A Guide to choosing the best paper for Watercolour by Paul Clark
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Which paper should you use? - this guide will take you through all you need to know about choosing the right paper for the way you want to paint.
Website:
www.artbypaulclark.co.uk
Paul Clark Series Brushes:
www.artbypaulclark.co.uk/mate... 
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This is the best watercolor painting channel on RUclips I've come across. You are so good at making sure not to leave out little details, that other instructors assume you know, or forget to cover or brush over. Thank you so much. Also, the paintings are beautiful and professional looking.
Thank you so much 😀 - that's very good of you to say!
I actually would love an 8 hour documentary on watercolour paper 😂
Lol! - on it's way!
A well known Papermill with Tradition, since 1584 is Hahnemühle in Germany. Contrary to Arches and Waterford , who both use Gelatine as their sizing, Hahnemühle don't use animal products for their paper and might be interesting for those, who care about those things. 😀
Thanks for the info Annette.
I love the Hahnemühle Expression paper. A very affordable 100% cotton , 300 gsm paper. A 20 sheets block in 24 x 30 cm costs about 15 €.
If buying from a warehouse each imperial size sheet should have the 'Circle Hen' watermark in the corner .
To be honest, the quality of Hahnenmühle can't match those which were mentioned in the video. At least, that's my experience.
Wow, that’s put me off Arches. Thanks for the info.
Your video never wastes a single second of it paul... I really have to say this... You've covered everything about paper in this video... I've seen so many watercolor paper videos ... Some of them misses the sizing( suffered from bad sizing of different papers in the beginning when i started😞 ) part or some misses the buckling part... The way you made this video is so organized and is commendable... .. You also have a special talent of explaining to the exact point in a very few words🙌.....
That's really kind of you Pranjal - You're never sure if you're going in the right direction with these videos as it all fairly new to me so comments like this really help.
Not to mention the humour! :-)
I’ve just bought your book. You write like you speak which is so refreshing. No heavy tedious descriptions. Perfect. Thank you
Wow, thank you Rosie - delighted to hear you have my book - hope you enjoy it!
@PaulClark A book?! What is this book you speak of?! I must get it! BTW, I’ve been watercolor painting for 46 days now. I am specializing in WW2 military aviation. My first five were semi-loose, my latest one is a line and wash. I’ve determined that is the style that best fits my subject matter. Absolutely love all your videos and thank you for producing them. Cheers from Nashville, Tennessee. 😉
@Don olea it's called Watercolour
(techniques and tutorials for the complete beginner)
Thank you for all your wonderful videos. I started trying to teach myself watercolor painting in January, at age 72. Very soon after starting I came across your videos. I have done all but three of the videos thus far, they have helped me tremendously. There are some that I have tried over and over without much success, but I will continue to try. The ones I have the most problem with are the ones that are somewhat abstract such as the ‘rainy city streets,’ Poppy Fields, Spring Scene’ ones like that. Since watching your videos I have started using Arches paper and Daniel Smiths paints, both of which made big improvements in my attempts. Again, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your book and your videos. Thank you
Thanks so much and so pleased to help in your watercolour journey Lynn!
I could listen to you all day! Loved the humor and you covered everything so wonderfully! Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
I started off with W H Smith's paper. Then I discovered Arches and realised I'd never use another brand of watercolour paper.
Hi Simon - yes agree, it takes a lot to beat it!
While I can't afford Arches just now, I do remember WHS watercolour paper having the Bockingford logo when I started painting some 12 years ago. It no longer carries that logo and is now a very poor substrate for watercolour. I no longer buy it, preferring Saunders Waterford high white 425gsm.
That's because you never tried Hahnemuhle, Collection, Hahnemuhle Cezanne or Hahnemuhle Mould made sheets. Arches is a bit overrated and that's facts. These are THE best of the best, both in terms of quality and performance.
I've tried them all. I like Arches but also enjoy Fabriano Artistico and Saunders Millford.
This was the best video I’ve seen on watercolor paper
Thanks Yes - so pleased it was helpful!
Sorry ... I meant Bes! - damn auto correct!!!
I’ve tried Cuthbertson Dinglydell Rough and found it overrated!
