Bao Hong Paper has taken the world for its great value

I am new to watercolor and I found this comparison soooooo helpful. Not just because you steered me to a good starter paper, but mostly because you taught me what to even look for in terms of blending, durability, texture and smooth application. I would not have been able to articulate that list without your help. So - thank you very much. .

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@Brembelia

Жыл бұрын

I'm not new to watercolor, and I found this so very helpful; especially the pilling test. I've experienced pilling in the past but couldn't figure out why. Now I know. Hope you will do more of these comparisons on other art supplies, like brushes or various type (pound) papers and what benefits each offers. Thank you for a very enlightening video. 😊

@Karen_Tries

Жыл бұрын

Same! I instantly bought the gem crafts paper and haven’t looked back since!

God this explains so much why I sort of dropped out of doing watercolors- I've used most of these brands and I was always left super dissatisfied with the results and thought I was just horrible at painting. And your description of 'fighting the paper' vs 'gliding' was how I actually did feel about some of the brands.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Well hooray it wasn’t you!! Lol!! I hope you pop back into watercolors now :)

@Oozaru85

9 ай бұрын

Thats why you always need to learn the theory first. There's a reason why art needs to be studied, after all.

Finally someone focuses on just the paper. I'm a new painter and have a ton of questions and am reluctant to spend on poor products. Thanks for this presentation. You've cut thru the crap AND taught me techniques and concerns.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Oh I’m soooo glad this was helpful!!

@juliesczesny90

2 жыл бұрын

Paper, paint, then brushes, that's the importance I put on those art supplies. I went to paper supply, over to the stationary area, tested Strathmore cotton sheets for handwriting, Bristol paper, and hit the discount racks. They used to receive the giant Strathmore cotton sheets, cut them down themselves. That was my secret to be flush in art paper, at wholesale. I'd do similar with paint, see when the paint suppliers were visiting the art supply stores, (still do). And with brushes? Anyone ever realize that you can buy Kolinsky acrylic nail brushes for under $20, at nail supply shops? When we couldn't import, I discovered these ;) That led me down the rabbit hole to discover, that Brush manufacturers do indeed make Cosmetic brushes, with art brushes as a specialty section. Via talks with manufacturers, sales at stores, I've lost my anxiety over art supplies. Discovered if you ask, prices are always negotiable.

@realfingertrouble

Жыл бұрын

​@@juliesczesny90 yes I like my sable travel brushes, but my synthetics are almost as good, and way cheaper. Brushes are less of an issue. Paper was, my first works were on cheap paper and faded in front of my eyes....how I realised paper was SO important....probably most important lesson actually. You can skimp on paints, some of the mid-range student paints are really good, you don't have to use Old Holland :-) I mix between Winsor and Newton. Rembrandt, Lukas, Jackson's and a few Sennelier and St Petersburg paints (pre Ukraine!) - only one Daniel Smith colour - and usually find the cheaper Rembrandt paints from Royal Talens are almost as good, sometimes better. I've tried so many cheap and mid-range Cobalts and Cadmiums that I can't spot the difference! But paper - this can't be skimped on. That said there are some good wood pulp papers, but the stuff you find in pound shops or discount places (Flying Tiger, Poundland, The Works - UK shops but I expect there are US versions) is usually uttter dreck. That's what I (re)started with.The FT paper is good for swatches for palettes, that's all, or cheap Xmas card paper. I buy the imperial sheets of Fabriano paper when I can get them and cut them down :-) WAY cheaper than pads. :-)

@realfingertrouble

Жыл бұрын

Also I have used cosmetic trays as palettes and art-boxes - they are the same size, and have a few cosmetic brushes in my brush bag! And sash brushes, decorating brushes....more for ink/acrylic/oil, but you don't have to use 'art' brushes always :-)

There is no reason that a thicker paper would hold up better under scrubbing. You’re not scrubbing the thickness, you’re scrubbing the surface. It’s how the SURFACE holds up that you’re measuring. Personally I like Fabriano for cheap paper and I use a lot of mixed media paper. Tbh scrubbing isn’t something that I’d usually do, but most ALL good papers should be around 10 seconds. LIFTING on the other hand is important, and I find mixed media papers are great for that

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Okay thanks!!!

