13 best watercolor books

Watercolor books, also known as watercolor sketchbooks or watercolor journals, are specialized books or notebooks designed for artists to create watercolor paintings and sketches. These books are related to the fields of art, photography, and books. Here's what you should know about them:

  1. Purpose and Use:

    • Watercolor books are primarily used by artists, both beginners and professionals, to experiment with watercolor techniques, document their observations, or create visual art.
  2. Paper Quality:

    • The paper used in watercolor books is specially designed to handle watercolor paints. It is typically thicker and heavier than regular paper to prevent warping or damage from moisture.
    • Watercolor paper may have different textures, such as rough, cold-pressed, or hot-pressed, allowing artists to achieve various painting effects.
  3. Size and Format:

    • Watercolor books come in various sizes and formats, from pocket-sized sketchbooks to larger, hardbound journals.
    • The choice of size depends on an artist's preference and the intended use of the book.
  4. Binding and Covers:

    • Watercolor books may have spiral bindings, hardcovers, or softcovers. Spiral-bound books allow for easy flipping of pages and are popular for on-the-go sketching.
    • Some watercolor books have durable covers to protect the artwork inside, while others have customizable covers that artists can decorate or personalize.
  5. Perforated Pages:

    • Some watercolor books have perforated pages, making it easy to remove finished artwork without damaging it.
  6. Weight and Portability:

    • Watercolor books are designed to be portable, making them convenient for plein air (outdoor) painting and travel.
  7. Usage in Art and Photography:

    • Artists often use watercolor books for creating on-location sketches, practicing techniques, or as a personal art journal.
    • Photographers may use watercolor books to create visual diaries or to add hand-painted elements to their photographic prints.
  8. Historical Significance:

    • Watercolor has a rich history in the world of art, dating back centuries. Many famous artists have used watercolors for their works.
    • Watercolor books have been instrumental in preserving the artistic process and capturing fleeting moments in history and culture.
  9. Criticism and Appreciation:

    • Watercolor books, like any form of art, can be subject to criticism and appreciation. Critics may assess the technique, composition, and emotional impact of the works created within these books.

In summary, watercolor books are specialized notebooks or journals designed for artists to create watercolor paintings and sketches. They are an essential tool for artists, offering quality paper, portability, and various formats for artistic expression. These books have a historical significance and are appreciated by both artists and those interested in visual arts and photography.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best watercolor books on the market
  

Minute Watercolor Masterpieces: Create Frame-Worthy Art in Just a Few Simple Steps

Page Street Publishing

Based on 997 reviews Check latest price

Watercolor With Me in the Forest

Page Street Publishing

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days

Watson-Guptill

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad, Heavyweight, Fine Texture, Heavy Sizing for Wet and Dry Media, Side Wire Bound, 98 Pound, 7 x 10 Inch, 60 Sheets, 7"X10", 0

Canson

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Canson XL Mix Media Pads were developed as the answer to the demand for a heavyweight, fine texture paper with heavy sizing for wet and dry media. This paper can be used for: sketching, drawing, light washes of ink and watercolor, collage, journaling, and more. It has quickly become the most popular paper in the Canson paper family. Mix Media paper erases well and blends easily. The wire bound pads have micro perforated, true size sheets. These pads were developed in consultation with art professors and combine performance with value for the art student. These pads contain 60 sheets of 98 pound/160 gram paper, acid free, 7 x 10 inch paper.

  • Use for: Sketching, drawing, light washes of ink and watercolor, collage, journaling, and more
  • Erases well and blends easily
  • Micro perforated, true size sheets
  • 60 sheets of 98 pound/160 gram
  • Acid free 7 x 10 inch paper

User questions & answers

Question: Is it white
Answer: A .edu email will work. However, you will need to be able to receive email at that address as part of the verification process.
Question: Is this paper smooth enough for use with dip pens? Thanks
Answer: Yes - with a free upgrade from Presonus.
Question: Will the pages tear out by accident easily when you turn the page? Is it sturdy enough
Answer: Yes, you can copy from a treble clef to a bass clef, or change the instrument/staff type from treble to bass.
Question: Does this work with copic markers? Do the colors bleed through
Answer: Yes, for the most part. I did have one Notion4 file that would not load, but the music xml file did load (I always save everything as a notion file, a music xml and a midi file just in case). Note that you can have both Notion4 and Notion5 installed on the same machine if you are really concerned about it.