I think the monks haven't got their act together!
What a great video! I've been learning watercolor painting; wasn't really getting it, so I'm taking a class to learn the basics. The instructor is NOT teaching the basics! She says, "buy this, don't buy that," but doesn't explain what makes a good paper, brush, or paint. This is the first video I've watched by Paul Clark. Not only is he not boring (and he's extremely good looking!), but the information is to the point and very helpful! I'm definitely going to be mentioning him to the other frustrated students in my class. Thank you so much, Paul!
That's lovely to hear - and thanks so much for spreading the word!
Saunders waterford 300lb is my absolubte favourite, I wouldn't be without it!
Yup, that's a great paper!
I'm a super beginner and have found your tutorials VERY helpful and enjoy your way of presenting your experience and talent. Thank you for making by beginners journey so helpful Val K (USA)
Today is the day when I found your channel and I will remember this day. Greate tutorials, fantastic paintings, beautiful soul.
Wow, thank you Anjuta - thank you so much and welcome!
Thank you, Paul, for another brill video !
As Brucie would have said,…”You are my favourite !” 😂😂🤗🤗
Glad you enjoyed it
Living in Belgium,between France and Germany, I use mainly Arches and Hahnemuhle paper (well, might be coincidence 🙂 ).
Arches is not cheap, but even being a semi-beginner watercolor fanatic, I find it more than worth while.
Hahnemuhle has a large range of different types watercolor papers. I did not try them all yet.
Even the cellulose kind works for me when painting detailed objects, and is not expensive.
A few months ago being a beginner I judged brands of paper too quickly, not realizing within a brand sometimes different varieties exist ( not talking about hot and cold pressed etc)
So little time, so much to learn 🙂
Belgium also, Antwerp. I recently got Baohong paper, they have the academy version(student quality) and the master's choice (artist quality 100%cotton).
I recently got the latter in their roughest form on a block. I did get a testpack also. They have a pack with 9 loose sheets. 3 hot press, 3 cold press, 3 rough cold press.
Got mine at lucas creativ (they also have a webshop).
I agree, Arches is not cheap at all! That is why I tried to find an alternative. So far I am content of Baohong ^^ you may want to give it a try if you like.
Don't know if it is standard though, but when I got my testpack, it came with a leaf shaped boning knife to get your paper off the block without damaging the paper underneath ;)
You'll find what you love and you'll only get better and better ^^ good luck on your journey!
@@Dao_Tui I know 🙂! I just tried a block of Baohong rough. Really nice ! Thanks !
Good resume of papers Paul. I’ve been painting since 2014 and recently bought some Bockingford loose sheets. I couldn’t achieve a satisfactory wash but my more experienced friend found no difficulty! I then bought some Fabriano Artistico (same weight 390 gsm) and I had no problems. So I think that 100% cotton paper is much better for less experienced water colourists.
Thank you so much for this video, Paul! I’ve been painting for five years and this is the first video I’ve seen in which there is an explanation of what the pound designation means on watercolor paper. Also, I really appreciate you saying that we don’t need to use a super high-quality paper when we are beginners if we are just practicing our brushstrokes and washes. This was a super helpful video and I plan on sharing it with my friends. Thank you for all you do on your channel!
Glad it was helpful Nancy!!
Thank you Paul, this was very informative. I learn from and enjoy all of your videos.
So helpful Paul! Thank you!
Hi Paul, you are a well of knowledge and your artwork is amazing. Thank you for sharing your expertise in this platform and for inspiring us. I'm new at watercolor and after watching so many artists, you have become one of my favorites to learn from. I look forward to practicing along.
My pleasure Christina and so pleased you've joined us! - warning though! - watercolour can get very addictive!!!
@@ArtbyPaulClark Oh I know, I'm already hooked and it's all I can think about nowadays. Everything I see around me, it's all about colors, shades and lights and how would I want to paint them.
I finally understand paper options, how to stretch paper etc. Have tried to read up on these topics but your video has surpassed all reading in terms of really helping me to understand. Your book has been ordered and is winging its way to me right now. Once again, thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and enjoyment of making art!
Awesome! Thank you Debbie!
