Best Watercolor Paper
Between its portability and
beauty, it's no wonder that watercolor is one of the most beloved mediums for
artists. And while choosing the right set of paints and brushes is important
for watercolors, finding suitable paper is just as vital to the creative
process.
Do you need help finding the best
watercolor paper for your artwork? There are a couple of things you'll want to
consider before you make your choice. For instance, deciding which format you
want the paper in will have an effect on your experience. Loose-leaf paper is a
convenient choice for experimenting techniques, as you can buy sheets one at a
time and cut them down smaller.
However, purchasing blocks may be
better if you're inclined to travel, as the packaging protects the paper from
bending or tearing. Similarly, pads of paper are a popular choice to have in
the studio as it is easy to remove the paper when needed.
Arches paper is a favorite among
watercolorists, calligraphers, and other artists. They are made in France with
100% cotton fiber and make the perfect canvas for vibrant and long-lasting
paintings. All of their paper is acid-free, pH-neutral, gelatin-sized, and
air-dried.
If you're a student or an artist
looking for a value watercolor pad, then Canson's XL Watercolor Pads are some
of the best. It features 30 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) student-quality paper
that is an ideal surface for watercolor and mixed-media work.
Another great value pad for
beginning watercolorists and students is the Bienfang pad. At an economical
price, it provides 15 sheets of 90 lb (243 gsm) paper that are perfect for
refining techniques and creating practice paintings.
Winsor & Newton Professional
Watercolor Blocks includes 20 archival-quality sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) paper
that have an ideal surface for displaying the natural transparency of
watercolor. This paper is available in cold press, hot press, and rough
finishes.
The name Sennelier is synonymous
with high quality, and their watercolor blocks are no different. Made of 100%
cotton, this paper is acid-free and 140 lb (300 gsm). It is available in a
variety of unique sizes that are perfect for landscapes and portraits alike.
If you want paper that's a shape
other than a square or rectangle then Yupo‘s round pad is an ideal choice. Each
pack contains 10 sheets of 74 lb (200 gsm) paper that are all waterproof,
non-absorbent, and extremely durable with a smooth surface.
Another staple brand in the
watercolor world is Grumbacher. Their pad of paper includes 12 sheets of 140 lb
(300 gsm) cold press watercolor paper that is perfect for wet and dry lifting
techniques. It includes a cover that can easily fold out of the way as you
work.
Fabriano is an established brand
known for its high-quality art supplies. Their watercolor paper is machine-made
in Italy from 25% cotton and 75% alpha cellulose. This combination creates a
surface that feels like 100% cotton rag at a much lower price.
Instead of buying a pad or block
of paper, you can also purchase a large sheet of paper and cut it down to your
needs. Blick Student Watercolor Paper is economically priced for students and
beginner painters. It is 90 lb (243 gsm), making it ideal for practice work.
Have you ever heard of black
watercolor paper? That's because Legion Stonehenge Aqua Black Paper is the
first of its kind. One pad includes 15 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) black
watercolor paper that is pH-neutral, acid-free, lignin-free, and chlorine-free.
Margherita Cole is a
Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern
California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from
Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth
University in the UK. When she’s not writing, Margherita continues to develop
her creative practice in sequential art.