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Travel Sketchpads and Journaling: Tips for Drawing with Your Journal ... Strathmore and Hahnemuhle Nostalgia Sketchpads

As artists, we're always looking for new ways to express ourselves and capture the world around us. One popular way to do this is through travel sketchpad and journaling -- where we combine art, writing, and experiencing the world around us.


Choosing the right paper and techniques for different situations in important.



Choosing the Right Journal

When it comes to drawing in your sketchpad and journal, there are several factors to consider. First, you'll want to choose something compact enough to fit in your bag or backpack, but still large enough to hold interesting sketches. We like to use Strathmore sketch pads, which come in a range of sizes and are known for their smooth, acid-free paper.


One of our favorite features of the Strathmore Art Journal 400 series is strictly for drawing. The Hahnemuhle Nostalgia Sketchpad can take a little bit of watercolor. This makes it perfect for adding subtle color accents to your sketches or creating gentle washes. We also appreciate that these pads can be used with pen and ink, allowing us to add fine details and textures.


Multi-Media Journaling

One of the benefits of using a journal with smooth paper is its versatility. With a Strathmore 400 series pad, you can use a range of techniques, from pencil shading to very small watercolor washes, all on the same page. This makes it easy to experiment and find new ways to express yourself.

We also like that these pads are multi-media friendly, meaning you can easily switch between drawing with pencils, and ink pens, or even adding a few subtle touches of watercolor. This allows us to keep our journals flexible and adaptable, no matter where we're traveling.


Tips for Travel Journaling

Here are a few additional tips for getting the most out of your travel journal:

  1. Keep it simple: Don't feel like you need to fill every page with elaborate sketches. Sometimes, just a few quick doodles or observations can be enough.

  2. Be mindful of space: Remember that you're traveling, and not everyone around you may want to see what's going on in your journal. Keep your pages concise and focused.

  3. Experiment with different techniques: Try out new drawing tools and techniques, like watercolor or pen and ink, to add interest and variety to your sketches.


At Art Secrets Studio, we're the experts in drawing, painting, theory, technique, and the old masters ... and we happen to be passionate about helping artists discover new ways to express themselves. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting, we hope these tips will inspire you to get creative and make the most of your journal.

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