I've been thinking about setting up another blog to review drawing materials, paper and sketchbooks. I've tried a lot of different paper, sketchbooks and pencils   in my search for the perfect combination and the search continues. It would make sense to review them as it might be of help to other people. I've come to the conclusion that there may be no such a thing as the perfect paper or sketchbook, just papers and sketchbooks that work better with different materials, techniques and personal preferences. Personally, I don't like spiral bound sketchbooks, I prefer plain black hardback sketchbooks. My cats are also obsessed with all things paper and sketchbooks. I inevitably end up drawing with a cat trying to park itself on what I am drawing. Paper cannot be left unattended. One of my cats is particularly obsessed with A1 sheets of hot pressed watercolour paper. He will follow me around the house with it, waiting for me to put it down somewhere so he can sleep on it. I...

  I've been wondering if there is such a thing as the perfect sketchbook. I have been searching for an affordable sketchbook with 100% cotton hot pressed watercolour paper. I finally came across a Rhodia Touch sketchbook and ordered one. The paper is lovely and made by Schut mill in the Netherlands. I then became curious and wondered if it was possible to get their watercolour paper anywhere else. I then realised that certain Clairefontaine watercolour papers are made by Schut mill so I may well get myself some. I wish I was the type of person who found something that they liked and only used that. If I could be like that I would probably use Moleskin Art sketchbooks as I really like the paper. It's heavyweight and very smooth. The problem is I just can't stop myself from trying something different. I may be searching for the perfect sketchbook and have already found it. From now on I am going to post once a month on the last Friday of every month.