Sketchbooks

Read more Read less

Browse our selection of quality sketchbooks, ideal for quick sketches or detailed studies using a variety of mediums. We offer lay-flat, spiral and bound sketchbooks, with options designed for watercolour, pens and ink, and traditional drawing media, all available in a range of useful sizes.

Discover great brands like Strathmore, Stillman & Birn, Seawhite, Etchr, Art Creation, Pith, Pink Pig, and Moleskine, as well as Jackson’s art sketchbooks. Popular choices include A4 sketchbooks and watercolour sketchbooks.

If you’re looking for sketchbook ideas and inspiration, visit our Inside the Sketchbook series.

5 Items

Sketchbooks: Popular Questions from Artists


What are Sketchbooks?

Sketchbooks are a cornerstone of artistic practice. They are commonly used by professional artists and students. Sketchbooks provide a portable, versatile surface for creativity, serving as a space for experimentation, practice, and the development of ideas.

Available in a variety of sizes, weights, and bindings, sketchbooks cater to different artistic needs, from quick sketches to detailed studies.

Artists use sketchbooks to practise, experiment, and capture ideas or observations. Their portability allows for creativity anywhere, making them perfect for on-the-go sketching or plein air studies.

Many artists use art sketchbooks to refine techniques, develop concepts, or document daily inspirations. Whether filled with rough studies or finished pieces, sketchbooks become personal archives of an artist’s journey, showcasing the evolution of their craft.


‘For any artists wanting to make the best of their sketchbooks, I would say, “Go around with it, don’t put it in your pocket or your bag, hold it in your hand and whenever you see something that inspires you, sketch it!” That’s what I do, and I hope this can inspire you to go out there and see all the beauty around you, and make beautiful sketches of it.’

- Adebanji Alade, Inside the Sketchbook, Jackson’s Art Blog


‘Most of my sketchbook work is done in my studio, at home, or when I go to a museum or gallery. There is nothing better than an afternoon at the National Gallery or Tate Britain with my sketchbook drawing from a Titian, a Rembrandt or a Fragonard. I could lose myself for hours.’

- Evie Hatch, Inside the Sketchbook, Jackson’s Art Blog


The history of sketchbooks dates back centuries. Early examples can be seen in the notebooks of Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci, who used them to record scientific observations and artistic studies. That being said, small bundles of paper for note-taking likely existed much earlier.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, portable sketchbooks became widely available, enabling artists to capture scenes wherever inspiration struck. Artists relied on sketchbooks to refine their ideas and document their surroundings. Today, they remain indispensable for artists of all disciplines.

To learn more, read ‘Inside the Pages of a Medieval Sketchbook’.


At Jackson’s Art Supplies, we offer a curated selection of sketchbooks to suit every creative need. From watercolour sketchbooks with heavyweight paper to compact A5 sketchbooks for travel, our range includes versatile options from trusted brands.

Backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, we provide fast delivery, eco-friendly packaging, and expert guidance. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Jackson’s offers the tools you need to bring your artistic ideas to life.

Shop Sketchbooks

Explore Jackson’s extensive collection of sketchbooks, including lightweight sketch pads and hardbound options for various media. Visit our Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for support.