Canson vs. Arteza vs. Strathmore - Comparing Cheap Watercolor Paper

Cotton paper is the gold standard for watercolor painting, but when you just want some cheap paper to practice with... what should you use? I put five different papers through a 5-part test to see which ones were the best!
*Correction: In the video, I said "wood pulp or cellulose." However, the two terms are not interchangeable. Cellulose is found in many plants, including wood AND cotton. So the papers I tested in this video are strictly "wood pulp" papers. :)
// GET OUR FREE WATERCOLOR SUPPLY GUIDE //
artsummits.com/watercolor-sup...
// MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO //
Arteza Expert: amzn.to/2YDh2w3
Arteza Premium: amzn.to/3AJhc2l
Strathmore 300 Series Watercolor: amzn.to/3ArYEDq
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media: amzn.to/2YDbS3y
Canson XL: amzn.to/3znT7gy
Contains affiliate links.

Пікірлер: 112

  • @shireenshort4013
    @shireenshort40132 жыл бұрын

    This was great! Thank you! (LOVED the Stop Making Mud class!!!)

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Shireen! We're so happy you enjoyed it 😊

  • @palfon4539
    @palfon4539 Жыл бұрын

    Have been using that Canson XL when I started watercolor painting and I am very happy to realize that I was not the reason why I never achieved the results I was expecting from following tutorials. Problem was the paper!!! 😃

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s surprising what a difference the paper can make!

  • @juilescieg

    @juilescieg

    21 күн бұрын

    same here. I just recently started with watercolor. And so far I thought, that the canson paper was my "good aquarell paper" :D Now I know, that I can use it up for not so important practice stuff.

  • @dawnss8913
    @dawnss89133 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this testing, it's great to know I have been using the best cheap paper for 45 years, lol

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    3 ай бұрын

    😄

  • @SuperCutealien
    @SuperCutealien3 ай бұрын

    I went right out after work ans got some Strathmore. Love it. Been practicing strokes for the last hour.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    3 ай бұрын

    That's great!

  • @nailinthefashion
    @nailinthefashion2 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! i'm poor and a beginner so i was really upset at the idea of paying like 5 bucks per project just to experiment with pieces that either i don't want to or simply can't sell. this takes a lot of the pressure off-- i actually had strathmore paper in a starter kit when i was in a class so it's funny it's the best! looks like they knew what they were doing putting those things together!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad it was helpful! Paper can make a big difference with watercolor!

  • @RendaJane

    @RendaJane

    Жыл бұрын

    Practice on cheap paper, and when you later get a piece of cotton, cut it up and do your favorites!!!!! It’s going to look better and be easier. It’s like learning to spin fire with a heavy rod, and borrow a lighter weight one. 🙏🏽

  • @nutmeg9892
    @nutmeg9892 Жыл бұрын

    Ahh one more thing. My favorite inexpensive paper.... I've been really happy with Fabriano Studio both hot and cold press when I use gouache. It can handle some wet washes, which I use in my backgrounds. It is a 25% cotton paper and is very resonably priced since you can get it in large packs.

  • @tararosin8613
    @tararosin8613 Жыл бұрын

    #1 Strathmore 300 series cold press 24 sheets(9x12) $13.00 Amazon; #2 Arteza premium cold press 32 sheets (9x12) $20.00 Amazon; thank you !

  • @SuperCutealien
    @SuperCutealien3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much. Been looking for something cheap for practice drills. Going to the store after work to get me a pad of strathmore.

  • @marykendrick4304
    @marykendrick43047 күн бұрын

    Very helpful. Thanks for your efforts. I do love my Arches NOT, though. But for experimenting, will haul out my Strathmore watercolor paper

  • @deborahbaker3177
    @deborahbaker31772 жыл бұрын

    Excellent comparison! Would love to see you do something similar with more expensive papers. All the options are overwhelming: cold press, hot press, blocks vs. sheets, natural white vs bright white....oh my!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    It can definitely be overwhelming! We're planning to do a comparison of higher end papers soon ☺️

  • @BunnyKramer
    @BunnyKramer2 ай бұрын

    The information you provide is so very useful! I’m totally signing up for your art summit!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you! ☺