@jamesaritchie1

2 жыл бұрын

Thickness is a mistake I see all the time when dealing with fountain pens and dip pens. Bad paper is still bad paper, even if it's an inch thick. Unfortunately, many people don't realize this, and companies are all too ready to take advantage of them by making their bad paper thicker, and then putting blurbs and ads about how the paper has been improved. It's really common sense. Paper is not bad because it's think, and not good because it's thick. It's good or bad based on what it's made from, and how the manufacturing process is done. The most popular, bleed proof paper o in the fountain pen world is also the thinnest at only 52gsm. Some of the worst bleeds if a drop of moisture gets on it, even though it's 160gsm.

Other than beating the paper up and lifting, the Bee paper won for me. The art created on it looks AMAZING. Canson was also a good paper for final results. A few of the ones you selected didn't look so great when they dried and their flat washes were a fail. I was surprised you didn't mention it. Overall, I think the best paper is always going to depend on how the artist works so ultimately it's just trial and error.

@pamelaroderick6588

Жыл бұрын

I like Bee too but Arches of course is number one

@Oozaru85

9 ай бұрын

@@pamelaroderick6588 Baohong is good as well. And its cheaper.

@Jarrych83

4 ай бұрын

The Bee and the Gencraft are definitely overall the winners depending on minor preferences. I think I may be going for the gencraft for my 8 year old for that durability, but I agree with you about colors on the Bee paper! All things being equal, it's nice seeing the pros and cons with how some of these brands have good lines but not others and those "final five" are definitely a solid place to start.

@serenityjewel

4 ай бұрын

@@pamelaroderick6588 Nope, I don't like Arches.

New to watercolors and starting this new supply list - so thankful for this video!!

Thank you for this review. As a beginner, it's super helpful!

I just love how u show all addordable materials for us

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your recommendation for the best budget paper is awesome! Super-cheap yet durable, and the watercolor moves incredibly well on it. Huge win!

I just love how you help us who are struggling with watercolor!!!

Thanks for doing the hard work for us. Much appreciated!

@KristyRice

4 ай бұрын

You bet!

I’m learning much from you thank you! I’m very new to watercolor

Thank you SO much for this paper test! I really needed this! ♥️

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome :)

Loved this, Kristy! Thanks!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

This is SO helpful !! Thank you for sharing this !

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You bet!!

This is soooo helpful. Thank you.

Thanks, Kristy, for putting this together. I'm new to the watercolor journey and will give Gencrafts a try. Appreciate the time and effort you put into your content.

Just found your channel a week ago and this test is really helpful! Now I know why I've been frustrated as a beginner! Thank you!

Thank you for the comparison videos! They are extremely helpful and appreciated.

@KristyRice

10 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

@kristyrice my first order of your brushes and travel brush came today!! I ordered some ink so a bunch of littles in the neighborhood can come over and make cards for their moms! I am either in my closet doodling or I have all the kids in the neighborhood make something fun! You have soo inspired me! I ordered Mozart palate and I am so excited to add that to my gencrafts! Then with your brand after my newest set of brushes arrive!! I feel hope and excitement that was once fear and overwhelmed took my soul.. HERE WE GO!!!!!! Aloha- M 🤙🏽 Beach Bungalow Middle of the desert

I bought all my beginner supplies at 5 below and Michaels. Glad to know what I can upgrade to.

Valuable information. Excellent video. Thank you!

Omg I'm loving your watercolor brushes and I'm so proud to own them. Love n hugs to you 🥰

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

I like the bee paper because it doesn't lift. My technique isn't affected so much by the scrubbing test and I actually like a paper that can handle putting lighter washes over darker washes without lifting them. I absolutley hate canson XL, probably for the same reasons. It made me hate watercolor

You are great Kristy. I have learned so much from you

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad!

