercolor palette sets, they are relatively much easier to bring on a plane since they come in compact and convenient sizes.

It is quite hard to tell because there are a lot of amazing brands that offer excellent watercolor travel sets. However, Sakura is by far the most reliable brand for great quality watercolor sets that feature assorted colors and essential tools. Plus, they come at a reasonable price range. But if it is about budget-friendly decent watercolor sets that have a wide array of colors, I would go for MEEDEN.

On the other hand, Winsor & Newton and Sennelier are my favorite brands for professional quality watercolors. They might be relatively more expensive than other brands but they have a reliable lineup of portable watercolor sets that let you paint like a pro.

Yes, you can as long as your watercolor paint palettes and sets do not violate the TSA’s regulations and restrictions. As mentioned, TSA is lenient with dry watercolor travel sets because of their small and convenient size, allowing you to bring them on a carry-on without any trouble.

The first thing you can do is list your itinerary. Jot down where you would go first and the places you would probably pass by. Sometimes, you can be spontaneous and draw the scenes and unforgettable memories you would like to record and remember. Thus, Make sure to bring a travel or portable watercolor journal or drawing book with you.

Like a travel photo journal or album, a watercolor travel journal lets you record memories, events, and beautiful sights, but with a different method – painting. For example, you can paint the dinner or lunch you have had, a beautiful sunset, or even the view from your hotel or train. As you capture these events, you can doodle around your drawings or write what your painting is all about.

Apart from the watercolor palette, a watercolor travel set usually includes a small or a refillable water brush. Although not necessary, some sets have a sponge to dry the brush, small partitions for water (in case water brushes are not available), and additional water brushes for versatile and effortless painting sessions.

Moreover, the tools and accessories in a watercolor set vary from one brand to another. Check the composition of a painting set you will buy to ensure you get the essential tools for your watercolor paintings.

The best watercolor travel set is not just about the portable size but the quality of pigments and essential tools as well. It is quite amazing how you can document everything you see when you travel, and a watercolor travel set helps you do that. This is the reason why you deserve to have the best watercolor kit that can beautifully capture and paint landscapes and even mundane sights when you wander around.

This list has jotted down the top picks for portable watercolor sets on the market. Besides their popularity, the brands mentioned offer reliable and excellent quality watercolor sets that are worth trying. Hope this helps!

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

Large Landscape

Large Portrait

Pocket Panorama

Grand Portrait

95 lb / 200 gsm

140 lb / 300 gsm

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About this item.

• 140lb / 300 GSM WATERCOLOR PAPER JOURNAL - Start your journal creation with this beautiful cold-pressed watercolor paper. Each sheet has a slight tooth and is sturdy enough to hold up to any watercolor application.
• 30 SHEETS/60 PAGES - You'll love that both sides of the paper can be used which gives you more opportunity to draw, paint and create!
• BOUND IN DURABLE NATURAL LINEN -Each watercolor sketchbook is exceptionally well made and bound with a cover made with finely woven beautiful European linen. Rounded corners and an elastic band add to the durability and make it the perfect journal to pack and go!
• FIND YOUR PERFECT SIZE! - Our watercolor journals are available in 5 artist friendly formats from Pocket Panorama to Grand Portrait, so you're sure to find one you love!
• 8-1/4 x 8-1/4 SQUARE - Nautral European Linen Cover Artist Watercolor Travel Journal and Drawing Sketchbook - Ideal for Mixed Media too!

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Handbook Journal Co Watercolor Sketchbook

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Hand-book Trav-e-logue Watercolor Books are designed especially for the watercolor artist. Watercolor travel journal books are bound in natural linen and offer watercolorists an attractive and practical option for travel painting. The books feature 60 pages of soft-white, acid-free, 300 gsm (140 lb) watercolor paper with a pleasing cold-press finish. The travel journals have a durable elastic closure and a very useful clear envelope tucked inside the back cover. These watercolor books are ideal for the artists looking for a portable watercolor sketch book. Available in 5 artist friendly sizes.

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Customers say

Customers like the strong, well-bound binding of the art media paper. They also appreciate the textured paper, which is soft and pleasant to write on. Customers also mention that the book lays flat when open, and is good quality. They appreciate the portability, saying that it's light weight and easy to carry around.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the paper. They say it's well-made, holds up well, and is thick. Some mention that it'll hold up well to watercolors. Overall, most are happy with the quality and value of the product.

