Starting a new art journal using Hahnemuehle Cappuccino Book

Hahnemuehle Cappuccino Book

I started a new art journal using a Hahnemuehle Cappuccino Book, which the Hahnemuehle company sent me. It’s a lovely hardcover book, which has 80 pages of 120 gsm “cappuccino” colored paper.

It’s meant to be a sketchbook, but I’m using paint, and other art supplies, like oil markers in it. Even though the weight is only 55 lb, it feels like high quality, more expensive paper, if you will, and I knew it could take some abuse from the gouache, acrylics, and water. I don’t mind when paper crinkles and warps. I love the raw, well used look of art journals.

I used gouache, and acrylics for my paint on this page. I liked the painting so much that it led to more similar portraits, which I’m offering for sale. Some have already sold.

I started this art journal on Dec 1st, 2023, so I’ve been using it almost 2 months now. I’ve filled about half of the pages, front & back.

The pros I’ve already written above..the hardcover & paper make the book feels high quality, and expensive.

One con is that the book doesn’t lie flat when opened, so as I’m painting, I have to hold on to it constantly. I also can’t leave it lying open to dry. You can see where the book closed, and transferred paint onto the blank page in the photo above.

Again, it’s meant to be used for drawing, and I’m breaking the “rules” here by painting in it. This obviously wouldn’t happen if you were drawing in it, like its intended use. It has a ribbon attached to it, so it can keep your place, which is nice.

I absolutely adore the look & feel of crinkled pages, so this doesn’t bother me at all. I knew the paper would buckle before I even started using it. The paper doesn’t feel like it will tear or be easily poked through, even though I’m deliberately using a ton of water & paint in it.

I wish it was wider, and more square, but that’s just my personal preference. I like to have space to rest my hand as I’m painting. However, it’s a perfect size to stick in my backpack or purse, and it fits well on my lap table. Overall, it’s a lovely book, and I’m enjoying using it.

Thanks again to the Hahnemuehle company for sending this book & other paper to me to try. I know we’ve been in touch via email, but I want to say again that I’m so happy with the elegant package you sent me. I always appreciate being able to try out new art supplies. 🙏

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