Thank you so much for doing this for us!!!

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure :)

Love your style❣️ I just ordered your brush set…so excited to incorporate my beginner strokes to paper. Can I say I love paper? I do 😱 it’s interesting how others teach watercolor but I have to say your visions are a quick fave for me. Your friend, 🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽Mia

I have a bunch of Gencrafts, the first paper I bought because of the price & before I knew I should be watching reviews about the paper before I bought it! Love it too, Thanks for making me feel brilliant!

This has to be the best video I’ve ever watched on paper by far. I love a.l the techniques you showed us. Very helpful!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Wow thanks!!

This is so helpful. Knowing why you chose the paper you chose makes it easier for us to decide what is best for us. I’m using the Canson XL because that’s what I heard was best for the budget. I am going to try the Gencrafts 😊

Thanks I have used Arteza which is expensive in Canada. I like Canson s Montval is very good practice paper. Thanks for doing all the work.

LOL. I just purchased the Gencrafts. I have never used it before, I am so pleased to know your opinion. That it was a good call. :) I purchased 2 pads online and I think it was a super deal. Thanks for sharing this information with us :)

Kilimanjaro from Cheap Joe's is my favorite cotton wc paper, and it's inexpensive. Stonehenge is also great and affordable. For non-cotton sketchbooks, I love Canson Montval Artist Series.

Thank you so much! For the last week I have been researching product reviews on every art supply site I could find in an effort to upgrade my day to day paper. Actually having a visual side by side with a range of techniques was exactly what I needed! With all of my paper purchase anxiety quelled I can get on with more painting! 🖌🎨😁

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

Sounds awesome!

The Arteza paper here seems to be the ‘Premium’ one. Sometimes they offer another still budget one, but costs a little more called the ‘Expert’ paper which I’ve had really good experience with, but at least in UK that seems to be hard to find at the moment! Arteza Expert is quite durable to overworking and one I really recommend a good value.

This was very interesting. Most brands I am not familiar with due to living in Australia. I would love to see how a more expensive paper looks and reacts to the paint, compared with the best beginners paper. It would help to know what to use as our painting improves. Thank you for your help in inspiring us to not give up mastering water painting.

@Grandma_Jizzzzzzzard

6 ай бұрын

Agreed on testing fancier paper! Especially for art destined to sell. Kristy is such a gifted teacher ❤

@CynicalSim

3 ай бұрын

Great idea!

Thank you! I'm currently using the Bee paper and I was just looking to try something new! Thank you!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you for this video. Just beginning to experiment with watercolors so I was clueless.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!!

AHA! I waited with bated breath for your choice pick & I had picked Gen Craft! I'm learning! Thank you SO much for this demonstration! ;):):)

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!!

the arteza looks interesting for going out and about with watercolour pencils and making quick dry sketches to wet and develop back at home. the rough texture will grate the pencil core so get lots of colour onto the paper.

Sooooo helpful…I had no idea where to begin choosing a paper or why…thanks so much. Again, you are delightful.

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Watched this and did some testing on the paper I picked up at Michael’s and I use it all the time. It’s called Artist’s Loft and it’s 90 lb 190 g/m2, cold press. It’s made in Italy, artist level 2. It warps with a lot of water, but the other tests look nice. Piling at 16 seconds as I counted using one 1,000 etc. For paint I used W&N Cotman. For me it works for what I’m practicing as a beginner. I will definitely try the Gencraft though! Thank you so much this tutorial was extremely helpful in getting to know how watercolor paper should behave.

@CynicalSim

3 ай бұрын

I tried the Artist's Loft 140 lb, and it held up well to the tests. I just use it to practice new techniques, or to make greeting cards with.

Thx for the review! I ordered the Gencraft, but I'm really liking 1264 Fabriano. A 9x12 30 sheet block cold press for $6.99 at Jerry's. It has a more standard finish.

Artist’s Loft is another very good budget paper. Generally 28 sheets, Level 2, made in Italy, and when on sale it’s usually buy 1 get 1. I’ll definitely give Gencrafts paper a try.