"...The colors appear very vibrant on the watercolor paper. The pages are thick and they don’t bleed through! They are perfect for travel size as well!..." Read more

"...I both pre wet or not pre wet my pages and it holds up fine . I use the lighter weight of the two options...." Read more

"...Great size for messenger bag. Paper quality and thickness is good." Read more

"...However, it is excellent . I had purchased others as well and this was by far, the best. My son will have this forever." Read more

Customers find the size of the art media paper nice, wonderful, compact, and perfect for travel. They also appreciate the quality sizing, saying the pages don't wrinkle after water application. Additionally, customers mention that the paper is the perfect size and texture, smooth enough to draw in ink with a fine nib.

"...The pages are thick and they don’t bleed through! They are perfect for travel size as well!..." Read more

"...of multimedia in sketchbooks, and this is one where I felt comfortable with the size , weight, and smoothness of the paper that I finished the whole..." Read more

"Bought for a traveling watercolor painter. Great size for messenger bag . Paper quality and thickness is good." Read more

"...As a side note, this is a wonderful compact size and I've been able to pack it into purses, backpacks, overnight bags, etc...." Read more

Customers find the art media paper easy to transport. They mention that it's light for its size, not too thin, and sturdy. They also appreciate the grey cover and the thick paper.

"...sketchbooks, and this is one where I felt comfortable with the size, weight , and smoothness of the paper that I finished the whole sketchbook...." Read more

"...Great size for messenger bag. Paper quality and thickness is good ." Read more

"...the edges as it takes on water, but in general I would say the paper is quite thick and handles the water well!..." Read more

Customers like the texture of the art media paper. They say it has a very thick paper texture, and is soft and pleasant to write on. Some customers also mention that the hardcover has s nice cloth feel to it, and that the paper is textured enough to produce interesting watercolor effects.

"...is one where I felt comfortable with the size, weight, and smoothness of the paper that I finished the whole sketchbook...." Read more

"...This paper holds up to all of it. It’s also got a wonderful texture that allows for many different kinds of mark marking." Read more

"...In the end the texture of the paper isn't bad , and I'm still going to use it as a sketchbook, I just don't think I would buy this again...." Read more

"...until I find little spots of the paper in the journal to have this weird texture that resists the watercolor paint?..." Read more

Customers like the value of the art media paper. They say it's an excellent product for the price, a solid sketchbook for the money, and worth the buy. Some customers also mention that the quality is decent and the book is stylish for the value.

"...favorite artist Polina Bright uses them and I must say they are worth the money ! The colors appear very vibrant on the watercolor paper...." Read more

"...The pages will buckle but it's alright, the price/quality isn't bad and it's not like i'm going to cut any of these pages out and frame them..." Read more

"...a new one, I'm in love with these sketchbooks, really, really good for what you're paying !..." Read more

"...then I think you will be just fine so I would say its really good for the price ." Read more

Customers say the paper works well with watercolor, pencil, and ink. They say it goes on well and is suitable for gouache and dry media.

"...It takes heavy watercoloring really well !!..." Read more

"...It’s okay for practice. Works better with gouache than watercolor ." Read more

"...It takes ink and watercolor so nicely . It's not 100% cotton, but still great!" Read more

"...The binding of the pages is also very nice, I have been able to paint with ease without worrying about pages falling out or having to be extremely..." Read more

Customers like the binding of the book. They say it's strong, well-bound, and stays together well. Some mention that the cover is cloth, while others say it is made of paper. The elastic closure keeps everything together nicely.

"...The binding of the pages is also very nice , I have been able to paint with ease without worrying about pages falling out or having to be extremely..." Read more

"...The cover "feels good" when carried and the band that holds it closed is snug and seems durable...." Read more

"Not real impressed that, at this price point, there was glue overrun on some of the pages at the binding...." Read more

"Look, the cover is nice, binding is nice , just don't buy it for watercolor...." Read more

Customers find the paper in the sketchbook to lay flat when open. They say the strong binding allows the paper to lay nice and flat. Some customers also mention that the band helps keep the pages flat.

"...this is one of the few where I enjoyed working in it because it laid flat and I could easily do two-panel pieces or just a single page...." Read more

"...This book is really nice to use, lays flat , and the paper curls just a little with water (see photo)...." Read more

"...This was the right investment. The binding is lovely, and allows the paper to lay flat ...." Read more

"...I paint across two pages and it’s the perfect shape for landscapes and cityscapes ." Read more

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Stormy Daniels wraps up testimony in Trump hush money trial

By CNN's Kara Scannell, Lauren Del Valle and Jeremy Herb in the courthouse

Daniels says she fought "tooth and nail" against tour name that was play on Trump’s campaign slogan

Trump attorney Susan Necheles is continuing to drill down on how Stormy Daniels "capitalized" on the moment after coming forward with her story.

