(Just for the record pigment separation is my favourite type of watercolour effect!) Texture on the CP is created mainly by the surface of the paper rather than separation of pigment. I wasn’t able to work into the wet with the CP, and was struggling to get a variety of marks and edge conditions.I was able to work into damp areas well on the HP and was pleasantly surprised by how much granulation and varied marks I was able to achieve.Both the HP and CP paper held water well with minimal buckling – although it is hard to test this fully in a small page size.My experiences using the Etchr HP and CP paper: Look at the above tests and determine which results you like the most. So please understand that the following comments relate to the way I sketch and use a sketchbook. What I am looking for in a sketchbook is very different from many other Urban Sketchers! I know that my friend and incredible watercolour painter, Shari Blaukopf, absolutely loves working on the Etchr CP. Important Note: As mentioned in a separate article earlier this week, 100% cotton paper generally doesn’t suit my style of quick sketching, and especially when I am working paint-only (direct watercolour).

Here is a scanned close up of the varied Ultramarine strokes – side by side. These are all unedited scans but it is hard to really compare the vibrancy of the colours through digital images. I have uploaded these tests at larger size so please click on any image to see bigger. Here is the key which explains what I was testing. They are available only in bundles (of three) so if you can find two friends to share the order, I think they are worth trying.īelow are a few tests of the HP and CP Etchr sketchbooks compared with a Moleskine watercolour book.Etchr provide free international shipping which is amazing, but you will need to pay tax/customs. These books are beautiful and for the quality, I think they are reasonably priced.Please refer to the Etchr Lab website for prices.This isn’t a big deal in the A5 size, but I guess that an A4 Etchr sketchbook would feel significantly bigger and heavier than an A4 moleskine The Etchr book is thicker and heavier (Etchr 317g vs Moleskine 287g).The extra height of the Etchr (true A5) makes it more useful than the Moleskine book. Here are some photos comparing it with a mid-size Moleskine.The books come in A6, A5 and A4 size – only landscape format.The books include a nice full size expanding back pocket, elastic close and bookmark.The cover also includes a really cute Llama logo – I like the Etchr logo a lot!.I’m thinking about simply applying a nice granulating wash of mixed grey to it so that the cover will hide the dirt better. I am tempted to try painting on the cover… but haven’t done that yet.You can see in this photo how dirty it got during one week of use! But when I started the second book (CP) I didn’t care so much and simply accepted that it would get grubby (and match my Lamy White Joy!). When I started the first sketchbook (HP) I was afraid to get the white cover dirty and so I covered it with a reusable plastic cover.The cover is lovely – white cotton which can be painted with watercolour.I only ever open my book flat, but the binding doesn’t feel as if it would like being opened more than 180 degrees. I had no issues with the binding during the three week period that I carried the book around with me.

The books are hardbound and pages open flat.

I filled the HP book in 3 weeks (but I sketch a lot!).

52 pages for both HP and CP and all sizes (A6, A5 and A4).

More discussion about the paper below, but in summary, the cotton paper in these books is beautiful!.

CP: 230gm 100& cotton (vegan friendly) with a lovely texture.

HP: 220gm 100% cotton (vegan friendly) smooth surface.

Here is a brief overview of the different characteristics of the books. Today, I’m finally going to share my thoughts! I’m been promising a review for weeks but needed to really use both books in a variety of situations before I felt comfortable to review them. I totally filled the hot press (HP) and half-filled the cold press (CP). I’ve been using both books as my daily sketchbook since October. They were a Hot Press Etchr Sketchbook A5 size and a Cold Press Etchr Sketchbook A5 size. A few months ago I received two sketchbooks from Etchr Lab.

Moleskine watercolor sketchbook