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Watercolor Papers and Travel Sketchbooks You'll Love!
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items Watercolor feels so much better when the paper works with you, not against you. These are my trusted watercolor papers, pads, and sketchbooks that make colors pop and textures come alive whether I’m painting at home or outdoors. Find the one that sui...
Sections
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Beginner-Friendly Picks
Travel Sketchbooks
Artist-Grade Choices
Beginner-Friendly Picks
If you’re just starting out, these pads are affordable, forgiving, and perfect for practice. Great for learning washes, layering, and building confidence without worrying about wasting paper. Lighter-weight and student-grade papers are ideal for lear...
Perfect for beginners, this durable cold-pressed pad offers textured sheets with excellent absorption ideal for watercolor studies, layering, and practicing washes.
Canson XL Aquarelle Watercolor Pad 300gsm
This Canson watercolor pad (200gsm) is a good practice pad lightweight, affordable, and big enough for experimenting with washes and techniques. Best for beginners or quick studies before moving to heavier 300gsm papers.
Canson Watercolor Pad 200g 12'' x 18'' 24sheets
Durable and portable, this journal features 300gsm cold-pressed paper, perfect for beginners to practice layering, wet-on-wet, and glazing techniques.
Strathmore Hardbound 400 Series Watercolor Art Journal
Affordable and beginner-friendly, this 200gsm cold-pressed paper is great for practicing washes, layering, and exploring different watercolor techniques.
Fabriano 9" x 12" watercolor paper 200 gsm ( 10 sheets )
Student-grade, cold-pressed paper that’s forgiving and easy to work with. Great for experimenting with washes, layering, and basic watercolor techniques.
Canson XL Watercolor Books
Travel Sketchbooks
These are my go-to companions when I paint outside or on the road. Compact, sturdy, and designed for portability they let you capture inspiration anywhere.
I love how this SeamiArt travel book feels, sturdy 300gsm sheets that hold watercolor and gouache so well. It’s my little creative companion wherever I paint.
Seamiart Drawing Notebook/Travel Hand Book For ...
Compact and travel-ready, this notebook is ideal for beginners who want to practice watercolor techniques on the go. Cold-pressed pages handle washes and light layering well. Perfect for capturing quick studies or turning moments into mini artworks w...
SeamiArt Watercolor Drawing Travel Hand Notedbook 300gsm Cold ...
This Potentate 100% cotton watercolor book (12×12 cm) is a pocket-friendly travel companion archival 300gsm paper in a compact square format. Perfect for painting studies or capturing moments on the go.
POTENTATE 100% Cotton Square Watercolor Paper Book ...
A compact, bound journal featuring double-sided watercolor-ready paper (one smooth, one rough) great for watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and more. It’s acid-free and thick enough to handle multiple layers, yet lightweight and ready to travel with you.
Tokyo Finds Watercolor Paper Mix Media Journal 300 GSM
A beautifully bound journal featuring 100% cotton, cold-pressed pages with a fine-grain texture that's consistent on both sides. Compact in sizes like A6, A5, square, and landscape, it's a refined choice for capturing watercolor or mixed-media ideas ...
Hahnemühle Watercolor Books
A cleverly designed cold-pressed watercolor pad whose “In & Out” pages let you remove sheets for painting, scanning, or framingand slip them right back in afterward. The 300 gsm, 140 lb paper handles wet washes beautifully, making it a great trav...
Grumbacher Watercolor In & Out Pads
This Italian-made watercolor journal features a sturdy hardcover and 30 sheets of 200 gsm acid-free paper with 25% cotton. The sewn binding lets it lie flat ideal for wide landscapes or panoramic watercolor journaling, no matter where you are.
Fabriano Hardcover Watercolor Journals
Artist-Grade Choices
Premium papers for watercolor and gouache that handle layers, washes, and details like a pro. Upgrade to artist-grade for your best results yet!
BAOHONG’s 300gsm cold-pressed watercolor paper is a professional-grade choice 100% cotton, durable, and perfect for rich washes and detailed illustrations. A solid pick for artists who want premium quality.
Baohong Watercolor Paper 300 gsm 20 sheet 100% Cotton
Arches watercolor paper is also a classic 100% cotton, archival, and available in cold or hot press. It’s my top choice for professional-level work when I want the best surface for layering and detail.
Arches Watercolor Paper, Singles, Cold Pressed & Hot Pressed
BAOHONG Academy watercolor paper is a solid everyday pick 300gsm, 100% cotton, and cold-pressed for texture. It’s more affordable than BAOHONG’s Professional line, making it great for practice and studies, while the Professional version is better for...
BAOHONG ACADEMY Watercolor Paper 5"x7" BH-A5 COLD-PRESSED, ...
The Potentate 100% cotton watercolor book (12×12 cm, 300gsm) is a fun artist-grade option archival cotton paper in a compact square size. Perfect for quick studies, travel sketches, or creating small artworks with professional quality.
POTENTATE 100% Cotton Square Watercolor Paper Book
Perfect for artists who love journaling their creative process on a bigger surface. The sturdy pages handle washes beautifully, making it a trusted studio companion.
Tokyo Finds Watercolor Journal Deep Purple (Large)
A premium hardbound watercolor block with archival-quality, 100% cotton cold-pressed sheets. Designed for professional artists who need maximum durability for wet-on-wet, heavy washes, and layering. Best for finished artworks rather than casual sketc...
100% Cotton 300gsm Paul Rubens Watercolor Hardbound Block Cold- ...