BAOHONGWatercolor Journal, PU Leather Cover, 24 Sheets Sized 6.2" x 9.4", Hot Press Academy Grade BAOHONG Watercolor Paper, 100% Cotton 140 lb (300 GSM), Travel Sketch Book

This is a great journal. I saw the few other reviews about excess glue or faulty binding, I just didn’t have the same experience, thank goodness. The pics hopefully show that. I would hate to be let down by this journal. I have used their cold pressed blocks before and they have been wonderful for watercolor painting, these pages are 100% cotton (a little tricky to find in a journal sometimes unless you are “specialty shopping” elsewhere), sturdy and they have minimal buckling with numerous wet washes. The first couple photos should show the condition of the journal (the indent on the front is just from my constant binder clip).The pages are thick, well textured, and absorbent. I tend to use Arches for finished pieces, but I almost feel like if Arches put out a student line it might feel kinda like this (a compliment). Sometimes I feel bad using Arches for practice and journaling and THIS is my favorite alternative so far for something affordable, still handles great , and that is cotton. I tried to show in the pics, that the seams in the binding do not seem to have ANY excessive glue issues and the book will open completely and lay flat to work on as well. The only thing that seems a tiny bit off is maybe they started glueing them a little less due to feedback? When flat, the PU leather (yes, not actually leather but that’s fine for my practice journal) bulges out away from the binding, but this doesn’t affect it laying flat or anything, so I’m not worried about it, the whole book is still quite sturdy.There’s a pic of a fish (not proud of it), I only included to show that it’s is completely overworked and has a TON of wet layers with watercolor, colored pencil and ink, but the texture and tooth held up amazingly well, and the page has almost no buckling. I definitely love the 300gsm weight.Tried to catch the cold-pressed texture you get as well as how the paper takes more ‘normal’ application of watercolor as well( the fruit). I will definitely continue to purchase these and I have the smaller one in my cart right now!Sorry it’s a long review, I just wanted to be thorough for other watercolor artists/artists out there, I know I look for pictures and an in depth description from someone who has actually used their products instead of just saying, “I got my purchase today and I’m excited to use it!” That doesn’t help anyone.Cheers Everyone, Happy Painting!

I love this sketchbook. I’d been looking for a long time for a perfect sketchbook for my watercolor practices and this one is the prefect mix of a nice looking cover, sawn inside and cotton paper. It doesn’t buckle much even under heavy washes, lies relatively flat. I don’t carry it around much, so I can’t judge on a quality of cover, however it does look nice. The paper is great, washes are even and you can make a lot of layers.

This is such a lovely and useful little watercolor journal. I will be traveling so wanted a nice-sized journal to take along with me. This almost ticks all the boxes. Right size, great paper (rivals Arches), has an elastic security strap, and just seems to be high-quality…except for one thing. The cover of the journal is made out of a padded fake leather (think naugahyde) and really detracts from all the other really nice features. Now, maybe you like naugahyde and that’s fine but for me I would rather a firm surface that does not take up bulk in my suitcase. I won’t take a star off of the rating as it is, after all, all about the paper and that is just plain great! So, in the end, if you are thinking about this journal do treat yourself to a 4.7 out of 5 watercolor journal.

Baohung makes great paper, and now it's in a sketchbook. I'm super happy about that. It's very portable. The paper has great cold press texture and is excellent for watercolor.I would not use this with pen because of the texture. You need hot press book for that.The price is also really good for such a high quality watercolor sketchbook.I will buy it again.

Gorgeous padded leather cover, high quality watercolor paper and the ideal size and proportions. Imagine my joy holding it in my hand, only to discover a price tag sticker stuck right on the beautiful leather front cover. See photo for the results. Sticky gummy residue right on the beautiful cover, marring it’s perfect feel and look. So much sorrow and disappointment, you can’t imagine! Ruined! So so sad….