SHOWDOWN! Cheap vs Quality Cotton Watercolor Paper
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- Опубликовано: 28 фев 2018
- In this video I engage in some basic demonstrations that show the key performance differences between cellulose or wood pulp paper (cheaper) vs 100% cotton paper (best quality). And make sure to watch my clarification video on cotton papers and how to use cheaper papers. • My Best Tips for Paint...
NOTE: Correcting an error in this video. There is not a cheaper grade of Arches. I used to assume that was true of the tear off pads but its the same quality paper as their sheets.
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My Amazon Store of Favorite Products:
www.amazon.com/shop/mindofwat...
Arches Watercolor Paper (various) - amzn.to/2owloQC
Arches 140lb. Tear Off Pad - amzn.to/2FDTDwD
Princeton Elite #8 Round Brush - amzn.to/2F3VZ75
Princeton Neptune 3/4" Flat from set - amzn.to/2GRo2XW
M. Graham Watercolor Paint - amzn.to/2CMQKqv
6- Deep Well Mixing Palette - amzn.to/2CPKbTR
100% cotton papers I've used and can recommend:
Arches - amzn.to/2owloQC
Fabriano Artistico - amzn.to/2G0wIvT
Strathmore 500 - amzn.to/2Fo86vG
Hahnemuehle (Leonardo, Cezanne, Turner, The Collection) - amzn.to/2FjFmZ9
Saunders Waterford - amzn.to/2oMul8G
Stonehenge Aqua - amzn.to/2oOijeK
Canson Moulin Du Roy - amzn.to/2G3kFOs
Canson Heritage - amzn.to/2FZ6QAm
Bee 100% Cotton - amzn.to/2D6G7ib
Winsor Newton Pro (not Classic) - amzn.to/2LDZ4lG
Indigo - www.dickblick.com/products/in...
Kilamanjaro - www.cheapjoes.com/papers-and-...
Other reputable cotton brands I've not tried yet:
Shut Noblese (Dutch) - www.dickblick.com/products/sc...
Blick Premiere (Unspecified European Mill) - www.dickblick.com/products/bl...
Lanaquarelle (French) - amzn.to/2D4g0bX
Langton Prestige (UK) - amzn.to/2Flm0yS
Shizen (Indian) - amzn.to/2FZbcYk
A few options for 100% Cotton Sketchbooks
www.cheapjoes.com/papers-and-...
www.cheapjoes.com/american-jo...
www.dickblick.com/products/wi...
www.etsy.com/listing/58205574...
www.ebay.com/itm/Arches-Water...
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For those who live in remote areas and can't find a particular brand of paper recommended by someone here: Several years ago I bought 5 full sheets of every brand of 100% rag paper I could get my hands on. I might be forgetting some, but it included: Arches, Kilimanjaro, Fabriano Artistico, Saunders Waterford, Lanaquarelle, Strathmore 500, Twinrocker, Punjab, Cartiera Magnini, Jack Richeson. (This was before the new Bee paper came out, so I didn't test that one.) I also bought equivalent amounts (couldn't aways find full sheets) of some of the popular "student" papers: Canson, Strathmore 400, Saunders Bockingford, Fabriano Studio (I think there was one more, but I can't remember what it was).
For the 100% cotton rag papers, there was an initial adjustment period getting used to differences in sizing and texture, and each had its own subtle pros and cons, but by the end of 5 sheets, I could comfortably work on ANY of the 100% rag papers without having to think about the paper.
At the end of the same amount of practice on the student-grade papers, I could usually find ways to get acceptable results for smaller pieces (some papers actually had some quirks that I learned to like for certain specialized applications), but it took more effort and concentration, and consistently getting a vibrant, clean graded wash over a large area remained a major challenge. Anything involving lifting or large amounts of water (extended wet-into-wet sessions, pouring) was pretty discouraging, if not impossible. (Some papers just fell apart if they were manipulated too much.)
So now I tell people, if you are a beginner (or struggling non-beginner) IMO you are better off buying ANY 100% rag paper that's available in your area (or can get shipped to you) over any of the student-grade papers. Stick with that brand while you're learning to minimize variables. Presumably you're painting for enjoyment and learning; buying crappy paper is really just buying frustration and discouragement.
Excellent testimonial. Thanks!
BTW, I laughed so hard I cried at "I'm a beginner, and I paint with crap . . . " It makes me crazy when students say, "Well, I'm just using it for practice." My reply: "Would you go to the driving range with your kid's plastic Fisher-Price clubs because it's 'just for practice' . . . ?" Thanks SO MUCH for making this video, so I don't have to. :) I point students to your channel all the time. Great stuff!
Thanks for the referrals. This has turned out to be one of my top viewed videos of the year. I pinned your comment to the top because it should be required reading for doubters or the undecided.