  • @claudebernardin1096
    @claudebernardin10968 ай бұрын

    Canson gets a bad rap! I think it’s over all a buck a sheet at 18” x 24” yes it’s sensitive. Scratches easy. Spots easy. Lifts wonderfully!!! Surface - soft and satin like. Washes? Requires much practice. For good blends I use water spray spritz. Fresh pigments pre wet. Once area wet/ get to it!!!!! You have two minutes to get it down blend and walk away! It’s a finicky paper. It doesn’t stand up to over washes, scribing and such. I like it’s persnickety ways. Keeps me on my toes. Also it does weird wonderful things as pigments with white mixes get introduced to pure transparent washes but honestly, it’s like no other paper. It’s it’s own beast. And demands it’s respect. I started on it in 2013. Tired of ten and fifteen dollar price gauges per sheet. It held up through out 2013. I’ve never looked back! I’m on it now for ten years! And frankly... love it! I’ve painted over 2,000 paintings on it....sometimes 3 or 4 a day. Is it quirky? Sure is! So was arches! Especially the bad changes done with sizing on the 300 pound series and the whitening or darkening of 140 lb. just my two cents. I use a stiff ox hair fan brush, KingArt brushes, Daniel Smith paints. Warning don’t leave tape on canson longer than a day or two! It will tear. But gotta say - I could never afford my need to create daily if it wasn’t for canson.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    8 ай бұрын

    We know several artists that prefer to use Canson! It definitely has it's place 🙂

  • @anafziger1
    @anafziger12 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your experience with these watercolor paper possibilities.

  • @violetbee2857
    @violetbee28572 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for a thorough testing!

  • @Lisa_Rose
    @Lisa_Rose2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great demo! This was really helpful!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    😊

  • @dcorsetto
    @dcorsetto Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video! I had to laugh, I used to use Canson XL for watercolor and inkwash projects, but considered it my "trainer" paper because it was so tricky to deal with! (I mostly do wet on dry, illustrative/comics work.) I really like the Blick watercolor blocks, but I'm looking to branch out and try a wider variety. I'm surprised to see how many good reviews there are for the Strathmore; glad to see those positive reviews proven in a visual, thanks to your video. :)

  • @jamesgriffith8767
    @jamesgriffith876711 ай бұрын

    Thank You Art Summits

  • @lucianasser
    @lucianasser2 жыл бұрын

    Your channel is by far the best one when it comes to art and supplies. You make things very clear and concise, and you are great at explaining the concepts behind things. Thank you for taking the time to make this video! :)

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Luli! 😊

  • @rosezif
    @rosezif Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much it was a really helpful analysis 🌟✨

  • @pyoryxart3481
    @pyoryxart34812 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! I was amazed at how "colors" changed on different papers!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's amazing what a difference paper can make with watercolor!

  • @tp2387
    @tp23872 жыл бұрын

    Interesting. Thank you for doing this. I guess the answer is, it depends what you want from your paper - and, the watertercolour techniques you use. I'm going to keep this in a reference playlist.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, personal preference and technique plays a big factor in deciding what paper is best for you!

  • @Akash-qw3iu
    @Akash-qw3iu2 жыл бұрын

    thank you so much........this was very helpful

  • @joycesnodgrass7068
    @joycesnodgrass70682 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this information...it's very helpful.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    We're so happy to hear that!

  • @adele6592
    @adele65929 ай бұрын

    I have always used Canson, but I do wet on dry, so it’s been good, but I’m now wanting to try different techniques, so maybe will try Arches.

  • @debbiestrotz6917
    @debbiestrotz69172 жыл бұрын

    very helpful! Thank you!

  • @marmyyetter5674
    @marmyyetter56748 ай бұрын

    This was very helpful!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    8 ай бұрын

    I'm so glad!

  • @LotusMira
    @LotusMira2 жыл бұрын

    So helpful! Thank you!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    We're so glad you found it helpful!

  • @MarkusRitterandJudy
    @MarkusRitterandJudy2 жыл бұрын

    I still like Arches Cold Pressed 100% cotton 140 lb. It is expensive but if you search the web instead of buying at the local art store, you usually can save some money.

  • @dorothygladsjo3510
    @dorothygladsjo35102 жыл бұрын

    Daler Rowney mixed media works great!