I've heard about the need for stretching paper from other tutorials. Your explanation and demonstration were very helpful. Thanks for explaining the various paper types.
Thank you for this wonderful video Paul! Fantastic info as always. Love your tutorials - you are such an incredible, inspiring teacher. Thank you thank you thank you 😀
My pleasure!
These are by far the best watercolour teaching videos. Very thorough!
Wow, thank you!
I have been following you for a little while now and wanted to say how impressed I am with your teaching skills and watercolour knowledge! I took art lessons 15 years ago, both drawing and watercolour, but watercolour is my true love ❤ Practice is the key and boy have I wasted paper, so I always buy cheap for practice and quality for final art pieces.
I love Arches, probably my top pick, but also Fabriano Artistico and for florals, hot-pressed Hahemuehle, which is wonderful.
Keep those videos coming, I have learned such a lot, still need practice with using the old credit card though 😁
Thanks so much Gerry for your great comment - it's much appreciated!
Paul, you are a great teacher - and as someone wrote before me: I wish I had discovered you at the time I started Watercolor.
I discovered your channel only recently and I have already watched a lot of your guides. It is clear, professionnal, very informative and very entertaining. You have helped me making a lot of progress! Many thanks!
Welcome aboard! - and many thanks!
One of my favorite papers I would recommend to students was “Canson 100” 300 pound dual sided rough/smooth and internally sized.
While I and my students found this to be a very versatile and forgiving paper, I have heard that other people have found this paper to be challenging.
Still, I have a fair supply of this paper and still enjoy using it.
Thanks for the info 😁
This has to be the best and clearest explanation of watercolour papers I've ever seen. How I wish I'd known all of this when first having a crack at watercolour! My experience was so dispiriting, I gave it up. I have recently re-started. I use a cheaper reputable paper for practising but oh boy! Like you, I am in love with Arches! Unfortunately, expensive but imo, just can't be beat, for me, at any rate. I also can't believe I hadn't come across your channel until today. Very glad I found it and thank you most sincerely for such clear instruction and sharing your talent and experience with us. Greatly appreciated!
My pleasure Susan - and a big welcome!!!
Thank you, Paul!
thank so much i been looking for this subject on the paper for some time being a new painter ,and you have explained it real well
Glad to help Tom
I was going to ask you this question and am so glad you answered it! I just bought some pulp paper for practice so glad you agree I made the right choice. Thank you
Thank you Paul for this! I'm self taught and am learning a great deal from your videos! Thank you for taking the time to help all the ppl you reach, you bring encouragement and enthusiasm as well as the wonderful knowledge and understanding if our craft!
I've learn d so much and enjoy the anticipation of every new video! Blessings!
Ps. Got your book this week!
Glad it was helpful! and thanks for buying my book too!
Hello Paul, one of my favorite watercolor paper, besides arches is Hahnemuhle cold pressed 100% cotton, 300gm, 140lbs paper. It handles very well with blending, color removal and such. Thanks
I agree. I like this paper, especially the block 12x16". Lifting is sometimes an issue for me, so I apply Winsor and Newton Lifting preparation.
Thank you! I have always used Arches, always stretched my paper and always had difficulty lifting my paint. Maybe I just don’t use enough of water , ( I do not paint loosely), but after 30 years, maybe I should forgive myself for that and try this “lifting “ aid. I also just read today that hahnemuhle lifts a little easier. Sometimes we try the same thing over and over instead of trying a different solution. Also I had a friend say to me “ I want to paint like you”. I said “ That is funny, because I want to paint like all these people I see online.
Joyce
I like your straight forward way of teaching with touch of humor. Thank you.
Cheers JA!
I just bought your book, still waiting for it! I haven’t been painting for a long time so any good advice is welcome! Thanks so much for all your good videos, it is really much appreciated! 😊🙏🖌️🖼️
So pleased to hear somebody finally pronounce Arches correctly!! Loving your videos Paul,, wish I’d found you ages ago.
Welcome aboard Sarah! - oh, yeah, needs to be pronounced correctly!! 👍
Since the company Arches is located in France, it is not exactly the way a french person would pronounce the name but it would be exactly how an english person would pronounced it. haha.