Product features

Canson XL Series Mix Media Pad, 5.5"X8.5" Side Wire, Spiral

Hello, Watercolor!: Creative Techniques and Inspiring Projects for the Beginning Artist

Get Creative 6

Based on 284 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Get Into the Creative Flow!

With its mesmerizing and spontaneous qualities, watercolor is capturing the attention of artists around the globe. It not only produces stunning art, but also has the power to stimulate the senses through the creative process.

Hello, Watercolor! is a welcoming introduction to this versatile art form. Author Jeannie Dickson will be your guide as you explore the techniques that will enable you to unleash your creativity.

Supplies, Supplies, Supplies!

Beginning watercolor artists can find the options for papers, brushes, paints, and other materials overwhelming. Learn how to choose the supplies that will work best for you.

Getting to Know Hue

For many artists, the luminous colors you can achieve with watercolor are the main appeal of this medium. Having a grasp of simple color theory will open up so many possibilities for mixing custom colors and combining colors harmoniously.

FUN-damentals of Watercolor Painting

Taking the time to really get acquainted with this fascinating medium through the study of some basic techniques will allow you to incorporate them effortlessly into your paintings.

Paint Gorgeous Florals and Foliage

Beautiful blooms beg to be painted in watercolors. Learn how you can achieve organic-looking flowers that are less complex than they look.

Create Whimsical Illustrations

These fun projects will make you smile while teaching you plenty of useful techniques.

Combine Lettering and Watercolor

Create artwork that features brush lettering, monograms, and other lettering techniques.

Explore Fascinating Special Effects

Granulating paints, spattering, salt textures, stained-glass look . . . All of these effects and more will take your paintings to the next level.

A Primer on Brush Lettering

Lettering combines beautifully with watercolor. A special chapter looks at different types of lettering, and then shows you how to get started with brush lettering.

Arteza 5.1x8.3 Inch Watercolor Book, Pack of 3, 76 Pages per Pad, 110lb/230gsm, Cold Pressed Paper, Linen Bound with Bookmark Ribbon and Elastic Strap, Art Supplies for Watercolor Techniques

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get the perfect watercolor book for painting with Arteza watercolors! These art watercolor journals are the perfect addition for your art collection. Measuring just 5.1x8.3”, just slip one into your art bag and go!

Each book features thick paper perfect for painting, weighing 110 lb/230 gsm. Cold pressed, these sheets have the perfect amount of tooth to create stunning watercolor portraits or a painting created with mixed media. Cold pressed paper is recommended for a beginner to use and as such, these watercolor pads are accessible to the novice as well as the expert.

Every sheet in this watercolor notebook comes dual-sided, with the cold pressed texture on each side. This allows for ample room for painting or illustrating as your number of pages ready for creativity goes up to 304 total between both painting pads. From quick doodles to a lavish travelogue, the opportunities are endless with this pair of sketchbooks.

All of the paper used to create these watercolor books is totally free of acid. What’s more, they’ve also been buffered with an alkaline reserve to prevent the absorption of acid from the environment as well as the natural aging process. These acid-free sheets will keep your colors looking as bright as the first application years into the future.

These Watercolor Books come equipped with a beautiful natural linen cover and binding. This sleek cover creates the perfect addition to your artistic collection or your library--it’ll impress wherever you go. What’s more, there’s also an expandable inner pocket on the inside cover where you can store that handy information from technique or instruction books.

Grab a set of these stunning Watercolor Books today and keep creating!

  • Cold Pressed Paper - Experience the perfect amount of tooth on this paper ideally suited for watercolor painting and mixed media.
  • Dual-Sided - Each sheet of this pad features a double sided texture, offering up 152 pages total to explore your creativity--perfect for beginners and experts.
  • Acid-Free - Each painting in these notebooks will withstand the test of time on paper built to last.
  • Natural Linen Bound - This watercolor sketchbook features a sleek and stylish linen bound cover that will look great in any library.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - If your product does not perform to your expectations, simply request a refund or a replacement.

