The Best Watercolor Journals | Product Review with Sarah Cray of Let's Make Art

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Watercolor journals are an excellent way to explore ideas or to just let out some creativity! I have been using watercolor journals on and off for about 7 years, but have really made it part of my creative practice over the last two. In this video I share with you the things I look for in a journal, as well as what brands I have explored and my experience with them. I am not interested in pointing you in a specific direction, but instead want to share what I have learned so you can find what works for you! My goal with this series is to provide artist-tested reviews so you can purchase supplies that aid you on your watercolor journey!
Want to paint with Sarah on a monthly basis? Check out our Let's Make Art Together digital watercolor box here ➝ www.letsmakeart.com
Welcome to Let's Make Art! We began with the idea to create a place that empowers everyone to create. Let's Make Art is a wonderful start for watercolor painting, especially for beginners just starting out. Let's Make Art is known for easy and fun art tutorials for all experience levels.
We began with the idea in mind to create a place that empowers everyone to create! Offering free beginner-friendly tutorial education & an advanced beginner/intermediate digital monthly subscription. What it comes down to is simple: we're here to make art, well, simple! Join us, and learn how to paint with watercolors at Let's Make Art!
Looking for more Let's Make Art online?
Instagram: / letsgomakeart
Facebook: / letsgomakeart
Facebook Watercolor Group: / letsgomakeart
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome & Hello
00:28 - 2 things I look for in a watercolor journal
02:07 - Moleskine watercolor journal review
03:40 - Hahnemuhle watercolor journal review
06:15 - Etcher mixed media cold press journal review
08:10 - My process when painting in journals
11:18 - How to approach painting in journals not traditionally created for painting
#letsmakeart #sarahcray #productreview #artreview #watercolorjournal #watercolor

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Опубликовано:

26 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 106

@mostlyvoid.partiallystars Месяц назад

Can I just say that I know this has transitioned has been stressful but I already feel like yall are getting back to what this community used to be. I love these new video ideas. 🎉

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

You have no idea how much your comment means to us! We're working so hard behind the scenes to keep the creative fire burning and reading comments like this just reinforces that we're on the right path. THANK YOU!! So grateful you're here making art with us.

@mostlyvoid.partiallystars Месяц назад

@@LetsMakeArt I’m so very grateful the company has taken this direction! I can’t imagine how scary it is but from my perspective y’all are doing all the right things. Looking forward to more 🫶🏻🥰

@martywhalen3673 Месяц назад

Anyone else frantically taking screenshots of Sarah’s journals to add to that painting inspiration folder on your phone? 😂 Seriously though, love the video and seeing so much of your beautiful work, thank you for sharing ❤

@amandaterrio4823 Месяц назад

I found an Arches 6in x 10in spiral bound watercolor journal. It’s my favorite

@vikkibyington3066 Месяц назад

Sarah, I like the square journals something like a 5x5. The reason is I have to do most of my painting in bed. These journals allow me to hold it in one hand and paint with the other. I’ve been doing a lot of the abstract type, can’t remember what it is actually called, where you draw a continuous loopy line all around the journal page. I use mostly ink on these and I have found doing these so relaxing. I also see objects or faces within the lines so I can create them in my journal as I go. I tend to see faces….No rhyme or reason, no specific direction. It is very therapeutic for me since I struggle with anxiety especially at night. I also watch your videos that also have such a calming effect on me. Just sharing this in case others need something to help them relax. Thank you, Sarah, for being you. 🙏🏻❤️

@susanbricker7410 Месяц назад

I forgot to mention that i would love to support LMA if you share links to the items you're showing so you can make a percentage from the sale! I think many in your LMA community would feel the same. Just saying...😉

@kateprice2419 Месяц назад

A review of what you look for in watercolor brushes would be really useful. I have brush shapes that I enjoy, but there are so many different kinds of watercolor brushes it can be overwhelming to pick one to use.

@susie1216 Месяц назад

Yes! I agree!

@traceydeuschle-burke4231 Месяц назад

I agree too

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Thanks for the great idea!