"You capitalized by doing a strip club tour, called 'Make America Horny Again," Necheles says. The name is a play on Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again."

Daniels says she fought against the name: "I did not name that tour, and I fought it tooth and nail," she says.

Trump attorney pushes Daniels on how much she benefited from going public with her story

Trump's attorney is continuing to ask Stormy Daniels questions about how much she benefited from going public with her story.

Attorney Susan Necheles asks Daniels to confirm whether after she gave a 60 Minutes interview for free, she got lots of publicity.

Daniels affirms, though she said it was "bad publicity."

"A ton of publicity," Necheles reiterates.

"Yes," Daniels replies.

Necheles continues, asking whether Daniels was able to negotiate a book contract for $800,000, which Daniels confirms.

Daniels also acknowledges that her then-lawyer Michael Avenatti arranged her appearances on CNN and The View, but says "he took everything else for himself."

"Now you have been paid almost $930,000, almost a million dollars for selling this story?" Necheles asks.

Daniels says she never wanted to publicly announce she had sex with Trump

Trump attorney Susan Necheles is now asking Stormy Daniels if she eventually wanted to publicly announce she had sex with Trump.

"You wanted to make more money, right?" Necheles asks. "No, that’s why I did 60 Minutes for free," Daniels responds.

Trump lawyer questions Daniels about second statement denying relationship

On January 30, 2018, Stormy Daniels put out a second statement denying the sexual relationship with Donald Trump again.

"I didn't release it," Daniels says on the stand but acknowledges she signed it. This is the statement that Daniels says she signed her "Stormy Daniels" signature different than any other time previously.

"You understood in 2018 that President Trump was denying this relationship? And he wanted you to deny it as well?" Trump attorney Susan Necheles asks. Daniels says was pushed to sign the statement by Michael Cohen via Keith Davidson, adding, "I never spoke to Michael Cohen directly."

"(Trump) was not running for election at that point, right?" Necheles asks, noting there was no election in 2018. "He was already president, right? He was concerned about his family, right?"

"You understand that President Trump had a brand?" Necheles asks.

Laughing, Daniels says, "Brand? Yes."

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger objected. The judge allowed Daniels to answer.

Daniels on denying "rumors" of Trump encounter: "It wasn't a rumor, it was the truth"

Trump attorney Susan Necheles is reading a January 2018 statement from Stormy Daniels denying a sexual encounter with Trump.

Necheles reads, "Rumors that I had received hush money from Donald Trump are completely false."

Daniels replies, "Correct, because it wasn’t a rumor, it was the truth."

Trump attorney now asking about 2018 Wall Street Journal article on settlement agreement

Trump's attorney is now moving her line of questioning back to the January 2018 Wall Street Journal article about Stormy Daniels' settlement agreement with Trump.

Daniels testifies that she signed a statement denying a sexual encounter with Trump two days earlier.

Trump attorney Susan Necheles asks Daniels to confirm she knew the article was coming out before it was published because the reporter reached out for comment.

Daniels says, "Keith Davidson said something was coming out."

Necheles digs into Daniels' understanding of the agreement

Trump attorney Susan Necheles is asking Stormy Daniels whether she understood this to be a matter negotiated by her lawyer and Michael Cohen.

"You understood this was a legal matter being settled with a legal contract, right?" Necheles asks.

"Yes," Daniels says after a pause.

Defense attorney reviewing lines of confidentiality agreement

Trump attorney Susan Necheles is going through the lines of the confidentiality agreement.

"The parties are agreeing that this would be kept confidential thereafter," she asks.

"Right," Daniels says.

This is the agreement between David Dennison and Peggy Peterson, the pseudonyms used for Trump and Daniels.

Stormy Daniels' 2016 settlement agreement shown

Trump attorney Susan Necheles pulls up Stormy Daniels' settlement agreement from 2016.

Trump is leaning forward at the defense table and looking at the document on the screen in front of him.

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NF kicks off 'last tour I'm ever gonna do' in Milwaukee — if true, he's going out on top

An hour into his set at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum Wednesday, rapper and singer NF took a moment to thank the fans for helping him realize one of his dreams, to play arenas.

Then, right after that, the artist born Nathan Feuerstein appeared to drop a bomb in what was the first show of the latest leg of his "Hope" tour.