I'm all new just buying paper for the first time so this is good information thank you.

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I am so glad I found your channel! I have attempted to watercolor soooo many times throughout the years and it never works out. I've watched tutorials and comparisons and tried to do so much research, but nobody explains and teaches as well as you! I'll be bingeing all your videos and getting out all the watercolor supplies to try again. Thank you!

@KristyRice

11 ай бұрын

Appreciate your words so much! So glad you're here!

I gotta try Bee paper. Lifting isn't an issue for me, as I really don't do it much. My priorities are more how smoothly the paint blends, how vibrant the colors look, and how well they layer. :)

I'm glad you mentioned you are looking at the Amazon USA Prices. Here in Canada, the exact same paper is $43.42 PLUS $4 delivery whereas in the USA it's $17.97. So crazy that it's a $29.45 price difference.

Love how you narrated what could be a boring topic into a very interesting presentation. Canson XL is my go-to paper (used to practice all manner of acrylic paint pouring techniques) since I began this technique in 2020. Previously, I had always used Strathmore 300 for acrylic practice. I'm not hard on paper except I tend to add embellishments of all sorts after it dried/b4 curing occurs -- but to factor for that and prevent crackling & buckling I add a few drops of GAC 800 to each paint, and also after piece gets to dry to touch stage, I press pieces between a 20" x 20" piece of 3/8" dry wall to help absorb moisture. I've not had any paper fails despite the voluminous use of paint that pouring techniques that I use call for to pull the pigments and binders to produce cells, lacing and clouds, and my favorite, marbling. I also use another 140#, cold-pressed 9" x12", thick paper from Master Touch, I believe, bought at Hobby Lobby in Lakewood, CA that was even a better experience than Canson XL Mixed Media 140#, cold-pressed discussed above. Doesn't buckle. But it was a brand name not as "popular" so I didn't continue using it despite my own good experience. I'm rarely influenced by the crowd in choices/preferences, but here I was a newbie at a stressed time (Pandemic) and it's taken some time and a lot of studying over this last 3 years to learn as much as I have about all the various aspects of abstract fluid art. Thx for your help on my journey!

First off I want to say that I love your videos, and totally purchased your brushes months ago. I finally pulled it up on my phone so I could comment because you’re the first person to speak of my secret love Gencrafts paper. Normally, you’re on the tv making me feel much better about my paint addiction. I discovered the Gencrafts paper like 4 years ago, and thought I was the only one who knew it’s secretly the best cheap paper. I swatch all of my hoards of paint on that paper and happily abused it with large personal projects. I finally used my fabriano 25% cotton yesterday and I was not impressed (I never fought a paper with daniel smith and white nights paint until fabriano), and I’m sad because I bought a ton on sale to save my strathmore 500 (really good imo), bee, and arches (never used my hoard of that). The arteza expert is really good, too. Canson is terrible imo. Once I leveled up and tried it again after using other paper, I gave all of the watercolor pads and books i had of it away because you can’t paint anything good with it. Believe it or not, the master’s touch mixed media pads take paint lovely (the strathmore 300 series mixed media doesn’t). Also, the bee 100% is ok, but never get the cheap bee watercolor, when i say I was very disappointed and almost got some canson vibes.

I’m between GenCrafts and Amazon Basics based on my needs. Thanks for all this great info! Super helpful!

Omg! Thank you so much for this video! I am a beginner however have always done art and managed quite the collection of art supplies. Sat done to play with Bienfang (?) to lazy to go look in my studio ....paper. It was awful! Did everything you don’t want from pilling to no movement! I thought it was Me! I love your books and videos! Thank you!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you for saving us a lot of money. I'm with you about Canson, and Arteza: ferget about it!!! I'll give Gencrafts a try next time I need to buy paper but you've almost guaranteed a price increase with this video, lol. TYFS

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Ha gosh I hope not!!!

