I admit it...I'm a bit of a sketchbook snob. I have been
sketching for so many years that I've become very set in what I like or maybe more importantly...what I don't like.
I use two different types of sketchbooks. The first one is a spiral bound book I make. This sketchbook is 10 x 11inches and has watercolor, pastel and drawing paper. You can read an earlier blog post to learn more about this sketchbook. But right now I want to talk about my other sketchbook, my illustrated journals.
Recently I was contacted by a company and asked if I'd like to try their sketchbooks. I like to keep an open mind but I have been disappointed with samples before. Within a couple days I received a box filled with a generous assortment of sketchbooks from Michael Kalman, at Stillman & Birn. I opened the books and felt the different paper surfaces. Each book was unique unto itself but I was especially taken with the Beta Series, Cold Press, 180lb. paper! The book was stitched bound and opened completely flat…and the perfect size 8.5 x 5.5, which means it opened to 8.5x11.inches. It
came in natural
white (Beta Series) or ivory (Delta Series). This sketchbook got my hopes up!
I was getting ready to take a trip up north to see my son in Trinidad. I tucked the new sketchbook away and decided I would play with in on the trip. You can read about the trip and see my sketches in my last post "Bitter with the Sweet". I was able to tuck the sketchbook in my purse along with my small travel palette, pen and waterbrush.
I use two different types of sketchbooks. The first one is a spiral bound book I make. This sketchbook is 10 x 11inches and has watercolor, pastel and drawing paper. You can read an earlier blog post to learn more about this sketchbook. But right now I want to talk about my other sketchbook, my illustrated journals.
Recently I was contacted by a company and asked if I'd like to try their sketchbooks. I like to keep an open mind but I have been disappointed with samples before. Within a couple days I received a box filled with a generous assortment of sketchbooks from Michael Kalman, at Stillman & Birn. I opened the books and felt the different paper surfaces. Each book was unique unto itself but I was especially taken with the Beta Series, Cold Press, 180lb. paper! The book was stitched bound and opened completely flat…and the perfect size 8.5 x 5.5, which means it opened to 8.5x11.inches. It
I was getting ready to take a trip up north to see my son in Trinidad. I tucked the new sketchbook away and decided I would play with in on the trip. You can read about the trip and see my sketches in my last post "Bitter with the Sweet". I was able to tuck the sketchbook in my purse along with my small travel palette, pen and waterbrush.
Last week I really put the Beta sketchbook to the test. Most sketchbooks can
handle pen and a light wash of watercolor but this book can handle a lot. I am more than
impressed!! The sketch of 
They recognize sketching is an art form, and the
sketchbook is no longer just a transitional tool from the field to the studio, it's becoming its own form of fine art. They have created the highest quality sketchbook.
To find a retailer near you click Stillman & Birn. To see the NEW hardbound "Beta Series" 5.5 x 8.5 or 8.5 x 11 click here.
Happy Sketching!
Brenda
