Most of you already know that my favorite watercolor journal is the Luchetti sketchbook. I saw on social media that Luchetti was coming out with a smaller travel size version. I had good reasons to purchase this smaller version. Hubby and I have an upcoming trip and I knew it would be a good size to take along and sketch our travel adventures. I kept my eye out for any pre-order announcements.
I must have missed the initial announcement at the beginning of September and stumbled across the second announcement for pre-orders with a shipping date around mid-October. The cold press paper version was already sold out. So, I settled for the hot press paper. This would give me an opportunity to try out this smooth refined paper.
I received my Luchetti package yesterday and I could not wait to open the box and see this beauty in my hands.
This travel size version is absolutely cute on my studio desk. The sketchbook size fits nicely in my hand and easy to carry around with me. I know I won’t have any problems throwing it in any of my artsy messenger bags.
I could not wait to create a quick two-page sketch on the inside page of my new sketchbook. I’ve decided to also use this as a creative journal to document my sketches.
To create the sparkles on my fountain pen sketch, I used a sparkling white paint I had on hand. I was looking for my ArtToolkit palette that contained my Daniel Smith sparkling paints, but I could not find that palette in my Studio. I have to admit, I haven’t spent much time in my studio for the last several weeks. I also miss creating my daily sketches. I’m hoping this new travel sketchbook will get me motivated to sketch and paint again.
I love how this sketchbook does not have a gutter to worry about. My painting flows from one side of the page to the next.
Summary
I thoroughly enjoyed creating my sketch on this hot press paper. It’s definitely smoother than the cold press paper. While using my fountain pen with Fude nib, I had no issue with the nib catching on the paper. The paper is that smooth.
I can see using this travel sketchbook for urban sketching. It’s a convenient size for sketching on the go. I love the stiff vegan leather hard bound cover and the sketchbook sits on my lap comfortably.
Receiving this lovely travel sketchbook came at a great time. I was feeling a bit lost not being able to create any artwork for the last several weeks. Now I have a wonderful incentive to create and fill up my new Via sketchbook with my paintings. Stay tuned!
Fountain Pen: Dave Dollar Custom Pens in Freedom with Sailor Fude nib in 40 degrees. The Freedom fountain pen body can be found at this link.
Permanent Fountain Pen Ink: De Atramentis Document ink in Urban Grey
Paint: Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors in Yellow Ochre, Indian Yellow, , Pyrrol Scarlet, Quinacridone Rose, Manganese Blue Hue, Prussian Blue, Sap Green, Hookers Green, Cascade Green, Imperial Purple, Burnt Sienna, and Burnt Umber
Palette: Winsor & Newton plastic palette
Brush: Pentel water brush in sizes Medium and Large
Journal: Luchetti Via True Flat Travel Sketchbook. Mixed Media. 100% cotton. Hot Press. 5.5″x5.5″ with 20 sheets/40 pages. 600gsm (300lb). Archival. Acid-Free. Gelatin-free vegan sizing. Vegan PU leather covers. The Luchetti sketchbooks can be found at this link.
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