I thought I would post this image as I think it is a good illustration of how the sketchbook - and paper - you choose can effect the images you create. I just finished my last sketchbook, and, while my regular favorites are Stillman & Birn Nova and Alpha, I like to try something new now and then. Since I generally work in just one sketchbook at a time, I usually spend some time choosing each one. I think about the materials I am using and whether I will be traveling with the sketchbook. This time, I pulled out the four blank sketchbooks I had in my stash at the moment, and I decided to test them by sketching the same view of a hollyhock in each, using the same pen, paints and brush. Left to right they are: Leuchtterm1917 Sketchbook (not the notebook!),Stillman & Birn Alpha, Collins & Davison sketchbook, and a Handbook Travelogue Sketchbook.
Both the S&B Alpha and the Handbook Travelogue describe their paper as sized for light washes. The other two do not. And I think that shows in the sketches. The paint sank into the paper of the Leuchtterm and Collins & Davison sketchbooks but sat on the surface (and took much longer to dry!) on the S&B and Handbook. Because of that, the colors are darker and more intense on the S&B and Handbook paper.
In my view, none of these papers is better or worse, just different. I have happily used all of these before, except the Leuchtterm1917, which is new to me. The only issue that I found with any of the papers was some bleed-through on the Leuchtterm1917. But remembering to carry a couple of scrap/blotter pages will take care of that and, considering that the paper isn't recommended for watercolor, it isn't surprising. All of the papers had a bit of buckling, but dried flat with the use of a few clips
I haven't made a decision yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if I went with the Leuchtterm.
