Our top pick was the Canson XL Mix Media Paper Pad because it’s compatible with a variety of media, like acrylics, watercolor, pencil—whether they’re wet or dry. Plus, the heavyweight pages and fine texture surface are ideal for blending. Here, the best sketchbooks for painting. The sketchbook is a decent size for a variety of sketches and paintings, and the binding can be opened to remove pages when desired, then replaced. The binding also allows each page to lie flat for optimal sketching or painting. It generally works well for an art journal or beginner art classes. Dimensions: 7 x 10 inches | Sheet Count: 60 | Paper Finish: Fine textured Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches| Sheet Count: 10 | Paper Finish: Textured Ideal for practicing paint techniques prior to work on a canvas, this sketchbook is also acid-free and made in the USA. The medium weight paper provided and the sizes available both ensure the sketchbook is easy to use and transport when desired. A superb go-to for nearly every type of medium, beginners and pros alike will appreciate its great value. Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 inches | Sheet Count: 40 | Paper Finish: Vellum The pad’s fold-over cover allows pages to be easily removed for framing or other display, and the deckled edges give a homemade, rugged look to the paper. Available in various sizes, this pad has excellent portability. Great for practicing oil painting techniques or stashing away 12 small masterpieces for safe-keeping, this pad is also 100 percent cotton and acid-free. Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Sheet Count: 12 | Paper Finish: Cold-pressed, cotton Uniquely treated with natural gelatin, these sketchbooks are optimally resilient. Considered a professional grade paper, this pad is adequate for small and medium projects of various types. Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches | Sheet Count: 12 | Paper Finish: Cold-pressed watercolor For oil painting, the paper must be properly prepared, meaning it needs to either be coated with gesso, or primed (aka sealed) to prevent oil from being absorbed into the paper.
Sizing Options
Ita-Diaz advises to keep in mind the standard framing sizes when choosing the paper, plus where the artwork will be placed on the paper. “Choosing standard frame-sized paper allows the artwork to be displayed in a more economic and accessible frame,” she says.
Binding and Cover Style
Choose from spiral-bound sketchbooks that allow the artist to lay them perfectly flat while working, and perfect bound options where your sketchbook resembles a typical reading book. Cover firmness is a preference, too. While hardbound sketchbooks are sturdier and more protective, soft sketchbook covers are lightweight and travel more easily.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was created by KJ Callihan, a writer for The Spruce. KJ has also written numerous shopping, gift, and activity guides for sites like AAA Northeast magazine, CNET, Oh My Veggies and more.
