Hey Denise! Wow, yes, quite a video undertaking. Thanks for the info. Since you asked for feedback, I think our opinions pretty well line up. The Pentalic was my first wc journal (up until the start of my channel I was not a journal painter at all) and even now as a line and wash journal, its not bad. I, like you, loved the Handbook Journal too in the beginning. And for experienced watercolorists its still not bad strictly as a "sketchbook". I try not to think of any of the cellulose journals as appropriate for more polished, layered painting styles. I also really liked the Hahnemühle initially. I've done very limited work in it but it impressed me as much as a non-cotton journal could. Etchr? Yeah, they have a few growing pains. I had one of the first Leather bound Perfect Sketchbooks (Erwin Lian's original, before Etchr's reboot) and it was amazing. How could Fabriano Artistico not be. 😁 But paper aside, Etchr definitely missed a few quality points on the initial reboot of that one it seems. Not really surprising since Erwin's original was a kick starter generated, premium, hand-made book. I've only briefly tested the white cover cotton books and have been satisfied as you have (too many books too little time). Hopefully, they are slowly but surely getting their feet under them. They, at least, are responding to an outcry for cotton sketchbook demands that only a handful of other companies are. All that packaging though...yeah! One person I talked with at Etchr confirmed that as a response to a multitude of complaints for how shipped product arrived. Maybe they'll get a better packaging solution worked out eventually, IDK. Anyway, thanks again for great information and a thoughtful, thorough review. Hope you are well my friend!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Steve! It's great to have your thoughts on this one as well. It's nice to see that we've had similar experiences as well. I think what it came down to for me is that when I was using my sketchbook as something I took with me traveling, the Hahnemuhle and Travelogue did what I expected of them and I was happy with them. This past year, and more specifically these past few months, I've been keeping a more active, personal journal that I'm using for self expression. Since I'm in it way more than I used to be, that may very well be what got me noticing some of the issues... or maybe they did change the sizing, I don't know haha. While I don't do finished pieces in it, I have been enjoying occasional college-type spreads (not sure what to call them but they're still all watercolor based) that require a lot of small details so I do find myself layering quite a bit. I'm excited to try out the Etchr once I finish up my current book and see how that goes! Thank you again, and I hope you are doing well, too!

I used to be a packaging engineer. Yes, that amount of packaging is probably necessary especially considering how soft their covers are. I just received goods from Italy that's been warped because of the damage in shipping and change in climate/pressure from warehouse changes. Packaging is actually pretty complicated lol the engineers would also tense up when someone mentioned conservation.

Ahhhhh, you did it!! Congrats on the creation of this beautiful resource! I can't wait to dig into this video. Thank you so much for all of the care and hard work you put into this. ❤

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Arleesha! I won't be tackling another video this intense for a long while, but I'm so glad to finally have this one done 😅 I do hope it's a valuable resource!

Great comparison! I am going to send my viewers here when they ask for watercolor sketchbook reccomendations! I like the look of the pentallic.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Lindsay! I hope you are doing well!

@thefrugalcrafter

3 жыл бұрын

@@InLiquidColor aside from a very "meh" week not too bad.

@lurklingX

Жыл бұрын

a cheap one that works pretty dang well is the *140lb vision journal by strathmore* . i've gone through a TON. actually started on the smooth bristol haha. a little tricky for watercolors but the water is no prob, no warping. but the other one is probably better for beginners or people who get frustrated. (the bristol sure taught me water control though!)

I don't even need another sketchbook I just watched this because I find your videos so relaxing

If there was an official award for KZread watercolor video of the year, you’d have already won. What an undertaking! So perfectly detailed and useful since I’ve already bought four different ones since quarantine (and only one was acceptable so I’m still looking for my favourite) this is such a valuable resource!! Thank you! And amazing work!!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

😭 Thank you, Nik. That means a lot to me!

I am an eternal beginner, because I get distracted with other hobbies and don't practice enough. However, I discovered about a year ago that Etchr is my preferred paper, and I use it almost exclusively. Their cotton postcards are less expensive than Arteza! I am eagerly waiting for them to start producing their paper in sheets in addition to sketchbook format. Glad you gave them a tryy!

@kathyhackney7950

Жыл бұрын

I wish they would sell large sheets of etchr paper. I love it! It would also be cool if they'd make a cheaper sketchbook with their 50 percent cotton paper 📃

This really shows how important paper choice is.thank you for the time spent.very much appreciated

I was seriously just searching for a new one yesterday! This is perfect timing!

@lindsayjayne2169

3 жыл бұрын

Me too, thankyou for an ᗩᗰᗩᘔIᑎᘜ video!!👏🏼

I am painting on my first watercolor sketchbook and it happens to be the Moleskin you reviewed. I’ve been fighting with it and, since I’m a beginner, thought it was my lack of skill was my issue (which may be playing a factor for sure). But seeing you struggle with the same issues I’ve had, makes me feel like maybe it’s not *ALL* me! Thanks so much for the review, it was very helpful.

@squinj7004

7 ай бұрын

I took watercolor in college when I was a broke college student 20 years ago and I got the cheapest paint and brushes and paper…. I struggled so very hard. Fast forward to maybe 5 years ago and I decided to give it another go with nicer brushes and paints and paper…. It makes a huuuuuuge difference

I like the Moleskin sketchbooks, but I use them exactly as you suggest, sketching with a Micron or similar indelible pen and putting a layer or two of watercolour over top. I actually enjoy the unpredictability of the paper for this, but totally see why it wouldn’t work for other styles.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds spot on, James!

I so appreciate your approach for this video; well thought-out and balanced (the 'science girl' in my soul is doing a happy dance.) The amount of time you put into all of your comparison (and swatch) videos is always evident, and downright flabbergasting for this particular endeavor. Thank you so much for sharing this information, AND for sharing your lovely animals. Cheers!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words, Barb! It's great to hear that it's appreciated and makes all that work worth while :) I can't say that I'm eager to jump into another intensely detailed video again anytime soon, but I also look forward to figuring out how to streamline my approach so that my videos still feel like mine while not taking SO long to produce, hahah.

When I watched this a year ago, I was very inexperienced with paper. But this time I can see how hard of a time you were having just trying to lay down that underpainting on the Hahnemuhle. If you haven't tried the new cotton Hahnemuhle you need to! You will be thrilled. It is so nice and so reasonably priced at Wet Paint. Do be careful with masking tape and fluid though - use low tack tape, and don't use masking pen or a colored fluid. Remove both promptly!

Legit just checked my Amazon history to see what I paid for my Moleskine watercolor sketchbook. I was so relieved when I finished that one, I wasn't a fan. Luckily, I got it for a steal at less than $11, lol. It was also my very first watercolor sketchbook, which I'm sure didn't help either. I'll give it that watercolor pencils weren't bad in it. I ended up learning to make my own sketchbooks, though this can be a lot of work. Might give that etchr one a try someday though, I've heard so many good things, and this video tells me I would really enjoy it. Thank you for all the work you put into this video.

Amazing work as usual. My favorite is Etchr. From my experience the texture can vary from page to page but it doesn’t affect much. Still an awesome sketchbook.

Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-aapi-community-fund to help fight against the surge in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the US. If you’re not familiar with what is and has been happening in our country, this documentary is a good place to start: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y2iLt9eykZyagag.html Regarding the video, a patron helped out with the gsm vs lbs issue for the Moleskine. While gsm is standardized, lbs are not due to varying sizes of paper being measured (gsm is grams per square meter while lbs measure the weight of a certain number of sheets, but if the sheet is larger than standard, the weight will be higher). When in doubt, go with gsm! 200gsm is what Americans and most watercolor brands would call 95lb paper while 300gsm is 140lb paper.

Great video Denise!💗 I appreciate all the details...Thank you for all the work you put into this video. It's amazing!

I truly appreciate all of your hard effort that has gone into this video. You are so dedicated and thorough, thank you so much ☺️ This is a great resource that so many will find very valuable! 👏👏

Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into this video to help us find our perfect sketchbook! I really enjoyed listening to you, the music, and watching you paint your lovely paintings. I’m really looking forward to painting in the Etchr sketchbook. I appreciate you so much Denise.💕

I can't believe how much work you put into your videos! Thank you for making this, it's so helpful! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕

Your paintings are so beautiful! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your reviews. Wishing you health and happiness!

Absolutely thorough deep dive into watercolour sketchbook properties. Thank you for sharing your experiences with these books. I find I gravitate towards your channel more often than any others on KZread. A testament to your generous sharing your experiences.

Thank you for this detailed and incredibly informative video! The amount of work you put into this is commendable ❤️

😊 Great content! Super helpful in my new watercolor journal hunt! Thank you! PS. Those who appreciate you will never be disappointed in your growth and honesty!! I have watched your videos for years now and appreciate all you do. Your energy is beautiful! Thank you again!

Yay!!! This is exactly what I needed because I've been trying to find my own sketchbook that I will fit all my watercolor needs! Sketchbooks mean so much to me, I just love them! This is the greatest video ever! I can't wait to get some new sketchbooks so I can also do my own experiments and tests with the different papers. You are the best!!! So so grateful for you and this wonderfully in-depth video!!! Thank you thank you!!!♡♡♡

I have to mention Koval sketchbooks, they're made in Poland, where I come from, but they ship internationally, and im very happy with them ♡ I believe Teoh has video on them

@amberdreams_0

3 жыл бұрын

Koval are beautifully made books but rather expensive - even before shipping.

I love all of your videos so much. You're so knowledgeable and clear--an excellent teacher.

Denise, this is an awesome presentation! As someone beginning to learn watercolor, it is so helpful to see what is expected in the action/reaction of the paper, and what went wrong. I love the animals, and especially liked watching the mountain lion come to life. I suddenly saw, "He can see now!" Thank you for all of this hard work!

What an incredibly informative video. Fantastic in-depth reviews! I'll be recommending this to anyone who asks about watercolour sketchbooks. 🥰 Thank you for taking the time to create this wonderful resource. I am absolutely addicted to your channel!

Holy smokes, the amount of work you put into this video is bananas, and very appreciated!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Surina! I'm so glad it's appreciated!

@SurinaSlackArt

3 жыл бұрын

@@InLiquidColor no problem. Btw, I use the Moleskine Watercolor Album at the moment and the binding on the spine doesn't hold up well over time, I've found that the pages come loose and wiggle a bit too much. I plan on finishing it, but I probably won't get another one

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

@@SurinaSlackArt Yikes! Good to know.

As a beginner I thoroughly enjoy this video (actually all of them) I found it informative and helped me to better understand how and what to look for in paper. In addition I enjoyed your background music selections. It was extremely motivating as well as relaxing. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into all of your videos!

Been waiting for this one as I’m in the market for a sketchbook. Great detail and thoughtfulness. It really helped.

Thank you Denise for all your research and testing of these journals. Now I can make the best purchase for my needs. I love the Etchr sketchbook for it's 100% cotton paper.

Great video. It answered a lot of my questions about sketchbooks.

This is a great review! I really love to do my research before I buy any watercolor products since I can not afford to try them all. I don't mind investing in good quality products with reviews like this. Thank you so much for the time you took to help us make informed choices!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Tandy! I'm so glad it's helpful.

Love the Talent Gelato jars in the background early in this video. (I saved all of mine -- a lot and now use them throughout my studio.) That said, I really appreciate the detailed explanation about paper because I use watercolor paper in 9" x 12" (140#, cold-pressed) to practice acrylic paint pouring techniques. Since fluid art in highly dependent on scientific, chemistry and physics of fluids, I find the more familiar I am with the habits of watercolor paper, the more successful I am with adjusting, adapting and accommodating the behavior of the paper to achieve the cells, lacing, marbling, etc. effects I seek and embellishments I may experiment with from time to time. Your detailed discussion has helped a lot. I love your process here. Such detail and your results are so alive!

Thanks Denise ! Excellent content 🎨😊 your paintings are always beautiful and your music selections provided a calming background. Just perfection 👌

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Crestbirch! So glad you enjoyed it :) Oddly enough, finding suitable music is always stressful haha but I'm always happy to watch it back at the end for the de-stress :D

Gracias Denisse! Siempre tan dedicada a tus videos!! 🤍🤍🤍

Thank you, Denise! This is gold! It's such a jungle and it's so, so helpful to see how they behave and compare to one another! 🌻

What a wonderfully comprehensive video! Thank you! I especially like the paper test to see direct comparison between the books. I have an Etcher I haven't started yet, but I think you just inspired me to get on that!