As someone who literally hadn't done any watercolor at all since grade school, the fact when I tried to pick it back up with Michael's Artist Loft name brand paper and watercolor, I was SO FRUSTRATED, and I could not BELIEVE that I was THAT BAD. It took buying different paints of various brands, and finally different paper, to realize exactly what the problem was. It's not me, it's the goddamn awful paper! So this video, and your comment are very helpful.
I usually use Lanaquarelle and am pretty happy with the results, but big washes really depend on the pigment. For a different style I use cellulose papers by Hahnemuehle, but it requires a completely different workflow: no glazing, but you can do a lot with lifting paint and combining shapes.
it makes me nervous using expensive supplies, i feel like i have to make "the best painting ever" to justify the cost XD
Lia V Nice to know I’m not alone. Stressful, right?!! I painstakingly cut one sheet of a gifted pad of Arches that I’ve felt unworthy of for 10 YEARS into three and bit my lip while attempting a top to bottom wash. Such a difference! Life is short. “Treat yourself”! Suddenly, I’m brilliant at laying down an even wash! ( still will remain stingy with it and make tiny paintings- but damn-it, I’m gonna use it!!😜🤣
I only use the expensive stuff when I’m doing a final piece
This! I feel like I will waste the paper and I need to get better at watercolour first.
Where to buy relative cheap 100% cotton paper? Have you ever heard of Paul Rubens cotton paper. Here is their retail shop and their quality is also excllent: paulrubens.aliexpress.com/store/5140092
I tend to paint more freely and looser on less expensive paper. It is common to worry about longevity and the oxidation from the non-acid free papers. Some companies like “Fluid” make both an acid free cellulose (paper) and a 100% cotton version. I looked at my watercolors on Canson XL several years ago. They still look fine. Maybe after 10 years they might yellow?
For those who paint on a budget, I have found that if you wet the entire backside of the Canson’s XL with a mist sprayer, the paper works very well. The paint is drawn into the paper surface more evenly and the colors are brighter as well. I also wet the top surface a bit and brush lightly over the entire top surface. This process primes the paper. Cotton papers absorb without priming them, but pulp needs water to expand it in order to absorb the colors so that they don’t just sit on the surface. This technique also keeps the paper flat while you work, with no need to tape it down. This works with all pulp papers. Since using this technique, I have had very good success with less expensive paper. Give it a try. You still have to be careful when scrubbing XL, but it will take lifting and light scrubbing just fine.
i mean xl is fine regardless lol
THANK YOU FOR THIS TIP!! I'll try it out and hopefully it will work for me
Hello! Thank you for this! I tried this and it made a big improvement for me 😄
Thank you fir this idea! Can’t wait to try it
@@adashofmadness6455 Glad you found it helpful! Nice for smaller pieces, much nicer pigment movement.
For those of you afraid to 'use' your 'good' paper here's a different perspective. Instead of worrying if your painting ability is good enough for your most expensive paper imagine you've just painted the 'best' painting you've ever done and you did it on cheap paper because you were too scared to use the 'good' paper. Own your supplies, don't let them own you. They are there to help you be the best you can be, not to sit unused on your shelf for years on end. Life is short - seize the day! :)
Good point!
Oh my goodness, you've just convinced me. I've got excellent quality watercolor paints and brushes, but have been buying cheap paper for practice until I feel I'm good enough to deserve to use good paper. Last year, I tried some cotton paper samples and the difference was so amazing. But I continued to use the cheap stuff, even though I've painted some nice pieces. Your argument for using the best we can is perfect. No more cheap paper! 100% cotton for me from now on.
Thank you for this! Thinking: if I died tomorrow my Arches block would go to Goodwill unused 😅. No more keeping it for a special occasion.
I remember my high school art teacher supplied us arches paper. And I was decent at watercolor then. I just couldn't figure out why I wasn't good anymore lately and the realization struck me now that I've watched this. I messaged my art teacher and she confirmed it. She used to cut down large sheets to postercard size for us so it was more affordable and lasted more for us.
That’s awesome! She could have went with the cheapest kind of paper but allowed you guys to learn on great paper that ultimately yielded better results 🥰
My teen surprised me with a pad of Arches cold press 9x12 and hot press 10x14 watercolor paper last week as a gift out of nowhere. :)
Awesome!
Cora Blu .... how wonderful!!!! :) .... late comment here now but I had to return to this video because yahooooooooo-Arches is becoming affordable on Amazon AU now (whereas when it started last year there were few products at huge prices!) ... so both HP and CP are in my shopping cart as well as some 100% rag/cotton Bee paper (non-practice one) ...... so I also had to know - have you had a chance to paint on your gifts of paper? How did you find it in terms of quality and/or how it matched your style? I'm sooooooo excited -sorry!
Weird flex but okay
What nice presents! It sounds like your teen knows a lot about art.
