Since I knew so little about watercolor art, I had no appreciation of what the paper differences were. One can buy pads, blocks, and single sheets, both in rolls and flats. The paper can be made of wood pulp and cotton fiber (in part or combined). It can be pressed and then treated to slow down absorption or it can be treated before the paper is pressed.
I wanted to buy the cheapest possible because I reckoned that as a beginner I would have inferior works that weren't worth saving. Au contraire!
Works will not be worth saving if you do not purchase the best you can afford. A person will be frustrated with the outcome on cheap paper as their attempts buckle and wear down in parts. It can discourage the enthusiasm for the whole project.
What's good? Arches Aquarelle (French for "watercolor") Watercolor Block, 140 lb (the weight of 500 sheets/reams of paper) cold press. I would even go so far as to recommend trying the even more costly 300 lb paper.
First, Arches is a very old and reliable paper manufacturer.
Second, the thickness works very well for even cheap paints (but be careful to have at least some of the more highly pigmented "artist grade" paints).
Third, the higher grade papers have the chemical treatment for slower absorption IN the paper fiber rather than ON the surface. If the paper absorbs too fast, it will be difficult to paint quickly enough to make the brush produce what you want.
Fourth, separate sheets and pads (as well as binder style) allow people to touch the paper, if not in the store, then in the factory. The oil from a person's fingers imprint on the surface and when you paint over that basically invisible spot, your paint will fail to absorb correctly leaving you a funny looking splotch on your work. The block form is sealed almost completely. You have to use a knife to slip into a small hole at the top to release the paper from the block. NO ONE has touched THAT paper!
Fifth, the cold press refers to the type of surface you paint on. Hot Press is smooth, Not Press is rough. Like Goldilocks, the middle (Cold Press) is just right (as I think a beginner might have the easiest time).
One can purchase the cheaper paper to play with the ideas that you want to work up but it is going to be supremely superior to go on to paint the final work on the best you can afford. Watercolor is one of the cheapest ways to paint. It takes quite a LONG time to use up your paints.
The actual painting can be a mighty challenge. Oils and acrylics can be pretty much painted over to correct what you don't like. Not so with watercolor art. Don't make it even harder by using cheap crap.
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This item: ARCHES 18 x 26 cm 300 GSM Cold Pressed Glued on 4 Sides Block Watercolour Paper - Natural White (Pack of 20 Sheets)
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Love this paper
I absolutely love this paper, it has a high water absorption before it starts to breakdown. I think the paper is good for everyone, but it’s pricey and not a paper you want to just waste IMHO. I am not sure what Amazon means by warmth.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2016
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021
I absolutely love this paper, it has a high water absorption before it starts to breakdown. I think the paper is good for everyone, but it’s pricey and not a paper you want to just waste IMHO. I am not sure what Amazon means by warmth.
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Top reviews from other countries
Nonna Nue
Quality is worth the price.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2017George Patrick Bennett
Great paper
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2021Janet
Read the description carefully, also the reviews!!
Reviewed in Canada on August 1, 2020
