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.
Loads of likes for the painting… 🙂
Thanks!
🙂
Looks great to me! And thanks for showing us the label. Haven’t seen these in the UK yet.
I found these on Amazon which is where I usually buy them.
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.
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.
Interesting discussion about the paper… but, the really burning question is… what has happened to the wheelbarrow?
The wheelbarrow is still there Ross! This is the other tree. You may remember this post: http://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.
So… what you are saying is that the wheelbarrow still hasn’t moved?
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!
I use Moleskines a lot but am interested in your views – it is easy to keep buying the same thing out of habit.
I will keep you posted as I try this again. Next time I will try line first and colour second.
Lovely work. Is it possible the paper has a tone that subdues the color?
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.
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.
Glad to see the tree(s) in the springtime! Like Ross, I was wondering about the wheelbarrow too 🙂
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 !!
Let me know what you think if you try it Martine. I’m curious to hear.
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 !!
Thanks for the tip!
Glad it was helpful.