Been using Arches since the 70s. I was taught at a young age. Spend your money on good pigments and good paper.
Good brushes can wait.
Yea and from my experience people who are new to watercolor also just end up ruining their expensive brushes due to lack of knowledge how to take care of them and just end up wasting money. I saw a lot of people in my watercolor classes buy $30+ brushes and just leave them in water forever, touch the bristles an awful lot and just in general ruin them. That money is better spent on some good paints and papers, hard to ruin those hahaha
@@matzzarin how should you take care of your brushes though?
@@matzzarin how to take care of brushes pleeeaase
@@assiab4524 you take care of them by knowing what ruins them haha. Things that can ruin a watercolor brush is things like: touching them with your fingers (the grease on your fingers makes them less good at holding water, storing them upright while they're still wet (water comes into the brush glue and makes it fall apart after a while) , or leaving it in water (again, it makes the glue weak and also can make your brush de-formed). Theres a lot of other things but those are the top 3 things I see people do ;(
Using your brushes ONLY for watercolor is also a must, since things like acrylic, gouache and ESPECIALLY oils will absolutely kill your brush. Gouache isnt at bad as acrylics or oils but due to the larger pigments in the paint it can make your brushes worse since it will roughen up the bristles and makes it worse at holding water.
And how about learn to paint too? Lol no one ever mentions that part
I've been using Canson XL forever and the fact that it's crumby paper that produces crumby results is what kind of motivated me to keep using it. I would tell myself, "If I can make my artwork look good on Canson XL, then I will be able to really make it look good on the more expensive brands." But I think in the process, Canson XL has somehow taught me bad habits. When you said "Non-cotton paper is difficult to learn on", it then dawned on me that I should branch out and now start practicing on 100% cotton paper more often to see if that improves my technique. Like thefrugalcrafter mentioned, I will always keep cheap paper handy because I personally will practice more knowing that I'm not wasting too much money, but there is definitely room to cut money out of my eat-out budget and bite the bullet and purchase the good paper. Thanks for taking time to put this together! Happy Easter!
Thanks Jonathan, good observations, you've grasped my point exactly. A lot boils down to how serious a painter is about painting in watercolor. And I don't mean lack of seriousness to be an insult. WC is not for everyone and some people just want to try it for occasional fun or dabble in the medium. Thats ok. As a weekend woodworker who'll never really be serious about it I understand dabbling better than anyone. But my channel is also for those who want to take the medium as far as they can, so i would be remiss if I approached it as a "here's how you can save money and use cheap products" subject. Not me or my teaching style. I much prefer, "here's how to do it right" if that matters to anyone. And it seems to.
This changed my mind on trying water color... I've been using the wrong paper all these years... Thank you...
I’m terribly impressed, Steve. Most available comparisons of anything, not just watercolor paper, have someone taking two different kinds, doing a quick example of one “test”, and then saying “See, this one is better.” Here, you’ve given us at least five different tests, the tests are objectively performed under identical conditions and they are tests of very different but important painting techniques. Best of all, they were performed by an honest to gosh lifetime expert. You deserve a gold star from us and RUclips, Steve. Thank you so much! It was gracious of you to take the time and effort to be so thorough. Now if I could only find a good travel journal with Arches.
Awww thanks! 😄
Arches use to make a field book but they seem to be unavailable now. Simplest way is to buy an Arches pad and take it to a printer who spiral or wire binds.
Agreed! As for journals, Steve's suggestion is perfect. You can also buy Arches in sheets or pads, cut/tear and bind a nice hardback journal. I did that with Canson Edition paper (when they still had pads), used some mat board, spare cotton fabric, thread and glue. It's a good option if you've got the time!
great idea...there is a staples here
The Mind of Watercolor .... now we have accessible and more affordable (relatively) Arches paper now, different types too-wahoooooooo!!!! I'm also going to try make own sketchbook out of it, if I can get more than one pad that is!!! Oooooooo, what a difference from months ago when the Arches paper was nearly $100 more than it is now (plus I can't leave the shopping cart because they are building up huge art supply lines compared to the ten or so they initially had!! ..... so I had to return to your video (& other videos). Thank you (& thank you for asking others here if they could help people like us out who had access problems). Very kind and considerate of you :)
I discovered that pulp paper is great with gouache and acrylic paint, just because it's not as thirsty. I never realized the ease of painting on Arches until I tried cellulose. Thank you for this informative demo!
Well, geez, no wonder why my practice of washes have been so frustrating. Thanks Steve!
The most frustrating things for me while learning to watercolor have been weak color, and bleeding colors. I assumed I was just terrible, and couldn't nail a "pro painter" look. This video opened my eyes, though. Those spheres illustrated EXACTLY the problems that have been discouraging me. While it's still hard for me to afford Arches, I now know that I should grab some whenever I can.