@dianefletcher5052 Месяц назад

Sarah I just want to thank you so much for all of your insight. You make me want to paint and I love your paintings.

@veeroach Месяц назад

Thank You! Your journals are beautiful. My goal this year is to do more plein air and landscapes. I have never really found joy in journal paper so I take old hard cover books gut them and bind in watercolor paper. They look nice on my shelf.

@susansear7968 Месяц назад

I love that you do not feel the need to paint the pages in order!

@petunia8472 Месяц назад

I have a lot of unused journals so I’m not buying anything new right now. My biggest take away from this video is to do a little something EVERY DAY! This is my new goal starting tomorrow!!!!! I’m recently retired so time is not an excuse for me. A total artistic mental block is hampering me now. So I think the ‘do a little painting every day’ plan is for me! And I can use all of my current journals!!!! Wish me luck!

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Wishing you nothing but creative fun. Happy painting friend!

@YumikoMuto Месяц назад

It's really fun to watch Sarah's journals. I want to start mine.

@botticelli728 Месяц назад

I've been thinking of using watercolor journals to go through RU-vid videos of specific artists as a way of learning watercolor in a more systematic way; this is valuable information. Thank you!

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Such a good idea!

@plove523 Месяц назад

I love all 3 of the Etchr sketchbooks. I gifted myself their signature sketchbook for Christmas a couple of years ago. I usually put my planned sketches in there. The white ones I use for everyday at home. Sometimes it's a finished piece, sometimes it's practicing an element I want to incorporate in a larger painting, working out values and style. Sometimes it's swatching out a new color or brush stroke practice with a new brush. My favorite brands are the Hahnemuhle 100% cotton and the Kolo spiral bound professional watercolor book (the one with the beige cover). I like small books for carrying with me and painting in public and larger ones at home. The orientation at home doesn't seem to matter to me, I can just rotate the book, but for plein air or urban sketching, I like landscape so I can clip my little palette to the top.

@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919 Месяц назад

Your paintings are gorgeous. I got fed up with wonky journal sizes and stopped buying them. Now I make my own. I love designing and making covers for them. One day these journals will be in the hands of my kids, so I'm making them with a lot of love and care. The actual process of making the journals before painting in them is so satisfying. I get excited to paint that first page. Right now I'm making square journals of all sizes, but the smaller ones are what I'm painting in most lately.

@susanbricker7410 Месяц назад

Thank you so much for this Sarah and Michael! I applaud you both for all you've accomplished with YOUR LMA!!! I trust you and cherish your passion to share your expertise and advice to other creatives. You're doing an outstanding job with LMA. I would love to see more videos on paints, (ex.Beam), brushes (ex.the use of each one), and would love to see a live of you using your Hot Press Archer and Olive journal(it's beautiful). I'm a writer and painter and would love to watch you create in it. I've never used Hot Press and I'm interested. I think this is a wonderful idea to add to your painting videos, that i cherish!! You're awesome and I can't thank you and Michael enough for the beautiful community and company you've built and for sharing your love for painting and creativity!! Blessings to you and your family. I'm confident LMA will be all you imagine and more!❤🖌🎨🖼❤

@JamieStronciski Месяц назад

Absolutely loved seeing into your journals. Very inspiring! Hopefully we will see some in tutorials. I recently bought one of your prints and I love it. 🥰

@marikathrynhendrix999 Месяц назад

I love your Italy journal. Wow!! I bought a tumuarta square shaped journal and just started painting on my Europe trip. It’s great so far! Thick paper. Good to see you do paint on both sides of the paper.

@annenglish2935 Месяц назад

I haven't painted on it yet, but what a great deal on Amazon! Happy to hear you like it! ❤

@traciw.5888 Месяц назад

Thank you for sharing your journals. They are gorgeous ❣️

@annenglish2935 Месяц назад

Loving your tutorials!!! You are at the heart, Sarah! You and your husband!!! I haven't used the cotton Bee Watercolor Journals but I bought some. Haven't painted in 18 months but still follow my favorites! I'm a newbie that needs to begin again 😂 🎉 ❤ With love and gratitude from a California Gramma ❤

@lynnekeenan9367 Месяц назад

Thank you for this review! Your art is stunning!!

