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When you’re an acrylic artist, you’re always painting. Some paintings are more successful than others, and it can get really pricey to always paint on canvases. I save a ton of money by painting acrylics in a sketchbook.
Now, some of you may be thinking that painting acrylics in a sketchbook would cause nothing but problems. I’m here to share how to make it a great experience, plus a bit about why I use sketchbooks. Watch my video on my YouTube channel.
First, let’s look at why it’s worthwhile. I started painting in a sketchbook a few years ago because I just wanted to be able to practice a ton. I also wanted to be able to keep my work so I could see my progress over time. Sketchbooks are perfect for both of those things. I can challenge myself to paint as often as possible. Yet I’m not spending a ton of money on canvases. I used to paint on cut edge canvas panels, and even those were pretty pricey. A sketchbook that works well for acrylics can be picked up for less than $20, depending on what size you buy.
I will use sketchbooks to practice a painting before I paint it onto canvas. I’ll also use it to try out different colour combinations. I see what range of colours I can get out of certain colours of paint. I’ll do studies of other paintings and learn new techniques with low-commitment. I’ve also set certain challenges for myself, like doing a painting in just 30 minutes. In my current sketchbook, I’ve also been noting which paint colours I use, which is useful if I ever want to repaint something. That’s also a great way to learn a bit more about how different colours can be used.
Sketchbooks are wonderful because you can experiment, trying out all sorts of new techniques or subjects. If it’s a success, great! If not, let it dry, turn the page and try something new. There’s little pressure to have a perfect painting and it allows you to grow by learning and expressing new ideas.
Painting acrylics on sketchbook paper does come with challenges. I give myself the best surface to paint on by taping of the edges of the space I want to paint, then laying down one or two coats of gesso. This isn’t necessary but it does allow for a nicer experience and easier brushwork than laying acrylic straight onto paper.
Always allow your painting to fully dry before closing the sketchbook. Otherwise you’ll smear your painting and get paint on the opposite sheet of paper. I also only paint one side of the paper, so that when it’s laying open, you only see one painting. If you paint on both sides with acrylic, they can stick together and cause ripping and peeling. This can happen even if you think they’ve fully dried. If you want to paint on both sides, you can. Just allow the painting to dry and then rub a layer of type of wax onto it. I’ve done that and had no issues, but now prefer to just paint one side of the paper.
Make sure to use a sketchbook with fairly thick paper. I use the Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Journal. It has 100% cotton paper with a vellum finish, which is quite smooth. It does buckle a little, but not a ton. It’s also acid free so my work will be permanent. Amazon.ca has the smaller version of this sketchbook for Canadian readers, while Amazon.com has the larger size I have used recent.