I'm a digital painter and recently I've been trying to get into traditional painting for fun. However I've been really discouraged by the results until now . Then I saw this video and went to the store and bought the most affordable pure cotton paper I could find and holy crap, the difference is night and day , even though the one I got is just slightly more expensive that the standard one .
Don't even bother with non pure cotton paper , maybe you don't need arches for starting out , but there are cheaper alternatives
ditto, dot, dash. what a ephinay! same here
I live in Mexico at a high altitude and was using all arches I do portraits found that I had a terrible time lifting with the arches so I stumbled on Canson which had let me lift and I am getting really good results So sometimes you have to consider the dryness of weather and possibly altitude I still have a large amount of arches but it is hard to soften edges in my climate
Absolutely agree with you: Arches is my favorite. I have seen artists do very nice work with cheap polyester brushes, student grade pigments, but they always had great paper. That is the most important tool and a game changer.
Yep! well said, thanks!
I've been painting watercolor now for 7 years and haven't realized how much better Arches was compared to Canson. As soon as I use up my supply of Canson I'll be switching! Thank you for the helpful tip.
WOW!!! This totally changed my knowledge of watercolor as I am teaching myself at the age of 71. Last night I opened up my set of 48 water colors and started to make a sample chart. I thought I was so terrible because the paint was pooling on my Canson paper just like your example did in the video. I quickly ordered Arches paper block and it will be here in 2 days. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME ALONG ON MY JOURNEY!
Good for you! I turn 70 in a few weeks and started my journey a year ago... finally using my cotton... and I've found deals on Arches on Amazon and Ebay!!! God bless you and enjoy!
I hate to be stuck up but good quality paper is essential for begginers. Watercolor can be discouraging in the beggining, bleeding, cauliflowering, water absorbency, can all make someone not want to pursue it. I say get good with the good stuff then move to the cheeap stuff rather than starting with cheap stuff and slowly moving to the good stuff.
I think paper is more important than the brushes and paint. I have been paining for 18 years now and i can make any paint and any brush work. Especially if i am not doing detailed work, and only want light washes of color. I, however can not make bad paper work even with my simplistic work. Istarted my painting experience with acrylics as my medium first. I can use any cheap paint and brushes an even canvases to do good acrylic work (because the paint does all the work) but watercolor is tricky.
Now if someone likes cauliflowering and less intense pigment i say go for it. Otherwise
Invest in good paper. It will change your life and your attitude toward painting. All my old cheap water color paper pads are now sketch pads because i like the way it moves graphite around but other than that i never use it to paint.
Exactly! Budget and availability notwithstanding.
Agreed. Im stubborn so I did practice with cheap crap, and one day I got Arches 300lb paper and WOOO-AH! I wasnt that bad of a watercolorist as I thought.
Optimus Prime - I know, right! And the paper I picked up wasn’t even the 300 pound! But it was so much better than the cheap paper I’ve been using, it blew me away. I still use the cheap paper to practice techniques, but when it comes to serious practice and final work, it’s onto the 100% cotton paper.
Thank you so much for this video! This is the first time I could actually *see* the difference in the performance of 100% cotton vs wood pulp paper. I'm now convinced that it's a better idea to make my own small watercolor journal out of cotton paper rather than waste time trying to learn on paper that performs poorly.
I love watching your tutorials. I’ve learned more by watching you than any other channel. You’re thorough, you take your time explaining what you’re doing. That’s a big plus especially if you’re a beginner like me. I was almost ready to throw the towel in and give up. Then I found your channel. It’s almost like I’m in class without leaving the house 👍. Thank you for helping me and others understand the art of watercolors, most importantly in layman’s terms. Looking forward to learning more from you ~Janis✌️👩🏼🎨🎨✌️
Thanks for sharing this detailed comparison with us. I've listened to many watercolor artists talk about how important it is to use good paper, but you are the first who really showed exactly what the differences between good and cheap paper are, and what you can expect from each.
I use canson xl and fabrino studio HP for rubber stamping watercolor projects but I make my homemade plein air travel blocks with the fabrino studio cp paper and honestly I love it for small quick plein air sketches and its not too "precious" that I have to worry about waste. Luke you arches is my favorite but sometimes I don't need that robust of a paper. I use Aquabee 100% cotton for my practise prices before my live streams and often I like my practice price more than my finished painting on arches. I think with cheaper paper you can feel freer because "its only s price of paper!" And not to precious:) great comparison Steve. To any beginners out there the most important thing to becoming a good painter is painting with whatever you have or feel good painting on. If you buy arches but are afraid to waste it it won't do you any good.
