During the winter rush, I received a second book from Exaclair to review~! (You can see my previous write up about the Quo Vadis Habana here~!)

So this time around, I have the privilege to try out their Exacompta Basic Sketch Book~!

Short preface: Much thanks to Karen from Exaclair, who was kind enough to send me this lovely sketchbook for review in mid-November -- right amidst my busy winter event season. So with much apologies, I finally write my review!

The Exacompta Basic Sketch Book is really anything but "basic".

Upon receiving the book in the mail, I was stunned at how luxe this thing was.

Wrapped in a "Madeira" removable blue leather-like cover, stamped "sketch book"... and seriously - check out that reflection. o_o!

The sketchbook itself comes with a ribbon place-holder and the pages themselves have a lovely texture and soft dull-white color.

The paper is 5 1/2" x 8 1/4", from the Netherlands, 100g. Complete with a sturdy board cover and cloth bound spine. Removable and refillable. Two things I personally like about any art supply. :D

Now, most artists know that there are many many many types of sketchbooks out there. Some are more suitable for inking, others for graphite/lead/pencils, some are great for colored pencils or pastels or watercolors. I'd say this particular one is great for travel sketches - pencils, light watercolor washes, ball-point pens, and even fountain pens. The paper is thin and textured -- definitely not for heavy washes... unless you're willing to deal with the paper buckling.

So, I broke out my Copic markers, fountain pens, and colored pencils and gave this paper a go:

Verdict? I think this is a perfect book for marker sketches and journal writings/notations. I really look forward to working with it more. The paper absorbs the alcohol-based ink nicely and there is very little feathering/bleeding, so I'm guessing a quick run-thru with watercolors will also hold up nicely. Colored pencils will have an added texture, due to the paper type, but ink (both fountain pen and microliner) rolls on nicely.

Expect to see more color sketches from this book in the next few months. :D

Now where to find them?

The only online shops that seems to have the basic sketchbook in stock (sans leather cover) are Wet Paint, The Daily Planner and the Vickerey in prices currently ranging from $9.60 to $19. (From what I understand, the cover can be added on for a few more dollars~) You can also check the official Exaclair site for other options~!

Edit: Karen just got back to me and said that the books with the madeira covers are available at Writer's Block~! Currently on sale for $14.50, available in blue, red, green, and yellow with silver or gold edging! :D