Test drive
Posted: May 7, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 22 CommentsI chose a familiar subject — the tree I see from my kitchen window — to test out the paper in the new Moleskine Art Plus sketchbook (label pictured below). I had alluded in an early post to being skeptical about this Art Plus series of books. Is it a new paper or just a redesign of the label highlighting the existing features? I suspect there are those who research more than I do, and already know the answer to this, but it is indeed a new paper. The label reads cold-pressed on both sides of the page and 135 lb stock.
I started my test by drawing with a pencil on what I realized immediately was a more textured paper. Definitely not the same surface as before. Then I added some watercolour to see how the paper takes the paint. Maybe it was just the way I mixed my washes today but the paint surface seems really flat and the colour more dull than usual. So dull, in fact, that I had to add an ink line when it dried to punch everything up. It could also be that lately I’ve been using better quality paper and I have become accustomed to 100% cotton rag content, so I’ll have to do a few more tests. The jury is still out on this one.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Loads of likes for the painting… 🙂
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Thanks!
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🙂
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Looks great to me! And thanks for showing us the label. Haven’t seen these in the UK yet.
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I found these on Amazon which is where I usually buy them.
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Yeah, what happened? Pen I agree was necessary! Looks like something I’d do – mooshy. I miss your punchy contrast and colour…even in a piece like this you usually put a SNAP of color in – I miss it.
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I don’t know if it was me or the paper. More testing needed for sure. I’ll let you know when the snap of colour comes back.
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Interesting discussion about the paper… but, the really burning question is… what has happened to the wheelbarrow?
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The wheelbarrow is still there Ross! This is the other tree. You may remember this post: https://shariblaukopf.com/2012/06/08/between-two-trees/
The wheelbarrow is under the tree on the right and I was drawing the tree on the left today.
Maybe I’ll do another test with the wheelbarrow tomorrow.
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So… what you are saying is that the wheelbarrow still hasn’t moved?
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Well the snow has only recently melted so I haven’t had time to start the heavy moving of soil yet! The ground is still frozen in places!
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I use Moleskines a lot but am interested in your views – it is easy to keep buying the same thing out of habit.
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I will keep you posted as I try this again. Next time I will try line first and colour second.
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Lovely work. Is it possible the paper has a tone that subdues the color?
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I don’t think it’s that Lee. I tried it again today with brighter colours and it is still dull. It’s not the flowers I posted, though.
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When I see you in July, I’ll bring my Moleskine sketchbooks to show you. I want to compare with what you are using. I’m looking for a different paper. May just have to buy the more expensive Arches watercolor journal book.
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Glad to see the tree(s) in the springtime! Like Ross, I was wondering about the wheelbarrow too 🙂
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I wish I could manage such a lovely sketch on a paper I don’t really fancy 😉
Anyway I will follow your tests as I intended to buy a new Moleskine sketchbook.
Thanks for sharing !!
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Let me know what you think if you try it Martine. I’m curious to hear.
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Hi Shari,
I ordered my Moleskine sketchbook from Amazon.fr (I’m French and live in France) and on my computer the dark pink and white paper strip read : Art Plus …etc, so it was the new one.
I received my sketchbook this morning and I recognized the old paper strip: so, apparently they must have “oldies” left and this is what they sent me (I can’t say I am disppointed ) !
But I am sorry I won’t be able to give you my opinion on the “new” paper for the moment !!
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Thanks for the tip!
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Glad it was helpful.
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