I use this for my watercolor pencil sketches. While I have not taken it outside with me yet, it is small enough to fit in the pockets of a photographer's vest that I wear while on our nearby walking trails. I have not tried painting on both sides of the pages, so can't say from my own experience whether that would work or not. I am a beginner at drawing and painting, and am loving the small size of this pocket album, as it is not intimidating. I can just sketch one thing at a time carefully with a number 2 pencil or an HB, then go over it with watercolor pencils--and then "paint" with water. I really like the good quality of this album. I think Moleskine is worth the money, and not just a vanity brand.