I am having so much fun filling my watercolor journal by painting every day – or almost everyday – no one is perfect right? My pages are of the moments of joy I experience each day. I call my watercolor journal project “Finding Joy” and it’s been a great source of positivity in my life these last two months. And it’s great to paint almost every day.

Thinking of doing your own watercolor journaling? Here are my reviews on several watercolor journals.

Strathmore Mixed Media Art journal

The journal I’ve worked in for the past two months is a Strathmore Mixed Media Art Journal. I loved working in this book!

• The size: 5.5″ x 8″. I liked the small size of this book
• The paper: 90 lb. mixed media paper. The paper can withstand some “working” at it – meaning you can apply the paint, lift the paint, add more paint without the paper starting to crumble.
• The binding: The book doesn’t lay flat but I used binder clips to keep the pages secure while I was painting.
• Cover: The cover is a bit flimsy and rubbery.
• Pages: 64 pages. The pages are white which is good as I’m not a fan of off white paper.

Overall I really liked working in this book. If I wasn’t gifted a different journal I probably would have ordered another one of these.

Hand•book journal co. watercolor square

For Mother’s Day my daughter gave me a hand•book journal co. Watercolor Square journal.

• The size: 8.25″ x 8.25″ square. I always liked working with square paper!
• The paper: 95 lb. watercolor paper.
• The binding: The book lays completely flat.
• Cover: Linen hardcover.
• Pages: 60 pages. The pages are white which is good as I’m not a fan of off white paper.
• Extras: A ribbon bookmark and clear pocket on back inside cover.

So far so good! I just started working in this journal. The cover is beautiful, the pages are spacious. The book feels special. Laying flat is a nice bonus.

CANSON Artist Series Montval Watercolor Pad

The Canson Montval Watercolor Pad is my go to travel watercolor book. The paper is nice and thick and I take it every time I go away.

• The size: 6″ x 9″
• The paper: 95 lb. watercolor paper
• The binding: The book is spiral bound and lays completely flat.
• Cover: Linen hardcover.
• Pages: 60 pages. The pages are white which is good as I’m not a fan of off white paper.

To me, the spiral binding makes it feel less like a journal and more like a “sketchbook.” The size makes it great for traveling.

moleskine watercolour notebook

I bought this Moleskine Watercolour Notebook to share with a friend. I painted in it and then mailed it to her.

• The size: 5″ x 8.25″
• The paper: 135 lb. watercolor paper
• The binding: The book does not lay flat.
• Cover: Hardcover
• Pages: 72 pages.
• Extras: Expandable inner pocket.

I’m looking forward to getting it back so I can paint in it again!

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