Something new, yeah! So I had not heard of Gencrafts but have order some and eager looking to see how it compares with my loving standard Canson. Thank you again for a beautiful professional video, for sharing your valuable time and ideas and for you wonderful love of life and painting. A great way to start my day off.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I love watching you because you or so honest.an i love your painting! An you explain good an you take your time to explain ❤😅

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I have been using Canson but as a beginner, I didn't know how well it would perform until I was doing a wash and the paper practically disintgrated , very disappointing. So I started using Arches, but being a beginner still, 12 sheets for the money was hurting me a bit. So, I will try GenCraft. I don't mind paying a little extra. I want to use two kinds of paper one for practice and one for creating, whatever that may be. Thanks so much for this video it is extremely helpful!

I just wanted to add-I am using GenCraft 100% cotton paper. Although right now it’s about the same price as Arches, when I got it a few months ago, it was a lightning deal, about $13. Would love to see you try this because I’ve seen it on other sites for $15-17 for 20 sheets; still less than arches.

Thanks for the extensive research!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome!

I agree with vision & bee and couple of others as to quality... I learned on Strathmore, find Canson XL useful for practice and bookmarks. Would like to hear your take on Canson 100% cotton (which I have put in and removed from my basket on Amazon 3X due to unknown quality and high price LOL). I like the Strathmore 500 but lately the price is 😝. I think a person gets used to quirks of their paper & brushes but for me, pilling is a deal-breaker. Good vid. Thanks !

Love this! Very helpful!

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad!

I found this very interesting. So today I did similar testing on the Canson XL Mix Media paper that I have been using and the Bee Mixed Mesia paper that my daughter bought. The Canson in my mind scored better: the wash went on dark and with less effort, the wet on wet weren't much different with both colors just sitting there, scrub tests were low at 6 and 5 using a splayed worn-out brush, Canson blended better while the original paint on the Bee paper tended to be lifted when layering, heavy wash was smoother on Canson, and Bee did beat out Canson on lifting color, but it works on both papers. Bee has a much smoother finish. Then I paint on the Bee paper and struggled to layer the paint, though the smoother surface is nice for fine details. My daughter says it has to be thoroughly dry to paint over the Bee. the Bee paper was much lower priced than the Canson for bigger paper and more sheets. .

This showed up in my feed and even tho it’s a year old, I really enjoyed it. I’m trying out the winner of your contest next time I buy paper. Thank you.

@KristyRice

Ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

I'm teaching a beginner's wc class at "camp" this summer. I found that Prang semi moist wc pans and Grumbacher wc paper give some amazing results $8 for 30 sheets. It warps a bit while painting but flattens out nicely when dried. The texture is a little funky but gives the painter a success with vibrancy and movement. Starting with rainbow wet in wet so they can start with joy in their heart. Credit will be given! ❤❤❤❤❤❤🎨

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Great tip!

@americasblackwhitehouse1550

Жыл бұрын

I have also found Prang watercolor pans to be my go to for newbies on a budget or children as it is a great budget watercolor set. So many lose interest with other sets that are substandard and do not perform as watercolor should.

Omg thank you so much for this!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Of course!!

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make this for us! I found your paint palette interesting the way the wells are formed. Can you share what brand that is?

I am new to the watercolour painting, never really try to create art with it, and I just used Canson paper and for me I wouldn’t recommended to beginners . I might try some that you recommended. Thank you some much for your reviews ❤

For me, and my personal style and needs, Fabriano Studio and Fabriano 1264 are the best budgets for me, along with Baohong Artist grade and their Academy paper. Because with my style I prefer using more moist style watercolors and I use them in a very controlled way and a lot of mixed media with them, so I prefer hot pressed paper. And for me, Fabriano budget lines and Baohong have been affordable and their hot pressed options have been incredible. I still do light washes and sometimes I love to play with granulation and lots of water, but I mostly do portraits and character design. I have some sketchbooks from Hahnemuhle, both academy and professional, and they’re VERY affordable for their price range. And they’re very ink and wash, mixed media and controlled technique friendly. The paper is excellent but also doesn’t break the bank. They also have toned tan and gray watercolor paper sketchbook options. I prefer to do studies in a sketchbook and then spend a bit more for higher quality paper for my more serious “pieces”. There’s options for everyone, every budget, every style.

