First pages from the new carry along sketchbook

A while ago I finished the watercolour book that I carried with me in my backpack wherever I went. I pretty much carry my backpack anywhere and there's always a sketchbook, a notebook and a reading book in it, because...well... you never know. You can see the last pages of the watercolour sketchbook here.

When one book closes another one opens and I have chosen a Strathmore mixed media journal with vellum finish as the new carry along sketchbook.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with this new book. The paper is nice and sturdy and can take all kinds of media, but it doesn't take them all equally well. Especially when drawing with a drawing pen or brush pen the pens get a tendency to skip and it feels like the paper is sort of working against the pen. This actually surprises me as I thought vellum meant it was smooth and it does feel smooth.
Another thing that bugs me a little is the fact that the size is not really to my liking. Because of the spiral binding part of the page is lost for working on and that makes the pages seem longer in relation to their width, which I somehow don't like. And finally the cover isn't really up to traveling. I've only had it for a few weeks and already it is showing some wear and tear, much more than my previous bound watercolour book.

On the other hand working with watercolour on it is quite nice because it dries really fast on this paper which is very convenient when you're on the move.  All in all, mixed emotions, but I will keep working in it for now as I don't hate it and I do like the paper in itself.

Enough talk, here are the first pages of this new sketchbook, mostly watercolour doodling, lettering and some sketching from my imagination.

Most of these pages were either done on the ferry or on my lunch break at work, and just a few at my kitchen table. I haven't been in the mood recently to draw from life. These moods come and go with me, but a little doodling is always welcome. ;-)

Hope you enjoyed looking at my sketchbook play and that you do some of your own. Have a wonderful and artsy week!