"This is the last tour I'm ever gonna do."

Wait, was he serious?

A surprised hush, sprinkled with some boos, filled the arena. NF didn't offer any further explanation. He changed the subject by talking about a fan's broken-chair shirt — an inside joke among longtime followers, which prompted arena-wide cheers and prompted NF to make fun of many fans who cheered for something they didn't understand.

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"I'm done rapping, show's over, thanks for coming out, I appreciate you," NF said in response.

There was a little bitterness in his tone, but he wasn't serious that time. The 90-minute, 19-song set resumed with "Pandemonium."

Fans are going to hope he's not serious about ending his touring career, either.

There's a history of artists making "I'm done touring" statements on stage, and the sentiment doesn't always stick. But that NF even suggested quitting Wednesday, right after thanking fans for elevating him to arena-headliner status, is just the latest apparent contradiction of a surprising, one-of-a-kind star.

More: From Jelly Roll to Noah Kahan, 15 top concerts to see in Milwaukee this summer

More: These are all of the arena, amphitheater and stadium concerts in Milwaukee in 2024

Yes, NF is a star. Fiserv Forum was full Wednesday, and his last three albums, dating back to 2017, have either debuted in the No. 1 or 2 spot on the Billboard 200.

But he's hardly a household name, and probably wouldn't be recognized by most people on the street. His face Wednesday was often concealed by a baseball cap and shadowy lighting, in line with his promotional photos. (Possibly related to his preference for concealment, press photos and house photos were also prohibited Wednesday.)

He's clearly and directly influenced by his fellow Michigan native Eminem, with his head-spinning ability to stuff run-on verses into a rapid-fire flow, like on setlist highlight "Paid My Dues" Wednesday. He also embraces splashy pop production, like on "Time," a song about his failings written for his frustrated wife; the song's arrangement sounds like "Play"-era Moby.

But NF's also very much doing his own thing, avoiding the expletives and shock tactics of his muse.

And that's because NF is a Christian rapper — even though he objected to that classification in an interview last year with The Guardian. Nevertheless, he raps about his faith, initially was signed to a Christian label, and has a strong following among Christian music fans.

And yet, he's unlike most Christian artists, who are inclined to emphasize faith and hope in their music. NF frequently gets dark and deeply personal, far more than nearly all of his peers — rapping Wednesday about a breakdown on "The Search," or turning to God to help him find mental serenity on "My Stress."

Critically, his songs don't offer a happy ending.

He kicked off his show Wednesday with a song called "Hope," the title track of his latest album. But it was NF's pain that was most prevalent, the song building Wednesday to a powerful and profound unleashing of a lifetime of anguish, as he rapped about 30 years of running, searching, hurting, anger, shame, sorrow and more. By the end of the song, he suggested he'll "take the reins," be the supportive father to his son that he didn't get from his own father — but even then, he still expresses doubt that he can truly succeed.

That's the vulnerability, the sadness, the realness that has made NF so popular. People struggling through life see themselves in the man who often, literally, is trying not to be seen.

Sure, his rapping skills are a draw (even though some hip-hop purists might have scoffed that he rapped over backing vocal tracks Wednesday). Some live drumming Wednesday added some oomph, and there were the usual bells and whistles — flashy video, smoke machines, lasers.

And while NF's facial expressions were often hard to discern, he was a physically engaging performer, and a charismatic one — at one point, killing the music to "Careful" to demand a stronger crowd response, even though fans in the pit were already jumping and cheering passionately. (Of course, the trick worked.)

But it was the meaning behind the music that mattered most Wednesday.

For "Hope" single "Happy," a song that has NF relaxing his rapping for more singing — the directness and subtle sorrow of his voice compensating for vocal finesse — he opens up a dialogue with God, confessing that he's more comfortable "living in my agony," recognizing that he has "baggage that I ain't opened yet … some traumas that I can't forget." He doesn't even know what true happiness will be like — and by the end of the song, he still hasn't attained it.

There were even darker songs, like "Hate Myself" from his 2019 album "The Search." Again, NF's reaching out to God, unable to help himself, to love himself. "Got lost in the questions that I can't answer, can't stand who I am, but it don't matter," he rapped Wednesday, the burden pushing him to sit on the edge of a riser for his confessionals. And again, there's no immediate salvation — instead, NF remains "knee-deep in defeat of my own actions."