Fantastic and thorough video, Denise. Thank you.

initially I wanted to try the etchr sketchbook but after seeing your comparison I’m not so sure anymore because the technique that is most important to me is lifting while I almost never use any layering. Thank you so much for comparing all these sketchbooks 💕

Bravo! I can see all the hard work that went into this video and it’s a masterpiece, as are all your paintings in it. You really know how to overcome paper challenges. Well done!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Betsy!

Wow! Such talent & beautiful art, too! Thank you for video!

Oh, wow!! I am finally getting to watch your very in-depth review. Thank you so much, Denise! 🥰😘❤ This is such a valuable resource! You're a 🌟! 😊😍🥰😘

Thankyou for this wonderful video! So much information! And though you mentioned that the point was not comment on whether we liked the paintings, I can’t help but say how much I admire them. Watching your painting process was so enjoyable. Even when you experienced difficulty , it was super to see how you overcame the downsides of the paper. Wishing you all the best.

Love this. You paint beautifully. This was also suuuuuper helpful to me. ❤ Thank you.

Fantastic video! Congrats on excellent painting plus explanations and reviews! Rally inspiring.

I really liked the animal sketches at the beginning. Subbed for more mammals.

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I absolutely love the detail you put into your work(both art and reviews).

You can also get the etchr book as a single from Cheap Joes Art Stuff as well!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

There was another comment that said that as well. Great to know!

@crafty_j957

3 жыл бұрын

@@InLiquidColor also Jackson's sells them individually too

Thank you sooo much, Denise! I've been looking for a watercolor journal for forever now but was to scared to purchase something that might not work for me. Your video was very well done and quite enjoyable!

Hi Denise. Thanks for the thourough review. I love your videos!

Super useful, I was thinking of trying the Pentalic! Thanks so much for your hard work on this.

Thank you so much for doing this. I found this very helpful. Your analyses is always very informative.

I adore your videos...no matter how long they are

Was looking forward to this for years! Thank you for making an update. :)

I love how even though some of these books were trying to throw hands at you you still made it work and had amazing pieces at the end of them. ❤️

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

The amount of work you did for this video...also you give us so much information. Thank you for this video.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you like it! Thank you so much!

Fantastic comparison and Demo! Thanks for sharing Denise!

omg the etchr took my breath away. i loved how smooth the colors looked. + the way i laughed when you were offered a coupon for your concerns😭

This was incredibly helpful! I've been pondering a new sketchbook as I've almost finished my current one, and I'll definitely be looking into the Pentalic and the Etchr. Thank you so much for such a thorough video!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it's helpful Regina! I hope you enjoy whichever one you get!

I’m so glad you finally tried Etchr! I completely agree about the packaging, but at least most of it is recyclable. And they’re such a dream to paint on. The moleskin ones looked similar to Paul Rubens, which is not my favorite, and now I only use it for color swatching.

Thank you for doing this video! I have been looking into buying a watercolor journal and this help a lot!!

Extremely well worth working on your video it has surely helped me and I am very very grateful for your hard work and effort into creating it!!! 😊thank you so much!!! 💓

Thank you so much for this! As someone who only occasionally uses watercolor and doesn't get through books often this is a wonderful resource to know what to get next if I ever make it through my current book.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it Trisha. I hope it proves to be helpful!

Great, informative video-as always-so good, I watched it twice! Helped me narrow down the perfect book for my painting style, thanks! 😊🎨

This was beautiful work and really helped me choose my first sketchbook journal (Etchr). I’m a beginner who has slowly invested in better supplies over time. Your swatch test was fantastic. *chef’s kiss* I’m now going to incorporate that into any new papers I try. Also your previous sketchbooks are absolutely beautiful. I didn’t see a video on a flip through on your channel, but I’d love one (Patreon?). I find I absolutely began to excel at watercolor quickly when I painted subjects I was passionate about (animals). You’re an inspiration, truly! Thank you for your hard work. 😊

Just bought the Etchr one based on your video! Thank you!!

You make the most amazing art guides on youtube i swear I really hope that it pays off, i'm going to watch the add haha

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I can always rely on you on the technical side of watercolor. Now I have a clearer idea which sketchbook to buy next time!

this is so detailed and thorough!! thank u so much Denise for always going above and beyond with your videos, it really helps us all make informed decisions when we’re looking to buy new supplies 😭🧡🧡 (was just thinking about getting a new sketchbook myself!!)

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

So glad it's helpful!

I love all your paintings! So beautiful!

Thank you for this great video and all of the work you put into it!! Was such great information. By the look of the test page I would definitely buy the Etcher book. Again...amazing video as it was really interesting!

Great comprehensive review! I started out using the Moleskin ones but I wasn’t really happy with them. Someone else recommended the Etchr ones so I tried them and fell in love with them. I might give the Travelogue ones a try although the 100% cotton paper in Etchr has spoiled me.

Thank you so much for this video. I love all these animal paintings, it is hard to choose a favorite.

Very through review and well presented. Thank you. Very much appreciated. Your work is very detailed and presentation is a very high standard. Thank you.

Thanks so much for this thorough video. I have not purchased a sketchbook for watercolor. I have been using watercolors for almost a year, though not new to painting or art. Once I tried arches paper, I was hooked. So glad to find 100% cotton sketchbook, will definitely buy this soon. You put in so much effort and time, thanks again 😍👍🎨🧑‍🎨

What a great job on this review!! I really appreciate the etchr story...I had a similar reaction to their packaging.

Soooo useful! Thank you for your dedication

Thanks ❤️for the great videos on my favorite subject watercolors 💕

Thank you so much for this video!!! Your opinion is very precious! I now know which watercolor notebook to buy! Thank you for your hard work on this! 😊

Thanks so much Denise, nice to see you back on KZread! Love your paintings, the Stellar's Jay is one of my favs :) FYI, be careful buying the Pentalic on Amazon, you might get a knockoff. I've had great luck with their sketchbooks I've gotten at art stores, but the Amazon version was not the real thing, had weird binding, paper and cover.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

That's really odd. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for the very comprehensive review! Beautiful paintings

Hi Denise! Wow I could see your struggle with the Moleskin but that being said you handled it beautifully. Which told me it would totally frustrate me. Thank you for this video! Love and light

@InLiquidColor

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful. Thank you for the kind words!

Yesssssssssss I love hunting for the perfect WC sketchbook. Hope you're doing good Denise!

Very pretty paintings, and great feedback!

It’s so good to see your lovely paintings in this post! This will assist me in future purchases. I will be checking out your Etsy store on Monday and please, do what best works for you as far as what you offer and when. I love your paintings so much that I purchase your stickers to give as gifts to my science teacher friends as they too get to experience the joy I get from your artwork. Take care and keep painting!

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Michelle! I really appreciate the kind words and support. I'm also looking forward to seeing how this shop restock goes! I know a lot of artists do it this way, but it's new territory for me 😅🤞

I agree about packaging on the Etchr. I have a favorite clay artist who manages to ship fragile clay items internationally with recyclable and eco friendly packaging. It's about priorities. Anyway, *hops off soapbox* I appreciate this resource. With so many options it's always difficult to know where to invest my money.

This is so meticulously done, I'm extremely impressed. Thank you for this review! This is such a great resource for the watercolour community.

Such a great review. Thank you so much for the really high quality, educational, and enjoyable video.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Rebecca! I'm glad you liked it!

WOW you are just an amazing artist. I really enjoyed your take on the different papers and am deciding on 2 😄 I cked your Etsy shop and missed 😫 getting one of the sketchbooks with your painting but am grabbing some stickers to decorate my new sketchbook. Thanks for the video

I really appreciate the notes for people with sensory issues. That's a major issue for me and not something I've seen anyone mention before (and the sticker thing is a plus).

WoW! Gorgeous video! A little art therapy for this Saturday morning. I am excited because I have a new Etcher sketchbook to try, along with a Hahnemuhle.

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Yay! Happy painting!

Thanks Denise. My painting time is precious and limited. I don't want to fight the paper. I would stick with the cotton . I'll save the extra up. Great music BTW. Thanks again for the very informative video. Take care.💜

So encouraging to know that sometimes it’s not me, it’s the materials!

Thank you Denise! 🥰

Thank you for all the work ! This is so informative and well put together !!! Congratulations ❤️❤️

@InLiquidColor

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@Lexouchan

3 жыл бұрын

@@InLiquidColor you're welcome !! It's was well deserved ❤️

I have enjoyed watching you paint all of this video with the plus of learning about the journals strengths and weaknesses I have just embarked on a quest to paint wildlife with the help of an artistic .gifted photograher, with his full permission of course.

This is so awesome Denise!