I love the new pallet, sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I got carried away playing.

Thanks for this helpful video. As a newbie, I’ve been trying different papers and have been surprised at the differences, but wasn’t sure if my inexperience was the issue more than the paper. Ha. I haven’t tried your top pick yet, but that will be next. I bought a Gencraft metallic palette and love them.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad to hear it!

Loving this!!!!

@KristyRice

9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

So helpful, thank you!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!!

Thank you! I need all the help I can get! I have lots of Strathmore 300 because it is recommended by Art Impressions stamps. My journey began with rubber stamps and Tombo watercolor markers on the 300 paper. I have been happy except there seems to be a lot of fading with the markers. I am just starting with “real” watercolor because of your videos. Inspiring to say the least! I have just received your joy brush set and spiral bound book (love!). I am waiting on Academy paper to arrive. But perhaps I’ll try the Gen Craft for practice. I do believe quality art supplies make a difference and I’m worth it!

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

Goodness!!! So happy to see you here :)

I always block my paper at the start. It doesn't stop all the warping but it sure cuts it down quite a bit regardless of which brand you use. And I say this as someone that blocks Bristol board so they can paint with gouache on it. My only problem is I go through a TON of blue painter's tape. lol

This is the first time I have commented on u you tube. I just had to let you know that I purchased the Gencraft paper from Amazon and tried it this morning and am truly amazed. I use Arches, Bockingford, Saunders Waterson and homemade paper. This paper behaved as well as my 100% cotton paper. It does everything my premium papers do! Kind of weird texture, but it dries fine. I even overworked one part, and it still looked OK. I a will to try and send a photo. Thank you! Glazing was fine, wet-in-wet blended well and lifted beautifully. Keep up you great work and thank you. Lin Tav

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

I am so happy you were pleased with it :)

Thanks for this review it was very enlightening!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I was up at 4 am this morning so I watched this video. My experience with Canson XL was similar. I had thought I would try Strathmore next, maybe not.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

Muchas gracias por este video!!! Me sirvio mucho para decidir que papel comprar, me encantan tus videos, enseñanzas y comentarios , gracias!!!!!

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

Thank you so much! This is so helpful!!

@KristyRice

Жыл бұрын

So glad to hear :)

I have used Gencraft 100% cotton paper and I had nice results from it.

I was able to get a decent water color palet with over 12 colors. two 4 large canvases a set of decent brushes and a drawing notebook for 30 dollars at the store five below. I used all canvases and still have alot of paint in my pallets. great buy.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

I just go for the cotton paper. Buy it in large sheets and make into a sketchbook so I can paint on both sider. I do use some cheaper paper when I know the technique I'm using allows for it: Canson Montval, Fabriano Studio, Dealer Rowney, Hahnehmule.

Canson XL is FANTASTIC for mixed media, but you are correct, it's a little deficient for straight watercolor work. Using an M.Graham Blue for your lifting test is a little unfair though--they are notoriously pigment-dense, and blues are some of the most staining pigments made--if any paper lifted this even a little, that's a HUGE plus for the paper...

New to your channel. ❤ your voice is calming and singsongy. I’m willing to give your paper pick a try. I really like arches. I like the texture and I feel like it holds up better than your sample showed, But that might be just because I like using lift.

Strathmore makes a 500 series that is 100% cotton. . Walmart used to sell it. When they quit carrying it they put it on clearance. I bought several 8x10" and 3x9" travel pads and 5x8" travel journals at fantastic prices. I guess you can still find it online.