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone found a tape that works on this notebook without ripping? I’ve been using white masking tape while painting and it rips a lot
Answer: The cover is blue as shown, and the paper is white.
Question: Are the bindings sewn
Answer: There is not a lot of texture with this paper, but there is a small amount. This paper should work okay with dip pens, but it may not be the best choice.
Question: Is this made of cotton
Answer: I use the 18x24 size and the pages never come out. It is actually a bit annoying to take pages out if you want to.
Question: Could you please tell me if the pages are perforated for easy removal
Answer: My daughter uses these notebooks with her Copic Markers. It did bleed through the piece of paper to the other side but it DID NOT get any marker on the next page! This could depend on how heavy you use the markers but she colors and does some blending with her Copics and hasn't ruined a new page in her notebook yet. Hope this helps!

Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators: Learn How to Paint Landscapes, People, Still Lifes, and More.

DK

Based on 64 reviews Check latest price

Watercolor with Me in the Ocean

Page Street Publishing

Based on 915 reviews Check latest price

Painting Watercolor Botanicals: 34 Projects for Flowers, Foliage and More

North Light Books

Based on 42 reviews Check latest price

Watercolor Success in Four Steps: 150 Skill-Building Projects to Paint (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions & Techniques to Create Beautiful Paintings as Easy as 1-2-3-4

Design Originals

Based on 468 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Watercolor as Easy as 1-2-3-4

The ultimate beginner's guide, Watercolor Success in Four Steps is the perfect starting point for any aspiring artist!

Inside this book, experienced artist Marina Bakasova walks you through 150 projects with tried and true techniques.

Whether you're just starting to paint or have some experience, this guide will help you master watercolors in just four simple steps!

Draw a Pencil Sketch

Start by making a pencil drawing of the project. A simple outline is all you need. You can sketch it freehand or trace the drawing provided, using tracing paper or a lightbox. Your drawing should be light and easy to erase, because watercolor paint is transparent.

Apply the First Wash

To apply a flat, even wash of color, dip your brush into the prepared color and spread it on the shape. Don’t try to cover the shape in one go; start with a medium-sized drop of paint, then while the paint is still wet, add more until you have covered the shape.

Build Up the Picture

A damp base allows watercolor to spread whereas a dry base contains it. Read through the whole project before you start, noting where you will need to work quickly when working on wet or half-wet. For example, you may need to move on to the final step while the paint is still wet.

Apply Details

Apply the finishing touches to each watercolor painting using the techniques learned earlier in the book. Watch your art really pop as you paint the final details to your very own masterpiece!

Techniques

Most watercolor paintings use a combination of techniques. Learn how to draw a pencil sketch, locate the light source, choose the right brush, prepare your paints, work on wet or half-wet, drop in color, work on dry, glazing, and more!

Tools and Materials

Apart from paints, brushes, and paper, you will only require a few additional bits and pieces, many of which you will probably have around the house already. You'll learn how to select the best tools, from watercolor paints and paper to drawing pencils and paintbrushes.

Projects

Each of the 150 projects offers a sample selection of palette colors alongside approachable, step-by-step painting instructions to complete each design. Use the handy project selector pages to see all of the projects pictured together, to help you choose which one to paint next.

Fruit, Vegetables, Food, & Drinks

Create watercolor paintings of a banana, chocolate eclair, macron, teapot, and more!

Flowers, Plants, & the Natural World

Make your own watercolor masterpieces of a sunflower, poppy, cactus, night sky, and other items from nature.

Insects, Animals, Birds, & Sea Life

Create watercolor paintings of a panda, frog, flamingo, seashell, dolphin, sea turtle, and more!

Objects, Travel, & Celebrations

Make your own watercolor masterpieces of a sailboat, matryoshka doll, umbrella, hot-air balloon, and other fun objects.

Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks, 9x12-inch, 2-Pack, Blue Hardcover Journal, 64 Sheets, 140lb/300gsm Watercolor Paper Pad, Spiral Bound Book for Watercolors, Gouache, Acrylics, Pencils, Wet & Dry Media

Based on 810 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For Sketching & More

These stylish sketchbooks make great scrapbooks, guestbooks, and journals. Customize the cover with stickers to express your style. You can even designate each book in this multipack for a different assignment, class, or artistic project.

Portable Watercolor Sketchbooks

You’ll never have to worry about being able to find sketchbooks for watercolor painting or your other art activities with this 2-pack of watercolor notebooks. Keep one at home, one in your car, and one in your desk. The 9x12” size makes them easy to slip in your bag, backpack, or tote.

Premium Watercolor Paper

Each book contains 32 sheets for a total of 64 sheets of cold press watercolor paper. Perfect for sketching and painting on the go, you’ll appreciate the thick, slightly textured 140 lb watercolor paper that won’t buckle or warp when wet. Each sheet is acid-free so your work stays looking as vibrant years from now as it did the day you created it.

Convenient and Comfortable

The blue hardcover keeps your work clean and protected. The strong spiral binding makes painting wherever you are comfortable. Just flip it open and turn back the pages 360 degrees for a flat and sturdy surface ready to work on. This is a great sketchbook for watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and mixed media as well as for drawing and sketching with pencil or pen.

  • Wire Bound Watercolor Journal 2-Pack: Save time and money with this watercolor sketchbook 2-pack. Each watercolor sketchbook contains 32 sheets and features a spiral binding for working on a flat and stable surface.
  • Coldpress Watercolor Paper: Each sheet of this slightly textured watercolor paper is 140lb or 300gsm. Use watercolor paint and other wet media without fear of warping or buckling.
  • Portable Watercolor Sketchbook: The 9x12” size of each watercolor spiral notebook makes it easy to carry in your bag, backpack, art bag, tote. Sketch and paint on the go!
  • Durable & Lasting Art Journal: Each watercolor pad in the pack features a blue hardcover to keep your pages clean and intact with acid-free paper to ensure your art won’t fade or yellow over time.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: We’re sure you’ll love your Spiral Bound Hardcover Watercolor Book, but if the product does not perform to your expectations, simply request a refund or a replacement.

User questions & answers

Question: Is paper 100% cotton
Answer: Blue painter's tape is an option, if it begins to peel up paper when you try to remove it, a blow dryer set on low or a heat gun will loosen the gum and it will peel up easily. If you find this leaves a sticky residue, a hard rubber eraser or a kneadable eraser will pick it up easily. Green tape works well too because it leaves little to no residue when you remove it, just don't burnish it down. I haven't tried it on this paper, but on quality watercolor paper (cotton rag for example) it comes up easily and leaves no sticky "evidence" that it was there. The other option is brown paper tape. It is what we always used in school for stretching watercolor paper and works amazingly well. How it knows to release when it's time is one of the great mysteries of the universe, but I'm happy to live with the mystery and let it do its thing. When you're shopping for brown paper tape, make sure it's not "archival quality" and that it does NOT say "permanent" or you're stuck with it for ever.
Question: Is this 100% cotton
Answer: Yes, when I open mine i can just see the thread.
Question: How well would this work with gouache? has anyone tried it with gouache? specifically the himi miya set
Answer: This is Arteza’s premium paper and is wood pulp. The expert paper is cotton. It also states that the paper is dual sided. It is not dual sided and is assembled rather inconsistently. Sometimes the cold pressed texture is to the left, sometimes it is to the right and every so often you get a two page spread. The only sad thing is it really is a good paper on the cold pressed side! The other side pills and removes layers of the paper!
Question: Hi, can both sides of the pages be used for watercolor painting
Answer: They are not, this is a bound art journal. It is very well bound as a matter of fact. I love this little book. The pages fold way back so I can paint on the next page.

No-Fail Watercolor: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Painting with Confidence

Page Street Publishing

Based on 64 reviews Check latest price

Watercolor with Me in the Jungle

Page Street Publishing

Based on 173 reviews Check latest price

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