When I first started watercoloring, I tried using whatever paper I could find at my local big box art store (I won't name names, but its very common paper at a very common store). My art was... pathetic, blurry, faded in all the wrong places, and just not very good. And I almost stopped painting with watercolor altogether.
If it wasn't for the fact that watercolor paint is more seemingly more environmentally friendly than, say, acrylic painting with its plastics and oil painting with all the chemicals needed, I would have given up on watercolors altogether. But I love how watercolor pigments only need to be rewetted to come back alive, how I can travel anywhere with only a small palette, some basic brushes, a bit of water and some paper, and be painting within minutes - little mess, little fuss, and beautiful ephemeral artwork.
But... The paper... If you have the very best brushes ever created and the world's finest professional pigments, but you are using bad paper, your art will never turn out the way you want it. Period. Whereas, if you had the worlds cheapest brushes and pigments, but are using fine cotton, well-sized watercolor paper - your art can be breathtaking.
All that is to say, if you only spend your art supply budget to buy good, cotton watercolor paper, and not fancy brushes or paints, you will still be able to create masterpieces, because the paper will behave predictably and reliably with the water and pigments. You will be able to lift pigments when and where you want. You can add several washes of color to the same areas without severe warping or ruining the sizing. You can paint fine, hair's breadth details with smooth application or you can soften an abstract background with gradients and wet washes in beautiful patterns. You can use masking fluid (and not remove it for some time) and not have the paper tear when you do remove it, and on and on.
But to do that, you must have good watercolor paper. You simply must. When I finally coughed up the extra money to buy a pad of Arches 140# coldpress is when my artwork finally reached a level that I wasn't humiliated to have another person see my paintings. There are plenty of other brands of cotton rag paper that I understand are excellent as well, but few are at a pricepoint that would allow me to paint as a hobby. Arches manages to do that as well, at least right now. So, really, unless you are a professional artist, (and maybe even then) Arches is perhaps your best all around choice for a watercolor medium, and I can absolutely see how it rules all the discussion boards, youtube videos, and watercolor class discussions as the top pick for watercolor paper.
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Product information
| Brand | Arches |
|---|---|
| Color | White Natural |
| Material | Cotton |
| Sheet Size | 9x12 |
| Paper Finish | Watercolor |
| Product Dimensions | 12.21"L x 9.06"W |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Art, Watercolor, Painting |
| Sheet Count | 12 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | ARCHES |
| Unit Count | 12.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 340 Grams |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 03700417134806 |
| Item model number | A1795092 |
| ASIN | B086WSQV9H |
| Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,194 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing) #5 in Watercolor Paper |
| Item Weight | 12 ounces |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Date First Available | September 27, 2017 |
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The best watercolor paper on Amazon - to me.
I know it seems expensive, but it is worth it. To make it last longer, the first time I used it, I cut the paper into three inch squares from a 9x12 pad, to make mini paintings. Just an idea to start painting on quality paper.
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