Hey thanks Lindsay! Good points. We all learn how to work with different mediums and surfaces over time and with experience. You are an experienced painter and know how to compensate for cheaper papers. One of the things I usually tell beginners is yes, they can paint well on cheaper paper but it'll be more difficult until they learn. Its so backward from the way paper is marketed. There are a couple pulp journals I use and like a little but I still go into it knowing HOW I have to paint to work around the short comings.
Thanks Lindsay for your input, really appreciate your 'just paint with what you have' message!! Reading through all the comments it becomes very obvious that while Arches can be affordable in the US, it's prohibitively expensive everywhere else. Insisting it's the best and only to use the best, doesn't make it more affordable outside the US. This issue is not addressed in the replies. The upside I guess is that people will learn, by necessity and repeated use, to negotiate the pitfalls of whatever paper they're using. Love both your art channels and watch them avidly!!
hi!
Starving Artists Collective thank you:)
I used to work for a top tier imagery company with many contributors from the former USSR. Talk about not being able to get equipment and supplies! Those people didn't even know what country they were living in at any given moment. It was our responsibility to help them develop with what little bit they had, and what we told our contributors over and over was that it wasn't the wand, it was the magician. :-) To be honest, they really had to dig down and learn things those of us in the West let our equipment do for us. Many of them are now better photo artists than we are.
Many thanks - this video has helped me immensely, and it's only cotton for me, from now.
As a recent beginner to w/c painting, I've just spent the last three weeks struggling with wood pulp paper... the colours lacked any vibrancy, the paint seemed to have a mind of its own on the paper, my blended washes were a joke, and I spent my entire time constantly fighting to achieve anything close to the desired result - with little luck.
I watched this video a few days ago and bought my first pad of 100% cotton five minutes later - which I used today for the first time.
The results were awesome and all my original problems have practically disappeared!!
I can now learn with confidence, knowing that any failures are likely down to me, not the paper, paint or brushes!
Furthermore, all those other videos where the "artist" says using wood pulp 'should be fine for beginners' are no longer being watched.....wood pulp is only useful for practising brush strokes, sketches but little else.
My gosh, for weeks I’ve been struggling with my watercolors wondering why I can’t get the same results as the tutorials I watch online, and why glazing is impossible for me to do. Every time I try it on my canson or strathmore paper it just destroys the layer underneath and I waste sooo much time trying to fix problems that it’s not even fun anymore. This video highlighted all the issues I’ve been having and now I’m heading straight to the store to buy Arches. Thank you!
Thanks for this comparison video I’ve been frustrated many times to the point of almost giving up on watercolor completely. I did go and buy a sheet of really good paper though and cut it down into smaller sheets to just practice on and was much much happier with the results. This is absolutely a true video.
I watched it twice. This is the first time it's clear to me that there are significant differences in wood pulp paper vs cotton. I have a fair amount of wood pulp stuff to use up, but I will be using it for other things now. Thank you so much!
This video is exactly what I've been looking for! I've been trying to learn watercolor, using a Reeves tube watercolor set and Canson XL paper. I've been struggling with several issues, and watching you do these tests has shown me that at least a portion of my struggles aren't my fault! I will be upgrading my paints and paper soon, but I will keep using what I have until then, while remembering that the paper is fighting me.
Thanks for posting this... you've definitely helped me!
Thank you so much for the test. I've just started using 100% cotton and feeling the difference between the paper I used before. Trying to learn watercolor, having more control is so important and watching you trying to glaze with those less expensive make me feel better. Hope this could help others that maybe would like to start learning and struggles with water control.
Thanks Monica!
I used canson XL and thought it was me! I was painting flowers and the result was similar to the canson sphere. I have some arches watercolor paper that I’ve been too scared to use, because I thought I needed to improve (going off of my results on canson paper). So I think I will start actually using the paper!
Exactly the same story here.
Me too. I so appreciate this video. You confirmed what I was thinking and hoping. I'll use the non arches to warm up.
Glazing is such a nightmare and the buckling 🥺🥺
Same story here with that Canson XL!
At first thought it was just me but put actual water droplets on it & the water never went into the paper & it took 45 minutes to I guess just evaporate so waiting for 20 sheets of 100% cotton as not fighting that paper anymore & this video shows how much of a difference it makes!
I just started watercolor painting after watching numerous tutorial videos, and this video showcased many of the issues I was having with the Canson XL paper I was using. Colors were not blending well, but rather seemed to splotch everywhere, and I felt it difficult to control where they went. As a beginner, I need all the help I can get, and if paying extra for Arches allows me to enjoy this hobby more, and obtain the work I'm yearning for then Arches it will be. I kindly thank you for all the hard work you put into creating this wonderful demonstration for all of us here. I am now a subscriber and cannot wait to learn more from you.
This explains so much about the papers, and the things that drive me crazy with the painting. Arches is it for me now. Thanks for this tutorial. I love you and Reese, you make my day.
