Notebook Review: Paperblanks Sketchbook

Notebook Review: Paperblanks Sketchbook

After my successes with the Paperblanks blank notebooks in 100gsm & 120gsm I decided to try out the Paperblanks Arabica Sketchbook ($34.95) with 200gsm paper. Once the stickers are removed from the cover, the aged look and gold trim is much more evident. I like that it already looks weather beaten. Even with the gold, it…

Art Supplies: Viviva Colorsheets

Art Supplies: Viviva Colorsheets

I did an epic sketchbook review a few weeks back and I included watercolor swatch tests in each sketchbook. Those swatches were created using the Viviva Colorsheets (original set of 16 colors is currently available for $20, new Inktober edition for 2021 is coming soon). Viviva Colorsheets have been on the market for a couple…

Art Supplies Review: Rikagaku Kitpas Wet-Erase Crayons

Art Supplies Review: Rikagaku Kitpas Wet-Erase Crayons

Review by Tina Koyama Years ago when I was making abstract, mixed-media collages, one of my favorite media was Caran d’Ache Neocolor II water-soluble wax pastels. I don’t use them for urban sketching because the broad crayon sticks require larger paper than I want to carry, but I remember the fun of making huge scribbles,…

Brush Review: Pentel Design Fude Menso Brush – Small

Brush Review: Pentel Design Fude Menso Brush – Small

Review by Tina Koyama The Pentel’s Design Fude Menso Brush in the small size ($3.25; also available in medium and large sizes at varying prices) is a product I previewed during Inktober. Despite the range of sizes, all three have extra-fine tips for “drawing intricate detail work like facial features.” The very tip isn’t much…