Sketchbook Tuesday - tulips and paper

The lovely tulips I received for Valentine's Day are now faded but I did manage a watercolor sketch before they completely wilted. I had written the quote on the page a few days before doing the sketch, which seemed to fit nicely with the thought presented.

I had a couple of inquiries about the paper I am using in this hand made journal. It is Canson Edition paper. I had first tried it a few years ago, using watercolor pencil and then dry colored pencil on top, and did enjoy working on it in that fashion. I purchased it from a local art supply shop, where the owner had suggested it as a good multi-media paper. He said the university art students liked it for its versatility and inexpensive price. So when I was putting together my current sketch book, I remembered that I had liked this paper and decided to try it again. I am very pleased with it in my sketch journal and plan to use it again in the next one I make for myself. This journal is made with the vanilla color and next time I plan to use a brighter white. Just for the variety.

Now, I know that paper preference is a very personal issue with artists. I used Arches hot press for the first journal that I made for the Artists' Journal class. I like hot press paper just fine for some media but I really prefer a little tooth to the paper in my sketchbooks. But not too much, as in a cold pressed paper. Canson Edition has a slight tooth that appeals to me, for grabbing onto pencil and watercolor pencils and crayons. One side is smoother than the other, although unless I scribble a little pencil over the surface it is difficult for me to tell which side is which. It is a softer paper than hot press, yet not as soft as Stonehenge. Also, it is a lighter weight than 140lb. hot press, yet thick and sturdy enough to handle watercolor, even some lifting of color as I did with the tulips above. I know this explanation is probably about as clear as mud but maybe it will be somewhat helpful anyway. For now, it is a paper that I enjoy using in my sketchbook because of its texture, weight, and ability to handle various media.