Only since starting my channel have I really began looking into changing the paper I use. I have enjoyed my canson XL because of the price and availability especially in the sketchbook form. I FINALLY just picked up the aqua bee 100% cotton paper and I'm excited to finally try out the arches cold press at some point when I have a Michael's coupon/gift card. Great info on these papers, thank you!
I thought I was just a terrible, long-term beginner watercolor painter. I could never recreate smooth transitions, and always had splotchy weird shapes and hard lines whenever I tried to blend. Now I see that I need to upgrade my materials, and I'm certain the boost in quality will be immense, thanks to this side by side comparison. Thank you so much for giving me hope that I'm a better painter than I thought!
I've been watching your videos, nearly one a night, for a year now as I work on my watercolour skills. I didn't think much of the watercolour paper suggestions, just kept going with whatever I had on hand until I received a pad of quality paper as a Christmas gift. I am now a convert: what a difference it makes in my finished products. I'm completely flabbergasted by the difference.
Wow, thank you for taking the time to compare the differences in these papers. I now can see the differences in my work. I really appreciate. I use a lot of 100% cotton rag. Sometimes, it soaks up all the water so fast I can't get it to move, but now I know better. Thanks a million. Love your work. I have learned a lot over the last couple of years that I have been following you. So appreciate.
One of my students brought in her new pad of Strathmore Series 200 paper and her new set of Reeves watercolors from AC Moore. Another brought in his new XL pad and no-name brand watercolors from the Dollar Store. Both were bursting with joy at their new purchases, which I shared enthusiastically with them. However, inside, my heart was breaking to know that students were out there, spending money on these cheaper products, unaware that they might learn more from higher quality products. Of course, I didn't say anything. What bothers me, too, is that the young woman told me that the salesperson at AC Moore told her that the products she bought were "the best on the market." ugh. I sincerely hope the folks watching this realize just how valuable this video is in sharing information that, for us, was simply not available when we were younger or starting out. I'm sure you relate to having to use whatever the local art store had in stock. Imagine if we had Amazon in 1978? lol!! I'll be sure to direct my students to this video when we discuss watercolors and the paper to use with them. It will be mandatory viewing! Thank you, Steve! :)
Yeah the people at most of these stores don't know diddly. I bought several sheets of watercolor paper that Hobby Lobby was clearing out for $1.40 a sheet. The department manager (of artists supplies) had no idea what it was when I asked. I could tell it was probably cotton but no clue from the sales person. To a beginner, if it was bought in the art supply section of any art-like store it must be good stuff. If you want to see their eyes grow twice their size, ask them to pull out their cheap paper then you pull out some Arches and have them compare a technique on each side by side. 😧
The Mind of Watercolor The people at the stores don't know didly because they are not instructors or professionals but handling, ordering and stocking different types of merchandise in mass quantities for a store that caters to a multitude of hobbies - and most of them get paid minimum wage. Even department managers are not trained in specific art but in stock and reordering and managing people ... You would need to go to a reputable art store or Mom and Pop store where caring artists instruct beginners correctly.
I agree 100% Cassie's Creations, though it's unfortunate that consumers are not getting good information on products in the store. I agree, too, about going to a reputable art store where you might pay a little more, but at least you know they know their stuff! :)
M.D. Campbell 😉
I have had the same problem with cheap paints in my classes. Last year I had them all do a real comparison using their cheap paints, which included Artists Loft, Reeves, W/N Cotman, and Cheap Joe's Professional American Journey paints. Cotman fared the best of the cheap ones, but all agreed that the American Journey was what they really wanted to be using.
The very best comparison I’ve seen. This was so helpful for me as a strathmore user who has been too timid to try arches. Now I MUST!
Go for it!! XD
"I'm a beginner and I paint with crap" will never not be the funniest bit on RUclips
Absolutely ! I almost fell off my chair laughing !
This review was incredibly helpful! I too have been frustrated with practicing watercolor techniques on Canson XL paper. As a result, I recently started to repurpose my stock of this paper for color swatches and color mixing so that I don't have to swatch in my art journals. Thank you for the in-depth review that explained WHY this paper is challenging to work with!
Steve, you've created a clear, demonstrative video on a very ticklish subject. Well done!
What can also be overlooked is the longterm survivability of cotton vs wood pulp papers. Because cotton is interlocking fibers (which make it harder to tear,) it also makes it far more durable. If the choice in paper is something or nothing due to cost, definitely something is preferable. But given the choice, I agree wholeheartedly, one should never stint. 100% cotton rag (preferably 140 lb. or better) is the way to go!
Thank you for saving my painting’s life! I’ve been using Canson XL to save money and never thought it was the culprit of all the splotchiness and back running! Arches is so worth it.
WOW! This explains so much for me! I'm a frustrated beginner and had no idea cotton paper would make such a dramatic difference! Thank you SO MUCH! I'm going out to look for Arches or another cotton paper asap!