@debbywawrzyniak3166 Месяц назад

Thank you Sarah. I’ve wanted to do a watercolor journal for some time. I appreciate your insights!!!!

@lisaannef Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing your journals. You have some beautiful landscapes!

@user-wl6tp9mq6u Месяц назад

Thank you that was extremely helpful and something I have wanted to try Sarah ❤️

@lisetteflores5837 Месяц назад

Thank you for showing all the different types of books. I have many books i have never used..i will be flexible and try using different manners of watercoloring and see what happens. Thank you

@shannonewasiuk Месяц назад

I love seeing inside your journals! So beautiful and inspiring!!

@rbud9400 18 дней назад

Thank you for this review! Looking at your free painting time is inspiring!!!

@rebeccamettert Месяц назад

Love this ❤

@ashleybrethold7158 Месяц назад

Love love love the new types of videos! Keep em coming ❤

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

SO THRILLED to hear this! Don't you worry, we'll keep em coming, it just makes us giddy to know that you enjoyed this video as much as we've been excited about this new series of videos.

@johnsalamone3152 Месяц назад

❤ Thank you for this video. Very informative and helpful. Your sky and water paintings on that hot press paper are stunning!!! ❤

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Thank you!❤️

@jenniferdjesse4215 Месяц назад

Yay! Thank you so much for sharing! I always wondered about the Etcher journal. It will definitely be on my list, I’m almost done with the one I’m working on.

@faithycc4388 Месяц назад

Absolutely love this! Thank you so much for making this video on watercolor journals - I’ll go buy a new journal:)

@amberlean3 Месяц назад

Thank you for this video! This is super inspiring. Your journals are gorgeous ❤ A tutorial I’d love to see in the future in the subscription are parrot tulips!

@michelemarquardt326 Месяц назад

I enjoyed seeing your journals, especially the variety of what you paint in them.

@kimlauder6899 Месяц назад

Love this. Thank you ❤

@NoraIerace Месяц назад

Dear Sarah and Michael, first of all I have to say that I am so excited that you bought Let’s Make Art!!!! I have to say that I personally was a little worried at the beginning of the year when the entire site was on sale… I am almost an original LMA , back in August 2019 when I was introduced to LMA. I was always intimidated by watercolor but it was my pending subject, I needed to learn . I studied oil and acrylic and I have been painting since the 90 but watercolor was frightening…till I found you and I understood how it works and after all it’s just a piece of paper!!!! And boy what a ride since then!!! You taught me things that Oolite Arts or Miami Art league didn’t and I am so grateful for it. I support you and Michael 100% . Congrats. Ps that collaboration with Archer and Olive is it available? I enjoy every video, class , and of course I loved watching you painting with your kids , and Jesse which now I continue doing art journaling with her , and who doesn’t live an art cheerleader Keenan and Nicole and of course Lorie !I just love my LMA family!!! Thanks again !!!❤

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Thank you for all of the kindness and encouragement!! We're so glad you're here creating along with us! Sarah's Archer & Olive collection unfortunately is no longer available.

@christinedrake1645 Месяц назад

your journals are gorgeous... OK I will finally use mine... I was saving them for when I am better... Now I can do it

@betsykirk6848 Месяц назад

I loved this. I follow you on instagram and see your morning paintings. I love them and have always wondered what journals/sketchbooks you were using. Once I get through the ones I already have, I know what to look for next. Thanks!!

@yetanothercluelessgardener Месяц назад

I agree 100% that we should be able to adjust and paint on different kinds of paper. I love doing that.

@cindymueller8104 Месяц назад

This review was so helpful. Thank you!! Also, we got a Birds Eye view of your incredible art!! I especially enjoyed the portraits you’ve painted! I would love to have you do a portrait digital box! Please consider. The ones in your journals would be fantastic!

@sheriab007 Месяц назад

I definitely love Etcher too. I also love stillman & Birn Beta series in the square format. The stitched binding and rounded corners just make me happy.

