Strathmore 566-5 500 Series Hardbound Mixed Media Art Journal, 5.5 x 8.5, White, 32 Count

This journal was as expected from Strathmore. The paper is thick enough to allow me to use wet or dry but not too much wet. Some paint markers will bleed through.

Ugh. I really wanted to like this. Sadly, the cons outweigh the pros, as far as Im concerned, because they more heavily affect the use of the notebook-the actual watercolor painting. Pros: Great size Beautiful hardback Thick, heavyweight paper Nice binding Cons: Like other reviewers, the paper had a weird, water resistant film in spots, which was utterly frustrating, and required me to scrub with my brush against the paper. I like to work wet on wet, making this absolutely not acceptable. One side of the paper has a very noticeable mechanical dumpling from the way the paper was pressed. This became very noticeable, especially under dark colors. I wont be buying again. The global arts materials watercolor notebook is superior.

I loved the paper and the quality! I made a mistake while ordering and was expecting it to be bigger and hard covered so I was a bit disappointed. I cant seem to find one like that. That aside I still dont like the cover much, it gives away to anything. I held it once and it still has my fingernail imprints in it. The binding doesnt really like to stay open sometimes.

This is a great watercolour paper, doesnt buckle and takes washes well. A little hard to lay flat. Very happy, will purchase again.

Easily carried and great for drawing.

This paper is nice and thick. Perfect for art journaling

great

This is the best watercolor sketchbook Ive ever owned! Im never going to get another brand or size again because this one is perfect. Great size, wonderful paper texture, and easy to make lie flat by cracking the spine. The pages are not double sided, one is the less absorbent side of true watercolor paper, which to me meant I could do more silly experimental stuff on that side or just draw and not worry about painting every little thing. Fantastic sketchbook! Cant wait to fill up another one!

If it came with those stretchy things that hold down your paper, then i would give it 5 stars. I had to use a hair tie to hold it down but other than that its great. I wanted to get back into drawing but i wanted to try a hardbound sketchbook for the first time, i really wanted one and this one is awesome for my first experience. it takes my acrylic paint well but it does dry pretty fast. my multi color pens work as well. i havent tried markers or watercolor yet, but plan to soon! i was also scared because of the paper texture but its like card paper, and the paper doesnt rip when you erase or paint. i would recommend!

I really like this book. The material is great and you can if you work with it correctly make it flat enough so you can draw onto two pages. Just takes a little Effort.