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Talens Sketch Book?
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Message
Posted
I've just started using a Talens 'art creation' sketchbook. The paper is smooth, but heavy enough to take a decent wash without too much cockling, although I'd avoid doing this on both sides. It's hard bound, not spiral, so it will take a double page sketch. My only real complaint is that the paper has a cream finish rather than pure white.
Anybody else used this brand - any comments?
Edited
by Andrew Roles
Posted
I’m sure I’ll get used to the tint, and you only really notice it if you lay it against another sketchbook.
I’ve only just heard about Talens, but it appears they have been around quite a while, plus they got a plug in the recent Jackson’s newsletter/ article ‘Inside the Sketchbook of Frances Ives’ , so they appear to have a good reputation.
They also have the advantage of being considerably cheaper than others on the market, and let’s face it , my sketches will be compost after I’m gone, and while I know the argument is to buy the best you can afford - at present the sketchbooks fit that description.
Posted
I've not tried Talens sketchbooks either. In my case it's because they don't appear to do larger than about A4 size. (Maybe I need to look further than Jacksons). A3 is my preferred size these days.
I've used tan and grey books, they have their merits, but I'll be going back to white in future. I liked the tan versions very much initially, strange how things change.
A good point about sketchbooks becoming compost when we're gone... the cost element is always relevant.
I've used mostly Strathmore and Artway sketchbooks in various sizes, both take watercolour to a degree, but some cockling is inevitable. This doesn't worry me in sketchbooks. The Strathmore Journal has 300gsm paper and will take whatever is thrown at it, so far I've only found the A4 size on sale in the UK. Could be wrong about that.
We have to remember that mostly they are meant for pencil and pen. All the ones I've used also accept water-soluble coloured pencils. As a sketchbook fan I'm always interested in what people have to say about them.
Posted
Always good to get suggestions on materials, thank you Lewis. I have an A3 Seawhite sketchbook, which I use for planning paintings, but I’ve only used it with dry media (pen/coloured pencil) . The paper is a good weight with a nice texture but I can’t testify to its use with watercolour. I’ll give it a go and let you know.
Posted
I recommended the Strathmore range of tinted paper sketch books to a few artists on this site, definitely Russell and I think Lew also.
I love tinted paper, I like that neutral base as a starting point - I can draw in my chalk highlights for extra impact!
I’ve just added Toned Blue to my Strathmore range, it’s a lovely mid-blue.
I’ve got a double feature coming up in TA early next year looking at line and wash in some detail, and have examples of my sketches on a variety of papers including tinted and where to source them - some historic handmade papers also that Turner used!
Edited
by Alan Bickley