Art Materials (Sketch Book Finale: Lanaquarella, Encaustic Compatible)

"Encaustic Compatible"
Hello all,

My finale in sketch books will be in making your own, and in making your own you will need quality paper. It would take forever to delve into the many intricacies of book making and paper, so instead I present a quick synopsis. In binding you can not lose with the traditional Japanese stab binding. And depending on your technique and/or medium, your choice in paper changes.  When it comes to making a good sketch book I believe you can not lose with watercolor paper.  Watercolor paper can be very different when it comes to brands, weights, or types and offers the ability of various mediums from gouache to pencil.  If you only use pencil and maybe very light painting you can easily get away with a lower weight paper, 140 lb (300 gsm), but, if you can't stand the warping, wrinkling, and indentations that are accustomed to lighter paper, I would recommend 300 lb (640 gsm) paper.  This finally brings me to Lana, a top pick for paper, sure other companies make great paper (Fabriano, Arches, Strathmore, etc.), but we all have our favorites and Lana is is one of mine.

So give Lana a try, I don't believe you will be disappointed.
For info on paper suitable for encaustic go to Watercolor Paper

Always, Thank you for reading,
Jonathan Parks
http://www.lanapapier.fr/
http://www.cartieremilianifabriano.com/
http://www.arches-papers.com/fr/
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/
http://parksartworkstoolstechnique.blogspot.com/2008/11/watercolor-paper.html

Art Materials (Strathmore Artist Papers)

Hi everyone,

Continuing on with sketch books- I thought of mentioning one of my favorites- Strathmore 400 series.  Ok, I know this really isn't a sketch book; however, some of us don't use sketch books or even, "sketch."  So for those of you looking for a drawing paper of various size, etcetera:  I particularly like this series because of its cream color.  But if your not into the cream color and prefer white, Strathmore make pretty decent paper all around.  You should also check out the wind powered series.

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/fineArt_drawing.php

Art Materials (Moleskine Watercolor Books)

Hello all,

Well as promised I am continuing on with sketch books; this time Moleskine.  I particularly like the large (5.25" by 8.25") watercolor notebooks with there heavywight paper perfect for painting and drawing; not to mention the simple and plain design.
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Also you can get it with perforated pages (or not)- I have both.  It comes with 30 (60 if you count both sides), 200 gsm, cotton, cold-pressed, acid-free pages.

So, check'em out
and thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.moleskineus.com/
http://www.moleskineus.com/reporter-large-watercolor.html

Art Materials (Rite in the Rain Sketch Book)

Hey Folks,

I would like to talk a little about sketch books and particularly this time: Rite in the Rain products. Are you someone who sketches outside or travels with your sketch book? Ever worried about your notebook or sketch book getting wet? Well, Rite in the Rain has many styles of note/sketch books available. The best thing is you don't have to worry about getting them wet or even, literally working in the rain.

Unfortunately I don't believe you will be able to paint watercolor on this paper, but if you only use pencil- you can't beat it.

Next to come- more on sketch books/papers.

Always, thank you for reading

Jonathan Parks

http://www.riteintherain.com/