@@louisech1963 but at least he doesn’t pronounce it like the Americans do (not sure how I can write it but as if you were saying railway arches if that makes sense?). How would a French person say it then?
for the first 12 months of my watercolour journey, I used heavy duty 2000 wall lining paper...not great, but so cheap that you can paint and paint without any worries about cost or waste. About £8 for a 20 metre roll from amazon
Hi Tom, Thanks for sharing! - It's a good point, when starting out and simply practicing your washes and brush strokes there is no point using expensive watercolour paper.
I still use lining paper to get ideas down and for practicing things. I find it accepts washes closer to how cotton WC paper does than cellulose WC paper does
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for sharing this info😊
Georgia O'Keeffe painted watercolors on cheap cartridge paper and sometimes even NEWSPRINT! Of course they sadly can't be displayed now because of it.
These 5 minute tip videos are great to revisit. As we know more and watch again it’s a different experience
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your wonderful teachings
You are very welcome
You started teaching at 10 years old? Amazing!
Yes, that was me! 😉 .... wishful thinking!
Saunders Waterford is my favorite because for my skill level, or lack there of, it is very forgiving and stays open the longest. Unfortunately it has tripled in price since the pandemic. Arches sizing has been too inconsistent. I get a couple nice sheets and then a spotty mess. Bockingford is my second favorite especially if I want to lift but Fabriano studio is only 25% cotton and if not using a lot of water scraping and lifting is very easy. Those monks make some good paper! 😉
Thanks for sharing! - great info Annette!
Thanks for this video ❤ I've learned quite a lot about choosing papers from this. I'll definitely save up for Arches since it's been recommended by my instructor. I'll try out the cheaper ones I see in our online shops here first for practice since I've just begun the watercolour journey.
Awesome tutorial! Thanks Paul.
Glad it was helpful!
Such useful information, thank you. I have painted a bit in watercolour and tried other mediums since retiring, I love it. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling I am not good enough to use expensive paper, I bought some but I’m so reluctant to waste it 😂
Hi Julie - It's definitely as good idea to get as much practice as possible on cheeper paper. I find you can put unnecessary pressure on yourself when you get the expensive stuff out! - just enjoy the experience of learning - then your hooked forever!!!
The only paper wasted.... is paper not used! 🤗🤗🤗
Paul your videos are informative & educative...I very impatiently wait for them but somehow they are not reaching the right audience.I will post about you on the Facebook.You are among very few artists who reveal everything and conceal nothing.
Hi Tariq - that really is very kind of you. Any extra help is very much appreciated!
Couldn't agree more
I agree with Tariq
Absolutely💯%
I have for a time used Arches sheets and I was always getting very hard edges and I came across Hahnemuhle paper in an art store one day and I remembered Paul mentioning the paper so I purchased a sheet and it has become my favorite paper ever since; Bockingford will be on my list of paper to get as well 🙂
Thanks Paul, I love your channel and you've taught me so much about watercolour! 🙏🙏
My pleasure 😊
This answered one of my questions why my attempts fall so short of tutorials I've tried. Thank you for your help--I feel like I'm so below beginner level that it gets very discouraging. I'm sticking with your channel in hopes that I can start seeing some consistent improvement.
It took me a long time to realize good paper makes all the difference when painting watercolors. Cheap paper will defeat you and make you feel you aren't able to paint with watercolors.
@@crystalheart9 I am a beginner as well. what paper do you recommend for someone starting out?
@@kathywelsh5956 I use Arches cold press watercolor paper. There are many brands and types of paper like hot press paper which has a smoother surface but is a bit more challenging to work with. I would start with Arches Cold Press as it's more forgiving. You can get by with student grade watercolors but the paper has to be good. It's expensive but so worth it. If you mess up one side while learning to paint you can turn it over and paint on the other side as well too to save on paper. I use synthetic brushes as they are more affordable and that will save you money as well. Student grade watercolors like Cotman made by Winsor and Newton are nice and I've used them for many years. I hope this helps and keep watching Paul's videos he's a fabulous artist and you will learn lots by watching his videos.