@lanastehle9274 Месяц назад

your art is so pretty.❤

@paigeholden8829 Месяц назад

Love this! Have you tried Etchr’s signature series sketchbooks? I have the cold press and I am in love. It is the 100% cotton Fabriano Artistico 300 gsm paper that I love to paint on for my finished works too. And I love the deckled edges 😍 It is pricey but absolutely gorgeous.

@darmarferi Месяц назад

Thank you !

@taylorholloway__ Месяц назад

I love Etchr sketchbooks, im on my 5 one!!! The best

@vintagehomekeeper Месяц назад

Oh!! I love the idea of different salts! Also, I would love to see an overview of Friskit type products you like and have used.

@Maren_Mcclellan Месяц назад

My favorite watercolor journal is the blue masters touch medium sized! It’s amazing paper. It’s at hobby lobby and there always having a sale. Or canson I use canson the magority of the time. I prefer the hobby lobby one though

@suel4269 Месяц назад

I love Kilaminjaro paint books exclusively sold at Cheap Joes Art Stuff, USA.

@susie1216 Месяц назад

Me tooooo!

@deannahause2734 Месяц назад

I bought a little journal from Shadowlight Binding. It has Arches cold press and is gorgeous❣️ She has bigger sizes too. It is a special treat to paint in

@debrabirkinshaw8409 Месяц назад

Yes 🙌 the paper-crucial.

@BB-it3mx Месяц назад

Do you have the 100% Cotton Watercolor Book from Hahnemuehle? I think they launched it early last year? I really like that one.

@kays9104 26 дней назад

Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paintbooks from Cheap Joe's is one of my favorite watercolor journals because there's a sketchpage/notetaking page between each watercolor paper page. I find it takes watercolor very well. They only have spiral bound.

@debbieable3583 23 дня назад

hi I love your art pieces, have you done a video showing how to paint that window frame with the landscape background? thanks

@milenamarcocci6320 Месяц назад

Your very beautiful ,sweety and a very great artiste❤❤❤❤ bravissima

@debramyers3571 Месяц назад

What a great comparison! Thank you. I especially appreciate the last portion on non-traditional supplies and finding the value in learning to work with what it is. I have some supplies that frustrate me and I need to step back to let the paper do whatever it is that it does best rather than what I want it to be. (Does that make sense?)

@debramyers3571 Месяц назад

Oh, and thanks for the inspiration!!!

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

We totally get what you're saying and could not agree more with your approach of stepping back and allowing the paper to do it's thing!

@hannahcrumley3103 Месяц назад

I love the same Etchr sketch book best! I am interested in trying the sketchbook that you did the cover on- is that still available- could you add a link if it is? Those long narrow books are easily packed and used for landscape for plein air work but I’m not sure if that’s what they are necessarily designed for, that’s all I use them for. I am so happy that you and your husband bought back your company! Yay! I enjoy your tutorials and your wonderful attitude toward art!

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

The collaboration Sarah did with Archer & Olive is unfortunately no longer available.

@maryborgsmiller9017 Месяц назад

Love this video! I just ordered an etchr journal and cannot wait to try it on vacation. I would love to know which watercolor paper you like the best? I just bought Grubacher at Walmart because that was all they had and I'm not crazy about it. It gets grainy with too much water, but I find that with Caslon XL also. I live in a town with not much available so online purchases are what I have to depend on.

@judithmcilwee Месяц назад

I love the Baohong but difficult to get

@jkesse1 Месяц назад

OMG such a tease. I want one of those Archer and Olive journal but they don't launch until tomorrow!!

@suewegert2323 Месяц назад

Would like to know the sources for the journals you mention. Really appreciate the information. I e been looking for a journal that isn’t just pulp and they are hard to find that are affordable at least. Keep up the good program.

@Color_me_crafty Месяц назад

I’d love to hear your thoughts on brushes! I just bought a new one, which I was so excited about, but upon painting with it….it is much softer than I realized😬 I don’t love it😂

@Color_me_crafty Месяц назад

I know you have a folder of reference photos on your phone😂😂 I feel seen…👀👀 I do not have a journal practice but this sounds like something I need to start!

@emilyjohnson2390 Месяц назад

Aside from size, what was your overall impression of the quality of the moleskine sketchbook paper? Would you consider it to be a good option for someone on a budget, or would you suggest skipping it and splurging on an etchr sketchbook? Thanks!

@charlinefisher2650 17 дней назад

I use just the regular etcher in 100% cotton but also enjoy using one that’s not cotton is strathmore 400 series. Have also tried a 25% cotton that’s fair. Things get expensive using the cotton all of the time. Tried that one from India made from recycled rags. Which I don’t like

@IBeLieveInChrist07 Месяц назад

❤❤❤❤❤❤

@VickersConnie Месяц назад

Love this review! 12 days of Christmas? (Or however many days it was)

@betwana Месяц назад

I LOVE the loose type of painting that was inspired by your friend Joanna ... can you do some tutorials showing how this method is done?

@JennyRaisbeck Месяц назад

Agree!

@IlustraLilian Месяц назад

My favorite is Etchr as well. Unfortunately is prohibitive to import nowadays with the new taxes in my country (Brazil). I truly hate the president, btw. I have to use Hahnemuele and I don’t much like their sketchbook papers. It’s not the worst, but Etchr is much better. Or I have to do my own. I know how to, but I prefer not to. 🤷🏻‍♀️

@jainagel3097 Месяц назад

It looks like you have taped some of the painting off and get beautiful boarders. How well does tape work in journals?

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Perfect, never had an issue with the tape in the journals I’ve used it in!

@gailh4978 7 дней назад

What size is the Etchr journal that you like?

@mandypittman1154 Месяц назад

Are there links on here somewhere? I would love to know that I am finding the right journals so similar ones to what Sarah reviewed.

@sharonling-LetsArtToday Месяц назад

I loved the 6x6 Dina Wakley journal (white) which is no longer available, but from my understanding it was heavy weight cotton rag (khadi). I would love to hear/see your thoughts, on that paper.

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

Thanks for suggesting paper, we can definitely add that to our list of topics to cover with this series.

@allyaceart5613 Месяц назад

How about the best pens for watercolor? I like microns but they can be testy.

@jessicakeeler4568 Месяц назад

What was the white journal call it looks like a great size would like to check it out.

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

It's an Etcher Mixed Media Journal. www.amazon.com/ETCHR-Portrait-Sketchbook-Hardcover-Customizable/dp/B098GH5B2Q/ref=asc_df_B098GH5B2Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693516483782&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11096065266689744490&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026990&hvtargid=pla-1431709862293&psc=1&mcid=f31accc817273e7e8f5032411ff65308&gad_source=1

@jessicakeeler4568 Месяц назад

@@LetsMakeArt Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I really appreciate it! Keep up the great work, I like the what you are doing with the platform!

@reginamalm6263 21 день назад

Looks like a business opportunity LMA. I have been looking for years. I want 100 cotton lay flat paint both sides. 140 pd.i like etchr but its not 140 its 110 out of stock and pricey. The perfect is 140 pd but its its $70 and harder to find

@johnlang1933 Месяц назад

I bought my first watercolor journal back in December of’23…it’s spiral bound,8x8” handmade 100%cotton paper (made in India from cotton scraps…”tree-free”) the only downside I’ve found is you can’t use tape or frisket on it…it tears the paper and ruins the painting..

@cathylathrop8104 21 день назад

Is that the B5 size in etchr?

@reginamalm6263 21 день назад

Can share where you buy yours? Please our sell on LMA thanks

@sarahpierce6250 Месяц назад

I'm going to order some of these journals. Do you all have an affiliate link?

@LetsMakeArt Месяц назад

We do not. BUT we hope you order your journals and have THE BEST time creating within them!

@ingerlarsson7096 26 дней назад

🥰👍🌞🌟

@LaurieMowat-ss4ri 22 дня назад

The American pronunciation is ‘Moleskin’. Just pretend the ‘e’ isn’t there.

@SketchesnScrubs Месяц назад

I really enjoyed this video! And I love Etchr sketchbooks - SKETCHES10 will save you 10 percent. I love how you approach your journals too, I can totally relate with the benefit of having a place to create whatever you want