Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal, 100% Cotton 140 lb (300 GSM) Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper, 20 Sheets Sized 3.8’’ x 5.2’’ Travel Art Journal for Beginners and Experienced Painters (Black)

This was my first watercolor sketchbook. As a beginner, I feel most comfortable painting on small sheets. The pages in this sketchbook are the perfect size for me. I even like the hot-pressed paper. My paints (Mai Liang half pans) flow nicely on the page. I can even paint wet-on-wet by spritzing the page with a water mister. I found the pages can take a lot of water. I liked this sketchbook so much that I filled it up pretty fast and ordered another in a larger size. For those who are concerned that the sketchbook doesn't have a rubber band closure, I purchased a 3-pack of small, fuzzy hair scrunchies at Dollar Tree for $1.27. One works perfectly to keep the sketchbook closed.

In the world of watercolor painting, the quality of your paper can be just as critical as the quality of your paints. The Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal not only meets but exceeds these standards, providing artists with a reliable and exceptional canvas for their work. Here's my comprehensive review:Quality of Paper:The journal features 100% cotton, 140 lb (300 GSM) hot-pressed watercolor paper, ideal for both beginners and professionals. The paper can handle a good amount of water without warping, and the paint settles beautifully into the texture of the paper, maintaining the vibrancy of your colors.Hot Pressed Surface:The hot-pressed texture is a game-changer, offering a smooth surface that's great for intricate details and finer brushwork. It's perfect for artists who want a sleek finish without the graininess that often comes with cold-pressed papers.Versatility:This paper performs remarkably well with various techniques, from layering to blending. Whether you're doing wet-on-wet, glazing, or dry brush techniques, the paper holds up and delivers excellent results.Binding and Construction:The journal is sturdily constructed with a strong binding to keep your pages in place. This makes it a convenient and portable choice for artists on the go. Plus, the pages are easily removable if you want to frame your work or give it away.No Bleeding or Feathering:One of the most impressive aspects of this journal is how well the paper holds the paint. You won't experience bleeding into other sections or feathering at the edges, allowing for crisp lines and defined shapes.Page Count:The journal comes with a generous number of pages, making it a long-lasting investment for your artistic pursuits. It's a great value for the price, considering the high-quality, 100% cotton paper.My Opinion:In my view, the Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal is a gem in the art supplies market. The attention to detail in the quality of the paper and the construction of the journal itself speaks volumes about the brand's understanding of an artist's needs.Would I buy this again? Most certainly. It's a premium product that elevates the quality of your work, making it well worth the investment. Would I recommend it to others? Yes, especially to those who take their watercolor painting seriously, be it as a hobby or a profession.In summary, if you're on the hunt for a watercolor journal that offers professional-quality paper, exceptional durability, and versatile application, the Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal should be at the top of your list. From its texture to its performance, it's designed to make your artistic journey a rewarding experience.

The pages hold water without buckling. Using a watercolor pencil is perfect for hot press paper which is partly why I bought it. I also like how the pages are perforated for easy removal if desired. It’s the perfect size for any situation. It’s by far my favorite of all the many watercolor journals I’ve filled. I’ll most definitely purchase this one again.

Buena compra

Great product. Paul Rubens was a great great artist and is so very missed. His items are wonderful. May he rest in peace ! I hope that his items stay the same, and that his name will always be associated with great value and awesome things!

This is my first experience with hot pressed paper so I wasn't sure what to expect. I normally paint on 100% cotton cold pressed paper and do mostly wet on wet technique. But I've been noodling around with ink and wash so I needed a smoother paper.I've done several paintings in the sketchbook, ink and wash and just watercolor. It handles washes without buckling but if you are used to cold pressed paper you need to use significantly less water. Paint will move if you do wet on wet and it will granulate but not as much as on more textured paper.It handles tape well and I erased initial sketches with no issues at all. Color looks nice and vibrant. You can lift paint well. Wet on dry works very well on this paperFor anyone reading reviews of this journal to help make your decision, remember first and foremost, this is hot pressed paper, so it will not behave like cold pressed paper if that is what you are used to. Very smooth gradients might be difficult unless you are experienced. But that said I am enjoying it and if you are looking for an urban sketchbook or wanting to try a smoother texture it's a great book for the price.

I LOVE this paper normally, this brand has always been a favorite, but this time i had to return and replace the first journal because the pages were all bent inside. It was replaced with a second journal that ALSO has about half of the pages bent. Didn’t realize til i started painting, so I can’t replace again.

I'm a hot press convert! This hot press WC block journal is perfect. It is what it says it is and does exactly what I need with class and convenience!! The first/top paper buckled at first, where the lil separation is, but caused no problems when drying and dried perfectly flat. The second paper didn't buckle at all in the wetting process. I'm using M.Graham and Paul Rubens Artist paints and the colors and flow are just perfect for my desired effects! I only wish this came in a larger size! The size is interesting for framing, so there is that to consider....I haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll either have to tape the painting space down to 5x7 or build a custom mat to fit and 8x10 frame. I'm also hoping to find a lil photo album of the same size so I can put my done sheets into. This is a great item!