Many, many, many moons ago, my college art instructor told us to get Arches blocks. As a student, I was dismayed by the cost. Watercolor was not my friend so I put it aside. Fast forward to today and as I was rather skeptical that there would be a big difference in papers (I bought Canson XL), you have opened my eyes. I am learning watercolor with the help of your fabulous videos and I PROMISE to go get Arches as soon as I can!! Thank you for all that you do!
YASSS!! I am totally with you! I prefer to use cotton watercolor paper more than anything else. But I do get a lot of questions from beginners who ask about watercoloring on regular cardstock or drawing paper because it’s cheaper. In that case, anything labeled “watercolor paper” would be better. And so I do use Canson XL for smaller projects-to show that it’s a better option than non-watercolor paper. But when I’m planning some serious painting (lots of water, layers, etc), I go back to my Arches, Saunders Waterford, or Fabriano Artistico, and breathe a sigh of relief.
Excellent review! Thanks, Steve!
Thanks so much Kristina. Yes the one thing I think cheaper watercolor paper is ok for is single layer type applications such as coloring like for your stamping presumably or I don't mind it too much for line and wash. But a sigh of relief is a good characterization for the good stuff. Thanks for watching and commenting!
LOL So amusing you mention that because I just bought some cardstock today thinking it would be even cheaper than canson!LOL! Perhaps I'll save it for drawing...
My issue with the XL canson watercolor paper is not that washes end up somewhat dull, but the repetitive surface pattern is way too distinguishable and it triggers my OCD badly. Have any of you noticed that?
@@iggyt6666 Yes, I noticed it almost immediately with their entire range (not only watercolour paper, their print paper too). Then it gave me more appreciation for the good brands who pay attention to details like that.
This video is absolutely wonderful. Love the honesty and the side-by-side comparison!
I cannot tell you how helpful this video, together with the comments of others, has been to me. Like many of us I have limited means so I bought cheap everything for my classes. My various teachers have never explained all that you did in this video and actually demonstrated the benefits so graphically. I very soon realised of course that my Reeves paint was not helping me get the results I wanted but I had never understood the significance of the paper until now. So now I can better appreciate why I struggled so much to get the proper watercolour effect I sought. I completely agree with all that Lindsay wrote about cheaper paper freeing one up but for those of us who aspire to paint in a very purist and traditional watercolour manner it is unbelievably frustrating being unable to achieve the desired effect without hours of overpainting, blotting off, repainting and attempting to soften hard edges, which I had put down to my ineptitude or inexperience. I cannot wait now to try the Arches experience, (which, incidentally, is pronounced ‘Arsh’ by us in Britain as it’s a French name and we like to keep our near neighbours happy!) Many thanks Steve for your brilliant lessons.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. ❤ I'm a beginner in WC, Canon 140# is what I started with. Everything you point out I HAVE wrestled with.
Thank you ever so much for all your videos, I absolutely love them all.
I started painting 10 months ago on Canson and Clairefontaine student grade paper. And when summer came along, the paint was drying literally as I put it down. It was so frustrating!! So I tried buying a large Arches sheet that I cut down. And I’ve never looked back! Now it’s winter again but I only buy Arches!! I practise on it now too because I never know what’s going to come out well or not. It was too stressful telling myself I had to “do something good” on Arches.
It’s totally worth the money. I still buy the large sheets and cut them down to all sorts of sizes.
Maybe it’s cheaper here because I live in France, but at the end of the month, it’s actually not that expensive as it takes a few days of layering to finish a painting.
Thank you, your RUclips channel is the best!!
Excellent testimonial Hannah. Couldn't agree more. Thanks!
Hi Steve. I love your channel. You were a driving force in inspiring me to get serious about watercolor. Thank you.
For those on a budget, start off slowly when buying expensive materials. Aquire things little by little over time. Shop on sale, discount sites or when art stores go out of buisness. Before long you will have great supplies.
Just started watching you. So glad. I’ve been thinking it was me- my washes have been dreadful and I’ve been “saving” that gifted Arches pad until I got better. Hmmm, life is short. What was I waiting for?! The glow alone, in comparison, is a huge sell for the Arches! Life changing demo! Invaluable!! Thank you thank you 🙏🏻 🏆
Thanks Steve! I just did a livestream where I compared 4 types of paper, 2 pulp and 2 cotton, my verdict was the same as yours! I just bought my first pads of arches, and love them! I got a great sale on them at Michael's they were BOGO. I'm in Canada, and good quality paper is hard to come by and very costly, in my neck of the woods. I'm new to watercolors and was trying to do good work with CansonXL and some Cotman student grade pans. I'm falling in love with watercolors and have bit the bullet.... Daniel Smith paints are on their way to me in the mail!