  • @josemiddelhuis6902
    @josemiddelhuis69022 жыл бұрын

    Txs very much sincerely José

  • @panzerpatriot4920
    @panzerpatriot49202 жыл бұрын

    Strathmore mixed media did it not too bad indeed🤔 I think Canson Illustration paper might be close to it by its prestation. I'm now even more happier I own it, and should try using full watercolor techniques on it, instead of other media. Though I usually prefer using 100% cotton paper, there's something about earlier, cheaper, thinner (190gsm), and a bit yellowish water color paper by Cotman Winsor&Newton, which is unfortunately out of production :( Thanks for the video!✌

  • @margaretmakaltses7878
    @margaretmakaltses78782 жыл бұрын

    Carson is really good for ink.

  • @josephpatrow
    @josephpatrow2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for confirming Canson XL sucks for graded washes. I tried over and over without success, can see lines, very bad.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's not just you! Paper can make a big difference.

  • @kathyhackney7950

    @kathyhackney7950

    2 жыл бұрын

    No it does HOWEVER..the mixed media is great 👍 I promise. I tried the watercolor first and didn't dare try the mixed media foe the longest time because surely it wasn't better than its counterpart thar was designed specifically for watercolor but I finally caved bc I needed some poor paper I wouldn't feel precious about and its actually excellent imo 👌

  • @nutmeg9892
    @nutmeg9892 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the great comparison. For removing tape, using a heat gun or hair dryer first helps to release it from the paper. I use Canson XL sometimes for gouache and get no tearing when I use a heat tool first. I bet it would be the same for any paper that is prone to tearing. One thing I'm curious about is the Strathmore 300 because you mentioned you had an older pad of it lying around that you hadn't used in a while. I also have a few pads of very old Strathmore but I've heard people mention that they may have changed how they make the paper in recent years. I wonder if there would be a difference with the newer pads. I haven't tried the newer stuff becuse I've moved on to cotton papers for my watercolor and prefer a smoother surface for my gouache than the Strathmore has. Anyways, thank you again for the very comprehensive test. It wish I'd found a video like this when I was first starting out. :D

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    Жыл бұрын

    You're right, it's possible the newer Strathmore papers could behave differently. The sizing can deteriorate over time as well which could also affect the performance. However, as long as you've stored your paper in a neutral environment then more than likely it's still usable!

  • @TmarkN
    @TmarkN Жыл бұрын

    My favorite Watercolor Paper is Arteza Premium. (it's not really cheap though) it's beautiful paper. I also used the Canson and I love the texture of it but you're right it doesn't like a lot of water. I try not to do wet on wet with it but other than that it's great. I honestly hate the Strathmore paper and will never use it again. I had two different kinds of their watercolor paper and it decentigrates while painting. My Arteza Premium paper does great with the tape. The Canson does good but I remove it very slowly and normally don't have any problems.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your experience, Tony!

  • @krabfingers8473
    @krabfingers84732 жыл бұрын

    I got a little sad to see Canson's performance next to the others. I'm planning to buy cheaper 100% cotton papers because the popular ones are too expensive, but I want a cheap cellulose paper to do whatever I want with. I think I'll get Canson WC sketchbook and use it like a normal sketchbook. I will say the water-based markers work well on it (I already have a few loose sheets) since the texture is smooth.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    We were surprised by Canson's results as well!

  • @MersedessBens
    @MersedessBens Жыл бұрын

    Спасибо за обзор! Нефритовый зелёный 766 я бы себе взяла. Интересный.

  • @justv3289
    @justv32892 жыл бұрын

    Am I the only one that tapes my paper down with Scotch magic tape? (Green one) It works very well. It rarely tears the page and unless you’ve gone overboard with the water it doesn’t leak.

  • @user-lz1mf8cd3j
    @user-lz1mf8cd3j4 ай бұрын

    have you tried the Fabriano 1264, I wonder how it compares with the Strathmore 300

  • @claudebernardin1096
    @claudebernardin10968 ай бұрын

    I love canson xl!!!!

  • @nabeela2386
    @nabeela23862 жыл бұрын

    This was great. Could you do one for hotpress paper as well?

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great suggestion!

  • @joyj6702
    @joyj67022 жыл бұрын

    Thank you somuch.. lots of love for you n your work.. m beginner what you suggest?? N m so confused between acrylics n water wht u suggest for a beginner? Thank you

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Joy J! There are so many different things you can try out there, it can feel overwhelming! My first recommendation would be to start with what you have on hand. If you already have some acrylics or watercolors, try those first! The more you practice and experiment, the more your confidence will grow. Best of luck to you!