Thanks for this. I really like Fluid hot press paper and want to try their cotton paper. Both are reasonably priced. I've just started adding cotton watercolor paper into my practice. I have the Paul Rubens and the Strathmore 100 % cotton sheets. I actually like the Canson XL even as a beginner basically because I have no idea what I'm doing and I"m not going for anything specific and I like the weirdness. It keeps me from working so stiffly and tentatively. Also, weirdly, I found my Albrecht Durer WC pencils sucked on the cotton paper and were super rich and pigmented on the Canson. I found some random, weird watercolor paper that has a similar texture to the Arteza and it's definitely a no from me.

@lauramc1622

Жыл бұрын

Have to say.. fluid is my go to for a more affordable paper!

Bee Paper is my absolute favorite for how I use watercolors - this was a great review though, as I’m starting to play around with different techniques.

Hobby lobby watercolor paper is not bad for practice/sketching. Super cheap on 50% of week. Some of the sheets in the pad might have spots where the sizing isn't in spots,but that fairly rare anymore. Still worth the price. Wayyyy better than canson xl

@jamesaritchie1

2 жыл бұрын

Well, I don't think it's nearly as good as Canson XL, but I can see how you would think that if you use it constantly. Thisd, in fact, is why I think it's a horrible idea and a massive mistake for beginners to use cheap paper. It can slow down progress by years, and it can mean you won't even know what is and isn't quality paper because you've adjusted your style to bad paper. Beginners need very high quality paper at least as much as pros do, and maybe more. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and buy the best in any field, even if doing so hurts like crazy. Putting money ahead of quality is fine if your goal isn't to reach the highest level possible, but if you do want to climb as high as you possibly can, you really need to put quality ahead of money.

Loved the video, I recently got a couple of pads of artistro paper on an Amazon deal and I have been pretty satisfied with it. I've done some swatches and made some bookmarks with it.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@angelaa5521

2 жыл бұрын

@Mary DeVivo I've been eyeing up the Artistro brand paper as well... was actually curious as to how good of a paper it was. Thank you for this comment!😊

I just checked the price of gencrafts in Canada… 38 dollars and change for one 60 sheet pad of a4! Craziness. Going to stick with Canson XL for my practice paper. Nice review though… if I’m ever in the US I’ll try and grab some.

I love Bee marker paper so I would definitely consider it. I’d still concider it considering it’s cotton, I’d worry about acid content.

This was a great video. Thanks for this. I have been painting for 9 years in watercolours and can’t stand student grade paper. But now that I am teaching beginners I needed a good student grade that did not frustrate them and did not break the bank... I failed them with fabriano as that stuff is useless! Winsor and Newton has a student grade that is far superior, but not cheap. Arches 9x12 pads keep escalating in price so no longer $1 a sheet for high quality 100% cotton sadly. King art makes a sweet little paper that I have had good results with but it buckles like mad. Don’t get me started on Canson and its junk... so thank you for this new paper to try. Bee paper also failed me years ago so sad. Great idea for beginners.

@nadinesawtell3267

2 жыл бұрын

You need to work dryer with the King art paper. It’s nice to work with but you need to control the water

At the moment all I have is the Canson XL & it came in second but have found all water color paper acts differently & used Gencraft paints but never their paper! Ty!!

Really~! Thank you for this!!

Thanks for sharing!

Oh wow thanks for sharing this information with us. I have not heard about GenCraft Paper but I will definitely be on the lookout for it. I have been using the Canson XL Paper 9”x12” side wired bound for 3 years now since starting watercolor painting and I’m really pleased with the results I get. Thanks for sharing the details and results of each of these.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

In general Canson XL does the job :)

@colleenmcchesney1482

2 жыл бұрын

@@KristyRice That’s great to know too.

The Canson XL is suppose to do better with the dye based liquid watercolor, vs the liquid watercolors on cotton. I would love to see you test that if you happen to have some of the liquid watercolors on hand.

@KristyRice

2 жыл бұрын

Oh interesting :)

Great videos. You ROCK!

@KristyRice

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thank you for the very informative video. As a card maker I often use a variety of inks as well as watercolor. Would dye or pigment inks perform in a similar way as your watercolors on these papers? I'd prefer an all purpose watercolor paper for ink blending, color washes, etc.