And he stayed seated for the subsequent song Wednesday, "Mama," also from "Hope," about his mother, who died from an opioid overdose. Pondering what life might be like for her in heaven, he asks her if she felt "like trash" on Earth, like "something disposable that nobody could love" — like he does now.

"I pray you see me down here looking up," NF rapped tenderly Wednesday, as home movies depicting his mother and him as a child played on a screen behind him. "Still got a lot of things that I need healing from/But I'll get there eventually, don't you worry none/I just hope you finally got some peace and you feel happy Mom."

The pain doesn't go away. The struggle remains real. But in that song there was also some relief, a rare victory for NF, and it was very moving.

"I can't hold this unforgiveness in my heart no more," NF said. "Just know that you are lovable to me."

Seven songs later, NF ended the show with "Running," a setlist switch-up from other shows, which might be concerning for fans. The song's last lyrics, flashed on the screen: "I'm done" — possibly reinforcing NF's intent to quit touring.

But if he really does quit, Wednesday's tour kickoff showed he'll be going out in his prime. And he'll also be doing what he has always done — making a move on his terms.

3 takeaways from NF's tour kickoff in Milwaukee

• Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” was the song filling the arena after the show ended and people headed to the exits. Was that NF’s way of picking Lamar’s side in his massive rap battle with Drake? 
• There was a funny moment when I saw a couple standing toward the back of the arena floor who had no idea when NF emerged just behind them on a B-stage. So while dozens of people started rushing past them, the couple kept looking forward, vibing to “Let You Down,” somehow oblivious to the commotion — until maybe a minute into the song, when they finally turned around and looked shocked.
• Shout-out to a Fiserv Forum employee named Debra who gave big high fives with a smile to nearly everyone that came down one of the escalators after the show. “She’s so hyped,” an appreciative kid riding the escalator behind me commented. But alas, our escalator was out of Debra’s reach. “We should have gone down that way,” the kid said gesturing to the other escalator, a touch jealous.

NF's Fiserv Forum setlist

• "The Search"
• "Leave Me Alone"
• "My Stress"
• "Paid My Dues"
• "Hate Myself"
• "Pandemonium"
• "Let You Down"
• "When I Grow Up"

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @pietlevy  or Facebook at  facebook.com/PietLevyMJS .

Luke Bryan announces Farm Tour 2024 dates. Here's when he'll be in Kentucky

Country megastar Luke Bryan heads back to the farm for the 15th time this September.

The five-time Entertainer of the Year makes his annual trek to family farms across the country in September, including Mulberry Orchard in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

The Georgia native will set up stages in the fields of local farms on Sept. 21 and 26-28. Special guests include Conner Smith , Tucker Wetmore , The Peach Pickers (songwriters Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip), and DJ Rock .

Additional farm concerts will be held at the Huggins Store in Marshville, North Carolina, Miller Family Farm in Millersport, Ohio, and the Cunningham Family Farm in Smithton, Pennsylvania. Two other shows will be announced at a later date.

Bryan came up with the concept as a way of giving back to the local farming communities, with the proceeds from the concerts going to charities and creating scholarships for students from farming families to attend local community colleges.

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When is Luke Bryan performing in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the country music superstar will perform on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Mulberry Orchard , a family farm owned by Amanda and Matt Gajdzik at 1330 Mulberry Pike, Shelbyville.

The working farm grows corn, soybeans, cattle, apples, peaches, vegetables, and pumpkins, all while operating a farm market and kitchen.

How do I get tickets to the Farm Tour 2024?

Tickets are now on sale for Farm Tour 2024 presented by Bayer U.S. Presale tickets for Luke Bryan's Fan Club (the Nut House) and fan App are now available at  LukeBryan.com/all-access-pass . Citi card members also have access to presale tickets at citientertainment.com . 

The public sale begins Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at lukebryan.com .

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].

Concerts to stream besides Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Lady Gaga also has 'Style'

Did you know you can stream other performances besides Taylor Swift's Eras Tour?

No "Bad Blood" towards the artist, but stop being the "Foolish One" and consider watching some other celebrities, including Lady Gaga's upcoming release. Here's what we know.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce: Travis Kelce spotted at Kentucky Derby 2024. Will Taylor Swift join?

Lady Gaga to premiere concert special

Lady Gaga recently released her trailer for "Gaga Chromatica Ball," a concert film centered around her previous Chromatica Ball tour, which concluded in September of 2022, according to Warner Bros. It's set to air on HBO and Max at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and will highlight Gaga's performance at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

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It's not the first film release for the artist either. As previously reported by USA Today, Gaga released her first, “Lady Gaga Presents the Monster Ball Tour: At Madison Square Garden,” in May 2011, after being on her Monster tour from 2009 to 2011.

