Moleskine Art Sketchbook Medium Plain - Portable Hardcover Sketchpad

Our review of the Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Hard Cover, Medium covers who will get the most from this compact notebook and the single biggest reason to buy it: dependable, portable paper that handles a range of dry media. This review finds the sketchbook best suited to artists, students and travelers who want a durable, easy-to-carry canvas for sketches and studies. The 4.5' x 7' size and hardcover construction make it a practical everyday companion, while the thicker ivory pages stand up to eraser use and repeated work.

Key Features

• Hardcover construction: protects pages in a bag or backpack so sketches stay flat and intact while traveling.
• Plain/blank 88 pages: gives an uninterrupted surface for drawing, sketching and mixed dry media without printed lines getting in the way.
• Quality paper: thicker ivory sheets tolerate erasing and layered pencil or pen work without immediate bleed-through.
• Classic Moleskine details: rounded corners, elastic closure, matching bookmark ribbon and inner pocket keep materials organized and secure.
• Portable medium size: the 4.5' x 7' format fits most bags and encourages quick studies and on-the-go creativity.

Who It's For

The sketchbook is ideal for practicing artists, illustrators and students who sketch from life or carry a notebook while commuting. Its sturdy cover and compact dimensions suit travelers and urban sketchers who need a reliable surface for pencil, charcoal and pen.

Those who require heavyweight watercolor paper or large-format studio pads should look elsewhere, as this medium hardback is optimized for dry media and smaller studies rather than saturated washes or large compositions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable hardcover protects work and creates a solid drawing surface when working without a table.
• Thicker, ivory pages resist erasing marks and handle repeated pencil or pen work well.
• Compact 4.5' x 7' size is convenient to carry and encourages frequent sketching sessions.
• Classic finishing touches like elastic closure and inner pocket add practical value for organization.

Cons

• Paper is better suited to dry media; it is not intended for heavy watercolor or wet techniques.

Specifications

Brand	Moleskine
Cover	Hardcover
Size	Medium, 4.5' x 7'
Pages	88 pages
Layout	Plain / Blank
Color	Black

Our Verdict

The Moleskine Art Sketchbook Medium is a smart buy for artists and students who want a portable, well-made sketchbook for pencil, pen and light mixed dry media. It delivers consistent paper quality and practical extras like an elastic closure and inner pocket, making it good value for anyone who sketches regularly and needs a dependable, travel-ready pad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sketchbook good for watercolor?
The paper is designed mainly for dry media and light washes; heavy watercolor or wet techniques are not recommended.

How portable is the sketchbook?
The medium 4.5' x 7' size and hardcover make it highly portable and suitable for carrying in most bags and backpacks.

Does it include an inner pocket and elastic closure?
Yes, it has a matching elastic closure, bookmark ribbon and an expandable inner back pocket for storage.