  • @serenityjewel
    @serenityjewel Жыл бұрын

    FYI for help with removing tape - either put the tape on your pants before applying it or run a hot gun over the tape before removing it. I thought the Arteza Expert performed the most similar to cotton paper.

  • @artistsart7462
    @artistsart74622 жыл бұрын

    canson A3 xl i need this but unfortunately it unavailable

  • @fdej51289
    @fdej5128910 ай бұрын

    If you blow the tape with a hot hairdryer ,you can avoid the taring of the paper completely , the heat softens the tape and does not harm the paper, when you remove the tape.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    10 ай бұрын

    Yes, this can help with paper that tears easily!

  • @selene4621
    @selene46212 жыл бұрын

    I am just starting with watercolour, I was just wondering what kind of paper could you recommend for use with Karim Brushmarker Pro ?:) Love this Comparison :)

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Selene! We love hot press watercolor paper for Brush Pens/Markers. It absorbs water well if you use that for blending but it has a nice smooth texture which tends to go better with brush pens than the rough texture of cold press. You could also use the Strathmore or other brand Mixed Media, especially if you don't plan to do a lot of layering/blending. Many lettering artists also love Rhodia pads for practice or finished pieces. It is super smooth but is much thinner than the other 2 I recommended. Hope that helps! 😊

  • @selene4621

    @selene4621

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ArtSummits Thankyou so much for the awesome friendly quick reply :) it helps heaps :D

  • @SuperCutealien
    @SuperCutealien3 ай бұрын

    Canson XL was my first paper. Not a fan. I still have a lot. Started using it for sketching.

  • @xknyght
    @xknyght Жыл бұрын

    You didn't have a Strathmore 400 watercolor paper, so I wonder if that would have performed better than the 300 watercolor.

  • @mayloo2137
    @mayloo21372 жыл бұрын

    I am not an artist. I buy what I can with my budget. My watercolor paper of choice is Canson. As long it's 140lb, I'm good. If you use mixed media paper, would you gesso it first? .

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi May Loo, Canson has been our go-to budget paper as well so we were surprised by the results of our comparison test! Applying gesso to mixed media paper could be a good option. I would be sure to apply the gesso to both sides of the paper. It would give you the option of creating interest with unique texture. Let us know if you try it out!

  • @Cre-Art
    @Cre-Art Жыл бұрын

    This is by far the best paper comparison I've seen (and I've seen quite a lot as I'm a newbie). It's a true test of each paper's characteristics because you fill the pages with paint instead of little daubs or splotches of wet on wet. Of the above, I own Strathmore 300 and 400, and, oddly enough, prefer the 300. But I will be testing others to get a feel for them as well. Thank you for this excellent demonstration..

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad it was helpful!

  • @Bloomkyaaa
    @Bloomkyaaa2 жыл бұрын

    You should have thrown in the god of all sketchbooks, the good ole canson mixed media!

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Maybe next time!

  • @zenmama979
    @zenmama979 Жыл бұрын

    The link for that supply file mentioned doesn’t work anymore. Are you able to update it? Thank you.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! Here's the updated link: artsummits.mykajabi.com/watercolor-tools-guide

  • @ivaneveux822
    @ivaneveux8222 жыл бұрын

    I wish you included Strathmore cold press 140 lb series 400 in this comparison.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    Since the 300 series performed so well in our tests, I would think the 400 series would be even better. While still pretty affordable, the 400 series is a fair bit more expensive per sheet than the 300 series so that is another thing to consider.

  • @ivaneveux822

    @ivaneveux822

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, series 400 does perform much better than 300, I tested it. But how would Strathmore 400 compare to the Arteza papers?

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ivaneveux822 We preferred the 300 series over the Arteza papers, so I think it would be reasonable to expect the 400 series to outperform them as well.

  • @Nickabod79

    @Nickabod79

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Strathmore Visual Journal 140 lb is made from their 400 paper. The 5x8 journal is my favorite practice sketchbook. I blow through one a month. Very inexpensive but GREAT for practice. Using it is not disheartening, unlike my experiences with Canson XL

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Nickabod79 Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

  • @HeavenlyBrujo
    @HeavenlyBrujo2 жыл бұрын

    Is Canson Heritage a good paper option? I've read reviews that is not reliable, sometimes is good and sometimes not.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    2 жыл бұрын

    I don't have much experience with Canson Heritage. Many times it really comes down to personal preference and the amount of water you use. If you are doing multiple layers of washes especially covering the entire sheet of paper, you may have trouble with the Canson pilling. Typically the more water & paint you use, the more essential it is that you use higher quality paper. Let us know if you try it out!