'Miley Cyrus—Endless Summer Vacation'

Fans can watch "Miley Cyrus—Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)" on Disney+, Hulu or ESPN+, according to IMDb. The film was released in 2023 featuring performances from her eighth album "Endless Summer Vacation," including top hit "Flowers." It also shared exclusive interviews with Cyrus, providing insight into her professional and personal development.

'Maren Morris: Live From New York'

"Maren Morris: Live From New York" is available on Amazon Prime Video. The film, lasting slightly over an hour and released in 2022, highlights Morris' performance at Sony Hall in New York City around the time of her album "Humble Quest."

'Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium'

"Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium" is available on Disney+. The performance was John's last North American show in his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour. The renowned singer has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards throughout his career, in addition to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the induction of three albums to the Grammy Hall of Fame, according to the Elton John website.

"Elton John performs at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where in 1975 he performed two sold-out and career-defining concerts that cemented his legend globally. Now, in a full circle and emotional moment, he takes the stage in his final North American show as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, in one of the greatest send-offs in music history," according to the film's description on Disney+.

'The Weeknd: Live at SoFi Stadium'

The film features The Weeknd's "After Hours Til Dark" tour, where they performed a sold-out show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Released in 2023, the hour-and-a-half performance is available on HBO , with songs like "Starboy," "Blinding Lights" and "Can't Feel My Face" in the setlist.

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Tiger Woods to be lone player on negotiating committee with Saudis

Tiger Woods waves after his final round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Tiger Woods hits from the bunker on the 15th hole during final round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after making birdie on the 16th hole during the final round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Tiger Woods will be the lone player on a five-member subcommittee that will be involved in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund, part of a busy day of governance as the PGA Tour tries to strike a deal with Saudi backers of LIV Golf.

Woods was appointed to the PGA Tour board in August, making him the sixth player-director and the only one whose board term has no limits.

The tour said Woods will be part of the “transaction subcommittee” on the board of PGA Tour Enterprises that will handle day-to-day negotiations as PIF seeks to become a minority investor.

Also on the subcommittee are PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group and Joe Ogilvie, a former tour player appointed as a director liaison in March.

The subcommittee reports back to the full board.

The developments capped a day that began with Rory McIlroy losing the inside track on rejoining the board as Webb Simpson’s replacement when board members resisted his return.

“I think there was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason,” McIlroy said at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a $20 million signature event is being played.

Simpson had offered to resign, but only if McIlroy were to replace him. When a player director resigns, the other players on the board have to unanimously agree on a successor. McIlroy resigned from the board in November , and the players selected Jordan Spieth to replace him.

The seven players — Woods, Spieth, Simpson, Ogilvie, Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott and Peter Malnati — are on the board of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, the commercial entity that agreed to a deal with Strategic Sports Group as a minority investor.

That deal included a $1.5 billion investment, which could be as much as $3 billion.

McIlroy was willing to return, believing he could help find a solution to the split in golf that has left some of the best players on two tours. McIlroy sees the reunification in some form as the ultimate goal and rubbed players the wrong way when he suggested earlier this year that LIV players return without punishment.

“Today’s news is in no way a commentary on Rory’s important perspective and influence,” Monahan said in a statement. “It’s simple a matter of adherence to our governance process by which a tour player becomes a board member.

“Webb remaining in his position as a member of the policy board and PGA Tour Enterprises board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this vital time,” he said. “We are making progress in our negotiations with the PIF.”

McIlroy is certain to stay involved in an unofficial capacity based on his experience of two years on the board and his voice in the game. He was the only European tour member on the PGA Tour board, and McIlroy has cultivated relationships across continents during his career.

He had said on a British soccer podcast at the start of this year that he met with the PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in late 2022 and that he returned home and encouraged the tour board to meet with him.

The framework agreement among the PGA Tour, European tour and PIF was announced June 6, with a deadline to finalize it by the end of 2023. Negotiations continue with little progress.

Woods was among the player directors who went to the Bahamas on March 18 — Monahan and Henry also attended — to meet with Al-Rumayyan.

Woods said at the Masters about that meeting, “I don’t know if we’re closer, but certainly we’re headed in the right direction. That was a very positive meeting, and I think both sides came away from the meeting feeling positive.”

Gorder is the chairman and CEO of Valero, the title sponsor of the Texas Open. He has been appointed the inaugural chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises board.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf