

The hard covers are strong and will not bend or risk damage your drawings. Each page is actually pretty smooth too, so it does replicate the feel of copy paper if you’re used to that texture. It measures the standard A4 size of 8.5″ by 11″ so this should feel like drawing on copy paper. However these pages can hold up with ink, colored pencils, or even very light markers(probably not markers like Prisma). If you plan to use markers then you’ll want another book. The Pentalic spiral-bound sketchbook has a sturdy construction, 160 pages, and thick paper quality so you can draw heavy & dark without bleeding through.
#Pentalic sketchbook free#
I’ve organized my top 10 picks here, but if you have other suggestions feel free to share and maybe we can add them to the list.įirst up is my top pick for beginners and advanced artists alike. My goal with this post is to save you time by helping you pick the right sketchbook for any situation. You’ll learn which sketchbooks work best for you and which don’t. However as you progress and improve you’ll learn a lot about paper types and artistic mediums. But you also have to consider where the binding is and if that’ll get in the way of sketching.Īll these features can drive you batty if you’re brand new to sketching. Sketchbook orientations can always be changed by flipping to page. However when drawing at a desk or on a board the spirals can elevate the book, tilting unevenly to one side. I always prefer spiral-bound over hardbound because it feels better for sketching on the go.

#Pentalic sketchbook full#
But if you plan to use it for full drawings then you might want something a larger to show off your skills. If you just want a simple sketchbook then the A4 size should be enough. Default orientation(landscape or portrait).In this case the Pentalic mentioned above is excellent.īut let’s take a look at the different options you might consider: Most beginner artists just need a simple sketchbook with white paper that works. There are so many different styles to choose with different sizes, brands, and paper types. The first thing you need to consider is why you’re getting a sketchbook and how it’ll be used.ĭo you want to draw illustrations and color with marker? Or do you want to use watercolors? Or maybe you want toned paper to work on a fixed background.
#Pentalic sketchbook how to#
In this guide I’ll explain the different types of sketchbooks and how to select the best one for your needs. Pentalic is a solid choice for someone just looking to sketch-but what about doing finished drawings? Or rendering with chalk or ink? If you’ve tried the Aqua Journal, I’d like to hear how it worked for you.But you should know that not all sketchbooks are made equal. Of course, the “best” art supplies vary from artist to artist. I really like the looks of this fun, accordion-style format! I'm also itching to try out Pentalic's Dream Catcher watercolor journal. It suits my sketching and painting style, and I will definitely be purchasing another Pentalic Aqua Journal. In summary, I have really enjoyed using this sketchbook. Good news! I contacted Pentalic with my desire, and the company prompt replied and said that more sizes are already in production. I really like this size, but I wouldn't mind a larger format. My main gripe about this sketchbook? The largest journal size currently available is a 5x8-inch book, which is the one that I purchased. So far, the binding has stayed together perfectly. I read that others have had problems with the binding holding together, but I have used the same Pentalic Aqua Journal for 31 days straight, have constantly tossed it into a pack and carried it to a bazillion places from the beach to the mountains to the woods. When attempting washes or forced bleeds, I had to use a lot of water and work quickly. Pigment also dries very quickly on this paper, which I am not accustomed to in my humid climate. I had trouble rubbing or lifting out even nonstaining pigments. The only issue I had with this paper is that it's a bit thirsty. The paper also held up under a fair amount of erasing and even did well with light scrubbings. I watercolored on both sides of many of the pages with no issues whatsoever.

Under heavy washes, the paper would buckle slightly, but I kept the sketchbook closed and the elastic band in place when not in use, and the paper easily flattened back out. In regards to watercolor, the 140 lb (300 gsm) paper took every pigment I threw at it, including watercolor pencils. Pentalic’s paper even performed extremely well with dip pens and calligraphy inks, which totally thrilled me! All of the inks I tried absorbed easily, dried quickly, and stayed put. Fountain pens, Microns, and graphite all worked on this paper extremely well.
