Artists often ask me: Marenthe, what kind of (art) journals do you use?

I have about 10 different art journals (for creating art) and 10 different journals (for writing). I use them all at the same time and they all have different qualities.

A few of them are vintage art journals, which I find in vintage or antique markets. Or in thrift stores. Some contain text, some don’t. 

When you buy a vintage journal/book, please be aware of this:

• Vintage books often have text (and sometimes pictures). That’s okay but in this case, you will need (black or white) gesso (or paint) to ground your pages. I also often create collages on these kind of pages.

• You can find journals like this at antique markets, book markets, or in thrift stores.

• Minimum A5 size (148 × 210 mm | 5.83 × 8.27 inches) works best.

• Thickness doesn’t matter, it should not be too thin.

• Pockets are not suitable, as your art journal should close easily.

• It may have some damage to it; but this can be charming.

• Don’t pay too much. Spend a maximum of €5 ($6), unless you’re buying something extraordinary.

• Make sure that the paper is a bit thicker than usual and definitely not too thin. An old bible, for example, is not suitable. If you go over it with a wet paintbrush, your paper will tear.

• The pages must lie flat and not bulge. You must be able to glue a postcard onto it.

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Now, let’s talk about my new art journals

I use these:

• Strathmore 400 Aquarel journal A4 format: I love this one! It’s perfect for mixed media and you can stick many layers onto each other on the pages. You can also work with water-based paint, and with acryla gouache as well. You can even stitch your pages, if you like!
  Disadvantage: it can be pretty cumbersome.
  

• Hahnemuhle Toned Watercolour Book Beige (or gray): this is fun! And perfect to take with you on your travels. These books have lightly tinted beige or gray paper.  I love working on toned paper.
  Some specs:

  • Sizes:

    • A5 (9 × 6.6 × 0.5 inches) Landscape

    • A6 (4.1 × 5.8 inches) Landscape

    • 14 × 14 cm (5.5 × 5.5 inches) Square

  • Paper: 200 gsm, gray and beige, fine-grained, acid free

  • Hard-bound with sewn binding

  • Cover: Solid linen

  • Extras: Ribbon, elastic band

  • Suitable for all kinds of paint

I also have the Cappuccino sketchbook from Hahnemuhle. That’s also great, but the pages are a bit thinner and they have no texture. I love to sketch in this one. Gouache paint also works fine in this.

Sometimes I work in my Moleskine journals. The paper is very smooth but thin. I love these books for sketching. Gouache paint also works fine. 

Last one: My Sakura Black Sketchbook. It has black (!) pages and that’s a totally different way of working. The paper is smooth and works great for painting (Acryla gouache is best). I also use my POSCA markers in this book. The black paper makes the colors pop!

Paperblanks has gorgeous journals for writing. The covers are beautiful! Choose the ones without lines or dots. I prefer the larger journals. I LOVE them for writing and doodling with Ecoline brushes and black pen.
Disadvantage: they are pretty expensive.

And okay, I have to admit one sin: I have one journal (for my writing) and that’s the most beautiful one I’ve ever had. It’s from Christian Lacroix. Not cheap but OMG… it’s SO beautiful. (I got it from my agent Lilla Rogers years ago when I was the main prize winner in her Global Talent Search.)

My tip: experiment! I use all kinds of art supplies in all kinds of books. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. And that’s all fine.

That’s it for today!

Big love,

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