This new sketchbook is a Pentalic Aqua Journal, and I have to say I really like it. The paper is more white than the Hahnemühle travel journal I like, and the texture is a bit machine like, small grain, nothing organic or handmade about it, but the thickness is very nice (140lb vs. 135lb), better than traditional Moleskine in my opinion. Painting on both sides of the paper is acceptable. The only flaw, is that the stitching is coming undone in the center, and I am only 5 pages in but I think it will hold up….I recommend this product…if you were wondering.  (I used winsor & newton pan watercolors….still a bit overwhelmed with my Dr. Ph Martins….but I will get into them soon!!)