Road-testing the Oroblanco.

Inside the sketchbook of Dave Watson.

A few weeks ago we caught up with Painter Dave Watson for a peek inside one of our early prototype sketchbooks. Dave was the first person we called upon to put the Oroblanco Sketchbook through its paces.

How was your first experience with the Oroblanco Sketchbook?

What a cracking sketchbook, falls flat open on grass, woodland paths etc. No desperate need for an easel. 

What materials have you been working with? 

Golden heavy body acrylic as watercolour and gouache, charcoal and pen/wash.

“Sometimes you just need a sketchbook that’s not going to piss you about and just obey you“.

Dave Watson

How did the paper react to the different materials?

The paper was easy to use, I used the acrylic paint as watercolour and gouache and it held the water perfectly. The paper was ready to paint with a second coat in a couple of minutes and I could draw with Conte charcoal in 5 or 6 minutes on top of the paint, excellent!

Even though I’ve given the pages some stick the paper has hardly cockled at all remaining flat enough to cut out of the book, mount and frame. The paper is also a lovely off-white colour. 

Compared to sketchbooks you have previously used how does this stack up?

This has been great because I can get double the size working across the full spread. Usually, I wouldn’t be able to do this as the pages don’t lay flat enough it also fits perfectly in my backpack, a huge bonus for me.

To see more of Dave and partner Morag’s work head to @foldyard, www.foldyard.co.uk or the Foldyard Gallery at 47 Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Interview and Photography conducted in a COVID secure manner in compliance with Government guidelines.