I'm using way cheaper wood pulp paper (1264 by Fabriano, 140 lb) as I learn and practice -- and although my skill level is completely beginner, I've found that the paints tend to sit on top of the paper and not get absorbed like yours does. And the paint tends to pool a lot more, and creates unwanted back runs. The paper also buckles incredibly easily. When the paint dries, it just dries into a thick film on top of the paper. Almost like it would on plastic. It also lifts out very easily. Not that I can paint well at all, yet, so I'm sure most of it is because of my lack of skill & finesse -- but painting on wood pulp paper has been very frustrating... everything looks like a child's finger paint. But cotton paper is so expensive to practice on!
Thanks for sharing the info!
*Fabriano 1264 is 25% cotton (not entirely wood pulp)
Try to soak off the sizing of the wood pulp in lukewarm water for 10 minutes. Rub off the sizing with a sponge. Tape it down and let it dry. I have a better success using that method. Not perfect, but better. Good luck! Let me know what you think!
@@lizadivine3785I'm sure this gives improved results but - with all respect, and I'm only speaking for myself here so feel free to ignore me - I don't have the time, patience or desire to go to that much effort on a paper in which I'd have a level of confidence of 50/50 at best.... For my part, I'd just buy 100% cotton knowing that any faults in my work are not due to the paper but myself, my brushes, pigments etc - all of which (as you know) are far easier to diagnose and fix.
@@cgo225 oh I do see your point but it could be a help to people such as students who really can’t afford a higher priced paper. As for me I only try to use my arches after I have done a preliminary work on less expensive paper. It stinks to blow a painting on really expensive paper. I have more luck if I practice first.
Thanks. I didn’t know these things. Your paintings at the end are beautiful.
Thank you so much!
Love your book!!
Great to hear Helen!
Well I found out today, working with a cheap quality paper, because Im just getting started, and I found the paper just wouldn't except multi layers of color, so everyone buy the good stuff, the
cheap paper just frustrates you.
You got this Quin! - good paper is with out doubt the most important ingredient!!!
Yes!!! I have had this same frustration!
I don't think an 8 hour documentary would be boring!
Lol!!! - thanks
For me the best bit was seeing your finished pieces of art on the different papers. Thanks for the planning and prep involved in producing this (including the hunour)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this review. Very helpful !
Watercolour paper made by Latvian monks 300 years ago 😂 😂 that would be interesting 🧐
Yup, Cuthbertsons Dinglydell Rough - would love to give it a try!!! 😊
All your videos are amazing, Paul!!!! Thank you so much and lots of greetings from the Czech Republic
Glad you like them Radka!!
Thank you - this has been most helpful and answered some of my frustrations.
Great to hear Mary!
Thanks for the great video as always Paul !
Glad you enjoyed it
It was really precious to let us know the best watercolor papers to buy and their brands and all the important advices you give us. THANK YOU SO MUCH, MAESTRO.
Your paintings are... MERVEILLEUX !!!
You are my inspiration!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN.
Thank you so much Lourdes 😀 - much appreciated!
Lol! I got the answer here about my question on watercolor paper, Paul! I wished I found you when I was serious with my watercolor painting journey! You are a great and fun teacher!
Glad I could help Tin Tin!!!!
Paul, you are the best!
Cheers Maria!
Thanks, I've learned a lot from you! These paintings on the wall are very beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great info thanks , well presented and clear with no unnecessary waffling.
Glad you enjoyed it Mark!
Very informative (and fun to watch as always!) thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Paul! Very informative!
Glad you enjoyed i
Your videos are so helpful. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Thank you for explaining this in simple words.
My pleasure!
Hi Paul, loving your tutorials, thank you. I've been trying to master the art of watercolour painting for about as many years as you've been teaching!!!! I have more failure's than successes, some are horrendous. I'm fairly good and confident with botanicals but landscapes defeat me, I'm probably never going to master the beautiful loose technique that you demonstrate, but you have a lovely simple way of explaining the principles. Thank you once again.
Wonderful! thanks Maureen - failures are good! - we all learn a lot from them.
My cousin told me about you Paul, and I am psyched. I really am enjoying your videos. I plan to follow along with you soon. I love your ideas and techniques of teaching art...bravo!
Awesome! Thank you!
