Stillman & Birn Sketchbook, Watercolor

Thank You Stillman & Birn

About the Stillman & Birn Sketchbook

This past February, I won a Stillman & Birn Beta Series sketchbook in an online “giveaway” sponsored by Stillman & Birn.  I thought I’d share my thoughts on the sketchbook now that I’ve had it for a couple of months.

  • I chose the Beta Series because of the heavy paper weight.
  • I liked it so much I went out and bought a second one.
  • I like the feel of the paper.  It works well with watercolor and I can apply multiple layers.
  • I like the construction of both the wire bound and hard bound sketchbooks.

I did an online search of Stillman & Birn sketchbook reviews.  I thought I’d pass on Jana Bouc’s blog review of the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks if you’d like to learn more.  I have not rigorously tested mine or compared it to other sketchbooks.  I just like it.

Stillman & Birn Sketchbook, Watercolor

About the Painting

With this particular painting, I used the Caran d’Ache watercolor pencils that I won in the giveaway for layout.  Then, I worked back and forth layering with watercolor pencil or with straight watercolor.  It was an interesting way to work and I like the result.

The painting is of two small red Swedish candle holders that were given to me.  I don’t have any candles that fit the holders.  Still, I like the shapes.  Plus, I can study how light works on round objects.

The green vase is a small clay vase that I painted with acrylic.  Its another personal souvenir that I draw frequently because of the way the light falls on the different planes.  Funny, I have never used it as intended, for putting flowers in.  But, I do use it frequently for my still life set ups.

True Confession Time

I have been reluctant to use such a nice sketchbook.  I’ve only done three paintings.  I was saving the paper.

But, what good will it be if it just sits in my studio waiting for me to feel worthy?  So, I’m off to enjoy the love of painting on wonderful paper by Stillman & Birn.

Its funny, I always buy quality paint and paintbrushes.  I use artist grade papers for my paintings.  Why is it that I’m reluctant to use a good sketchbook.

Stefan Baumann Video

I ran across this video by Mr. Baumann and its’ great!  I recommend viewing it, I think he hit the proverbial “nail on the head”.  After viewing this video, I realized why I’m reluctant to use my Stillman & Birn sketchbook.  I’m going to “heal” myself and paint another one in my Stillman & Birn!   (And, yet another until its full).

Again, thank you Stillman & Birn!  I appreciate your generosity and I enjoy your sketchbooks!

Watercolor, Stillman & Birn, Still Life

 

4 thoughts on “Thank You Stillman & Birn”

    1. Hi Mary, Thank you for the comment and the compliment. My Mom says it takes courage to be an artist and I think she’s right! It takes courage to jump in and draw away on perfectly good paper!

  1. Thank you very much for this post and your generous comments! We are delighted that you were one of the winners of our last Giveaway and appreciate that you have taken the time to write about your prize. Your still life drawing is wonderful!

    1. Hi Stillman & Birn, You’re welcome and thank you for the compliment! I think its wonderful that you generously Giveaway your sketchbooks! I do cherish mine and am happy to let other artists know about your excellent sketchbooks!

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