  • @HeavenlyBrujo

    @HeavenlyBrujo

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ArtSummits I was actually expecting you to tell me if it's worth the try to buy that paper

  • @LeiliMana

    @LeiliMana

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@HeavenlyBrujo your response to her long and detailed message is pretty rude. She told you what to look out for and that it comes down to your own usage and preferences. Look further for other review videos detailing about this specific paper but no one can tell you if you'll like this paper or not! Don't expect anything from other because no one owes you anything, be grateful for what you're getting and don't even start to get entitled! So rude

  • @landreeall

    @landreeall

    Жыл бұрын

    @@HeavenlyBrujo Actually was not rude he didn't know, and even more he became lost in the fog, yes he could say it better but just dont interpret it as bad. What you did was rude too, i mean dont expect anything from other, is that why you pressed this video?

  • @ladyhollman9534
    @ladyhollman9534 Жыл бұрын

    Fluid by SpeedBallArts … inexpensive and very good paper

  • @Fancyglasses2023
    @Fancyglasses2023 Жыл бұрын

    When taking up the tape, if you use a hair dryer and heat the tape you will have no problem taking the tape up.

  • @BT-be8rh

    @BT-be8rh

    Жыл бұрын

    Also take it off at an angle at the same time!

  • @maryellen9503
    @maryellen95032 жыл бұрын

    In my experience, I've had great luck with arteza expert, but also just using amazon for cheaper cotton paper. Even a 50% cotton is better than the wood stuff.

  • @bukopaudan

    @bukopaudan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Any favorites for the cheaper cotton paper?

  • @beckypelletier4908

    @beckypelletier4908

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd be curious to know what Amazon favorites you've found...

  • @LehTieKah
    @LehTieKah Жыл бұрын

    I'm brazilian, canson XL is already expensive paper for me 😭 it's like, 60BRL, its obscene. The Strathmore is even more expensive, it's like, 150BRL

  • @_tinypierrot_7193

    @_tinypierrot_7193

    Жыл бұрын

    Another Latin American here and same lol I bought the Canson XL because the other brands of paper I got were even worse and it was the cheaper one of the "best" they sell here ;-;

  • @ImeldaFagin
    @ImeldaFagin4 ай бұрын

    On the Arteza site it says their expert paper is 100% cotton.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    4 ай бұрын

    Arteza does have an Expert watercolor pad that is 100% cotton with a boat on the front, but the one we tested in this video with the bicycle on the front is not 100% cotton.

  • @ImeldaFagin

    @ImeldaFagin

    4 ай бұрын

    @@ArtSummits wow, that is very confusing.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    4 ай бұрын

    @@ImeldaFagin Yes 😆 it is! Generally, the paper cover will say clearly that it is cotton paper, otherwise you can assume it is wood pulp.

  • @Zar2244
    @Zar2244 Жыл бұрын

    I knew Strathmore would be the better

  • @ginabadeaux9319
    @ginabadeaux9319 Жыл бұрын

    you tube artists always push arches and talk bad about canson,ive been using canson xl for a few years yes the tape tears ,i lovec the beautifu art i make on canson ,they have been in business 500 years if im correct they must be doing something right ,the only way im buying arches if i decide to sell.

  • @kenl.3298
    @kenl.32985 ай бұрын

    Wish I'd seen this before buying the canson, I'm new to watercolor but I've been studying a lot of videos and was getting frustrated with how my paints were performing on the paper.

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    5 ай бұрын

    Having the right paper can make a huge difference! We find that Canson works best for pieces that use a minimal amount of water.

  • @CrAcKeDboy1
    @CrAcKeDboy18 ай бұрын

    Is mixed medis good for poscas?🙏

  • @ArtSummits

    @ArtSummits

    8 ай бұрын

    We haven't tried it with Poscas but you could definitely give it a try! Typically Poscas work best with smooth, thick, bleedproof paper such as Bristol, Mixed Media, or even hot press watercolor paper.

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