Paul Rubens watercolor sketchbook review (100% cotton paper!)

I'm super picky when it comes to watercolor sketchbooks. The Paul Rubens is one of the few 100% cotton sketchbooks on the market here, but with a suprisingly lower price than others. So I needed to do a thorough test and see what the paper allows me to do. I tested the paper with watercolor, ink, gouache, acrylic, and alcohol markers.
Watch the video to hear my thoughts about price comparisons, paper performance, and more.

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00:00 Intro
01:50 Price comparisons
02:55 TLDR (spoilers)
03:05 First impressions
04:36 Watercolor & gouache swatches
05:05 Gouache painting test
06:00 Watercolor & ink test
08:34 Alcohol marker test
12:32 Thick paint test
14:35 MY REVIEW
15:35 Sparkle Watercolor Paper test
19:12 Final look

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[SarahBurnsStudio]

I just talked to the rep and they confirmed the cover is fake leather. It literally feels like plastic so I'm not surprised. I told them they should update their product page because a lot of people don't want leather.

[kirsten]

That sparkly paper would be perfect for snow scenes!

[Mlefebre]

That intro with the sniff? Instant follow ☺️✨

[AnaCrisisBlu]

this is not related to this review, but I have to say that I love when I find people that really make me wanna draw and paint, I don't know what it is, but I feel like grabbing my supplies every time I watch a video from you :) thank you for being inspiring

[jadeintheparke]

I bought the Paul Rubens hot press block at the beginning of the pandemic. It was my first experience with cotton paper and it was LIFE CHANGING

[TriedThat]

really comprehensive review. thank you

[CreatingCuteArt]

Loving your intros, staying for the test art!!

[experienced.novice]

Thanks for the reviews, now I want both the sketchbook and the sparkle paper!

[Meggypp]

I love this! I’m def gonna pull my Paul Rubans supplies out and play!

[NatashaNewtonArt]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colours on your palette at around the 15 minute mark? 😍 15:00 I'm so glad that you liked this little sketchbook so much! I LOVE the Etchr sketchbooks but they're pretty expensive, and this looks like it might be a good alternative. I also love the idea of the perforated pages, just in case there's anything you'd like to take out. Nice review, Sarah!

[chantelmcskimming]

Great fun!! Love the sparkly paper 😁 very nice review.

[mirandaharmata]

Hello from Australia 😁 Just purchased this watercolour sketchbook today ( from Amazon Australia). I have been enjoying ink drawings in a Midori notebook but since I like adding extra water and creating washes there has been more bleed through than I’d hoped….Thanks for your thorough review. Subscribed 😺

[sarahbradley]

I’d LOVE a tutorial on using markers! I’ve bought some but haven’t been inspired to use them. Thanks!

[aliciamolloy]

Thank you Sarah great video. Yes, please make a marker tutorial!

[ArtBrain]

I love the sparkles for the water. It's not overpowering. Your paintings are gorgeous.

[Christine_R]

I never tried 100% cotton hot press. But the shimmer/glitter paper is interesting. I don't think it'and s distracting but definitely not for every day painting. I liked the look of the coast painting you did on this paper. The shimmer effect makes this special. I think this will look good if someone loves to paint water, too.

[laurenmorgan-outhisack]

Your reviews are awesome. You are honest but also make sure to state what your style is and how that influences this opinion

[dneel]

Sparkle paper would probably be good for Christmas cards, off to buy some. Thanks for the review. I’d love a marker demo!

[lynettesunley-hulton]

The sketchbook looks like a hand stitched bound book, so lovely. Love your work and Vlog.

[supergoo]

im glad you made this video, i bought the watercolor palette and i wasnt too sure if the sketchbook was worth it