I am literally Binging your videos! Outstanding instructions for beginners like me...Thank you for putting out your knowledge with such generosity! Learning and painting and learning... :) I also loved your idea of painting the sky every day as one sees it...Excellent guidance..
Glad you like them!
Well!!! This video was extremely helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you 🙏🏻 so informative just found your channel and it’s really helping me loads, just picking up a brush after 10 years absent from painting 🖼
Happy to help Inez!!
I use saunders waterford 200 lb from Cheap Joes. This paper is so forgiving. I love it
Great tip! Thanks
Thank you Paul. Very helpful!
Very welcome!
Thank you Paul, really helpful 👍😊
Glad it was helpful Cheryl! 👍
Thank you for the anti-buckling tip! Looking forward to trying it out! Very helpful, most appreciated!!! Glad I watched.
You are so welcome!
It's been a long time since you made this video,but I just had to say how much I enjoyed it. The information was much appreciated, but what I really loved was your comedic touches. It doesn't happen too often to be laughing out loud watching you tube videos. I espeially loved the end bit with the "mistaken" showing of a football book with the great title instead of your actual Watercolour book. You made my day. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! - and the funny bits too ... not everyone does!!!
really likke you and your art, you are such a good teacher and love the humor you and your wife add to the video.!
Thank you very much!
Great job Paul. Very timely subject.
Glad you enjoyed it Dino!
Thanks! Great advice on watercolor paper, looking forward to get your book on Amazon.
Awesome, thank you!
I love the way you use mixed media techniques in your paintings .These methods and tricks you add to your work add so much to your style.
I am certainly not a purist painter and enjoy the
. way you add so many different ideas to improve your paintings Keep making your videos
They are so enjoyable and informative Paul
My pleasure Louise 😊
Best explanation of the paper i've seen thanks.
Thanks just what I needed to find out about ❤explained in a simple straightforward way
I’m just getting ready to stretch my first piece of watercolor paper, and I knew just who’s channel to go to!😊. Thanks Paul for all the information about paper and how to stretch it. And by the way, I received your book as a Christmas present!👏🏻. Yes, I will be using it!
Thank you again Mr Clark. Lots of good information. I love that you explain things really well. Thank you. So many of other peoples tutorials that i have watched just expect us to know what they are talking about but you explain things and show examples of whay you mean which makes it heaps easier for us. Thank you.
You are very welcome Sue!
I'm a beginner and I'm learning a lot with your videos. This one in special allowed me to understand the difference between types and brands of papers wich I suspected that could have an important role in the final result but haven't found a video talking about it. Thank you for helping and introduce me to this wonderfull art!!!
You're very welcome! so glad to help Mariane!
Thank you so much listening to your video from Quebec, really helped me to choose my cotton paper, much appreciated
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much, as a beginner, I didn't know ANY of this info. It's never obvious. And also thank you for mentioning the brands. Many people don't talk about brands unless they are specifically paid.
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for the wonderful documentary sir
So nice of you
thank you so much for being so inspiring and taught me how to choose the best paper for watercolour.
You are so welcome!
Thank you Paul. Feel like I can walk in a shop and know what I am looking for.
Thank you so much for your concise and informative video - extremely helpful to me as a beginner.
You're very welcome!
I just found your channel. There are many channels that have watercolor how-to, but most put brushes pain and paper all in one video. For me that is overwhelming. I really appreciate that you have separate videos on each. I hope to watch more.
Awesome! Thank you! ... and welcome!!!
You are an inspiration. I love your videos and have done many of your tutorials. I appreciated so much this one about paper. I am a big fan of Arches also. I recently found a watercolour block by Paul Rubens (made in China) which I also like. Once again thank you for sharing your talent and sense of humor with us.
Thanks for sharing Bona!
I totally agree that the paper is the most important aspect. I use Arches ( being French & living in France has little to do with it!), It's good quality, I use it in block format & if you're a beginner you can buy small sizes to practice. Thank you for all of your videos, I learn something new every time.
very informative and helpful, thank you!
Enjoyed and learned! Ty very much
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for your clear, concise and informative channel Paul. Subscribed. Looking forward to following your tutorials ❤❤
Awesome, thank you and welcome!