Back to Watercolor Sketching in Two Journals and Using a New Micron Pen

I’ve been busy with lots of projects with varying degrees of importance. At one point, I felt I was being tugged in all directions. Some of the projects had timeframes that needed to be met. Other projects were queued in my ongoing to-do-lists.

My fun hobbies had taken a back seat and I missed those “hobby-highs” I received when I finished a fun project. I’m slowly getting back into it.

Last year, I started to collect pencil sketches in my watercolor journal with the idea of going back and adding watercolors to my sketches. It’s almost like having my own coloring book of my own sketches. Cool idea, right?

My Funto Watercolor Journal

Here’s a peek into my messy watercolor palette. It’s been months since I last opened my palette. Here is also my first watercolor sketch for this year. I’m working on my duck project. I’m having to relearn a few watercolor techniques and getting my artistic muscle memory working again.

This duck watercolor sketch is my first attempt. On the left side of my watercolor journal, there’s a sketch of random sewing items from late last year. That side of the page is waiting for me to give it some attention.

I’m at peace with this new way of creating my artwork. No pressure. No stress. If anything, it allows me to take a break, breathe, and enjoy the process.

My Art Toolkit Folio palette and Rosemary & Co brushes

Hobby Lobby Master’s Touch Watercolor Journal

I was cleaning out my studio when I came across a Hobby Lobby watercolor journal that I had in my stash. This version with the blue bird on the cover is an older version which I’ve heard has the Baohong paper. The newer version is made in Italy by Fabriano.

I decided to dive in and created a sketch of my tools on the first page.

I wanted to share a new-to-me Micron pen. It’s called PN for plastic nib.

This pen has a substantial plastic nib. I had fun using this pen for creating quick and loose sketches.

Here’s my finished sketch. Now, I was ready to turn the page and start another sketch.

I decided to recreate my olive oil sketch in my new journal. I had an interesting experience with this paper.

The other side of the watercolor paper was completely different. It lacked a bit of the cold press texture. I first noticed this after trying to erase a few lines using my kneaded eraser. This side of the paper was noticeably smoother. Something was happening to the paper. After applying a few layers of color, I started to notice my dislike for this side of the paper.

Here’s a close up of the paper. Once I applied the wet brush to the paper, it felt like the paper fiber wasn’t holding up.

The additional layers of color made the paper “pill” a bit more. This was unexpected.

Here’s another sketch I attempted on the decent side of the paper.

The Hobby Lobby MT journal has a decent side of the paper that has a bit of cold press texture. The texture looks like horizontal lines across the paper. On the backside of the paper is the problem child. For now, I’m using my watercolor paints on the decent side of the paper and using the back side for thumbnail sketches or doodles.

You can see a bit of the cold press texture on the decent side of the paper.

Here’s my two watercolor journals side-by-side. On the left is my favorite Funto journal. On the right is the Hobby Lobby MT journal. I’m not making a comparison between these two types of paper since one is 100% cotton and the other is celluloid based. I’m just showing the experience I have and the results.

I have to mention, I got what you paid for and I spent under $7 for this journal. I’ll end up using this journal for test sketches. Not worth the effort to get frustrated with this paper.

Journal #1: Funto Watercolor Journal. 100% cotton, 5″x7.5″, cold pressed, 22 sheets/44 pages, 300 gsm/140lb, fine & medium rough. Great for watercolor, pen & ink, and gouache.

Journal #2: Hobby Lobby Master’s Touch Watercolor Journal. Celluloid, 24 sheets/48 pages, 300 gsm/140lb.

Pen: Micron PN (plastic nib). Archival ink. Water- and Fade-proof.

Paints: Daniel Smith Watercolors

Travel Brushes: Rosemary & Co. R26-Red Dot Pointed Round #4 and R13-Sable Blend Pointed #8

Water Brushes: Pentel Small and Medium

Palette #1: Looneng fold out palette. Has three main mixing areas.

Palette #2: Art Toolkit Folio palette. My fave. A flat palette that is extremely portable and easy to use. Ability to add a large pan for additional mixing space.