I've started a new sketchbook, with cleaned up palette and re-filled watercolor pans . . .
This handbound journal contains mostly Fabriano Artistico 140# hot press paper, plus a sample of Canson Dual 140# (cold press on one side, rough on the other). In the binding process, I forgot to add end papers . . . and found that I actually prefer it this way, using the same watercolor paper for end paper as well.
Though I'm no longer limiting myself to 3 primaries + 2 neutrals, I have larger pans of them in this palette. But I dropped Payne's Grey, switching to Monte Amiata Natural Sienna as my second neutral --- mixed grays and blacks are so much more interesting.
Doesn't it feel good to have a spanking new paints and sketchbook. You are ready to roll through the holidays into the new year.
ReplyDeleteIt feels very good! When I bound this current batch of 5 journals, I put fewer pages in each. Previous journals were not wanting to open completely flat; fewer pages allows that, even using 140# papers. But it also means I get to start a new one sooner!
ReplyDeleteI like that you make your own sketchbooks with the perfect paper for your needs. Does "Artist's Journal Workshop" discuss how to do that?
ReplyDeleteHaving paper I love is so worth it!
DeleteScroll down and look in the right column of the Artists' Journal Workshop blog -- you will find "LINKS WE LIKE" and "BOOKBINDING . . . RESOURCES". I learned by on-line sources, along with trial and error.
Oooh, I haven't tried Canson Dual! I'm getting ready to bind a bunch more, and am trying out some different papers. Should be interesting!
ReplyDeleteOddly, I'm trying some thinner papers with MORE pages, so the journals will last longer. :-D
I grabbed a sheet of Canson dual at Hobby Lobby --- we have no local art supply shops so if I want to bind some journals and don't wish to order 10 sheets on-line, I need to find a paper locally that I can use. Normally the only thing available is Arches, which does NOT fold well.
DeleteI tried to fold the dual papers so the same texture faces each other across 2-page spreads.
I'm still very tempted to try that thinner paper you and John have tried. Cheap Joe's has a 5-sheet pack that should just about fill one journal.
John's was a bit heavier than what I'm using, so no show-through, which I do NOT like. And you're right, Arches just isn't good for folding...happily, I don't like it anyway, normally, so I'm not heartbroken.
DeleteI tried to find some laid paper, which I REALLY like, but so far no luck in large-enough sizes. (8 1/2 x 11 isn't gonna do for me.)
I'm not familiar with laid paper. If you find a source, let me know.
DeleteActually, I think Nideggan qualifies...though the lines are a bit wavy. I've got some really nice resume paper that's laid, in a lovely ivory. Just too small and too light...
DeleteI LOVE Niggeden! But like most papers, it is not available around here. It isn't even sold at the art supply in Houston that I sometimes visit to stock up on Fabriano papers.
DeleteOh nothing is available in my town, either! Thank goodness for online shopping.
DeleteLooks great, Vicki,
ReplyDeleteIndicentally, if you guys haven't checked out this relatively new sketchbook, you should
Stillman & Birn Beta, for example here:
http://www.amazon.com/Stillman-Birn-Archival-Quality-Sketchbooks-/dp/B005KMFXVO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1353630116&sr=8-8&keywords=stillman+%24+birn
Wonderful paper, sort of a cross between hot and cold press, nice and thick, made for artists. The beta (on of 5 versions) takes watercolor and pen and ink wonderfully. Brenda Swenson, for one, praised it highly, and also Brian at Goulet Pens thinks highly of the whole series of 5 different types.
Also, I'm liking this one a lot too:
http://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-Hardbound-Series-Mixed-Journal/dp/B008RZXJG2/ref=sr_1_6?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1353630308&sr=1-6&keywords=strathmore+mixed+media+art+book
I've done about 40 pen and ink drawings in it (extra-fine nib), several watercolored too so far--lovely near hot press paper.
It seems the paper makers and sketchbook makers are getting the message that it pays to produce quality sketchbooks for artists with excellent paper in them and with hardbound and wire bound versions.
I say yay to that!
Bill Polm
Regards, Bill
Bill, I agree 100%! I really like the Stillman & Birn journals when I'm not binding my own, and I fell in love the the Strathmore Mixed Media paper when I did a workshop for them in March. (In fact they offer it by the sheet now, so I got some for my next bookbinding effort!
DeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that I've used Monte Amiata Natural Sienna for a number of years. Love the gentle raw sienna hue and pigment qualities.
Isn't Monte Amiata Nat'l Sienna wonderful? So subtle and lovely, just the right color by itself or in mixes. I mixed it with a bit of potter's pink for that off-white color band on the travel brush.
DeleteI would very much like to try the hardbound Beta or Delta series from Stillman & Birn but there is no local source around here. I'll have to order one on-line sometime.
I posted on the Flickr picture, but I actually meant to post here... LOL, modern technology!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just wanted to say how much I love your journal. I too work in my journal every day, and while music is very motivating, I especially find the Word of God to be ultimately inspiring. Joyce tells it like it is, and I really appreciate her.
Great way to share her with us!
God bless, and keep up the great work!
I love finding your blog, Aloquin! -- planning to spend some time reading there today.
DeleteThanks for your comments here and on my Flickr site. You really encouraged me -- I've been wondering if the Lord wanted me to do something else with the abilities He gave me besides art journaling, but this still "feels" right to me.
Please enjoy my blog, and follow, if you'd like :) I am definitely following you, because you too inspire me. I often have wondered the same thing... but God uses us in ways we may not even realize. Just because we are not up at a pulpit or standing on a corner, preaching the Word, does not mean that we can not be used in our art to reach others. Just remain open to His direction... He'll never let you down ;)
ReplyDeleteI added your blog to my blog roll right away, in the right column of my personal blog ( http://vickylwilliamson.blogspot.com/ ), but I forgot about clicking the "follow" tab -- since they made it harder to find.
DeleteThanks again for the encouraging words!