Stillman & BirnBeta Series Wirebound Sketchbook, 7" x 10", 270 gsm (Extra Heavyweight), White Paper, Cold Press Surface

These sketchbooks are sturdy and very good quality. I use them for so many different purposes.

I have kept art journals for many years. After trying the Zeta version of Stillman & Birn sketchbook, I was looking for something with slightly more sturdy pages for mixed media. This has creamy white pages with a slight texture. It is my 2018 art journal that includes lettering, drawing, markers, collage, washi tape, gelatos, and watercolor. It holds color well and does not bleed (I do not know if heavy-duty markers would bleed or not. I have not tried them. But it takes Perfect Paper Adhesive liquid glue very nicely without buckling or bleeding.

I just put another one of these in my cart because I'm nearing the end of my first one, and it has become my "go-to" watercolor sketchbook. I also own the hardcover 5.5 x 8.5 Beta without the spiral, and I like that one when I want to work across two pages. I thought about trying a different brand with lighter cover, as this one is a bit heavy compared to some other spiral bound sketchbooks.... but I love the feeling of the hard cover, so will likely stick with this one. Stillman and Birn Beta is the Rolls Royce of watercolor sketchbooks. The paper is a perfect weight for washes, and the Beta series has some tooth!

Good quality paper, however, it is very smooth texture for cold pressed paper. Doesn’t deliver result I was expecting. Buckles when water is applied. Probably better for watercolor pencils and ink. Ink applies well over dried paint.

Sturdy for field use. Great for pen, colored pencil, water color. I like the size, but could understand if someone would rather have larger or even smaller (pocket).