Thanks Steve. 🖒🖒. You are spot on. Mandatory viewing by all, especially before a beginner takes his first purchasing trip. A half-hour spent with this video will enable them to be more knowledgeable than any salesperson they encounter. Happy and Healthy 2019 to you, your family and viewers!
This is probably the most helpful video about paper I’ve seen. I’m very new to watercolor (actually new to any kind of painting). In my short experience I’ve already seen this kind of problem in my paper choices. Thank you!
thankyou so much for this video. I was following your instructions meticulously and noticing that things weren't happening the same. Then I came to a point when I thought- maybe there is a difference in different papers...and then found this video. Now I don't feel like such a schmuck after all 😅 I'm all for making my life simple and easy, especially as a beginner, when there's already a lot of variables to be aware of. I only just found your channel this week and am a sponge for all your great teaching and laugh out loud at your sense of humour- I love how you teach free of ego and seriousness. It makes learning so much easier. thanks Steve ps I also love how lots of other teachers watch and comment on your videos...I know I must be in the right place 😉
Thank you for this! I’ve been so into using XL for practice and get discouraged with the results and now after watching this I can see that some(no doubt, not all) my discouragement is trying to lift, layer and glaze on XL! Hoarding the Arches for after I have detailed it down on the XL may be the wrong way to be working on my paintings so thank you! Now off to repaint all my cast offs on the good stuff 😊
Thank you so much Steve - that demonstration said it all! As a ‘learning’ or rather ‘relearning’ artist at 71 I will no longer begrudge the cost of good paper!
A recent ‘minder’ from North West Durham UK
Thank you again, Steve. I really appreciate the demonstration as to why you like cotton papers. The demonstration really points out the importance of cotton paper. It is such a pleasure to watch your channel. I learn so much.
When I started watercolor painting I noticed that issue with the pearling with my canson but with videos I watched, the distribution was so nice! I had to go back to the video and bam! I saw they used arches and I found your video! Thank you very much!
One of the most instructive videos out there about determining factors in watercolor. Personally, the two biggest leaps on my practice have been jumping from my 24 piece Pentel tubes on which I learned to Winsor&Newton, first Cotman and now I use nothing but artist's W&N. Second, jumping from Canson to GVARRO for sketching (you should try do a comparison with that one as well) or Arches for final works, now I use only those two papers.
Thanks again.
-A
Well, this is an eye opener! I’m an absolute beginner and have been working on Strathmore 300, a grade below the one demonstrated here. I just recently started trying to do wet on wet gradual washes with 3 colors and have had a terrible time. I started to suspect the paper and was fortunate to find this video. Now I see the problem! Thank you!
Thank you very much for wanting the best experience for watercolorist, especially beginners. I started water coloring 1 year ago and before finding your channel I started with Canson XL Once I found your channel I started buying 100% cotton paper. It is funner and satisfying to work with paper that beautifully soaks up water, blends and distributes paint. Even if I only buy 1 pad per month it’s less than 1 dinner eating out. I use Arches and other brands like Windsor Newton or Arteza Expert 100% cotton. Thank you.
Wow. This video is amazingly informative. I have always had issues with paper buckling and now I know why! I need the cotton paper!!! Thanks for reviewing and showing the differences with the papers!
16 secs in and I like him. He's making watercolor pads talk.... Thank you for the comparison, I need to be convinced to spend my life saving on Arches.
Loved this video, Steve. Very informative for me as I have not tried many different types of watercolor paper and I feel like I've just had a crash course with your very clear demonstrations, so thanks very much :-)
Wow! Thank you SO MUCH for this video comparison. This has been very revealing about my struggles on the paper I've been using.
Thanks! The best side by side comparison ever. I've struggled with exactly the same for ages on cheaper papers but thought it was me not knowing how to handle it. I wasted loads of money not getting what I wanted on inferior papers.
If you still don't know what to think about cheaper wc papers, just take a look at all the testimonials that viewers have posted in the comments below . They will overwhelm you as they have me.
I will be doing a vlog next week to clarify a few things and give a complete list of cotton papers that you can choose from. As a preview to that vlog I'll post that list below. I don't have a quality ranking but I will list those I've had personal experience with and those I have not. So perhaps viewers can get involved and make recommendations.
I also call on viewers outside the US to help the many commenters who feel lost about where and what cotton papers they can get ahold of. There were many of you, but I cannot give any advice about what brands are available and reasonable in other countries or where to obtain them. So, fellow viewers abroad, help out your brother or sister artist looking for a good cotton paper in their region and post your favorite cotton paper and where you obtained it and maybe a word about what the cost is.
100% cotton papers I've used and can recommend:
Arches - amzn.to/2owloQC
Fabriano Artistico - amzn.to/2G0wIvT
Strathmore 500 - amzn.to/2Fo86vG
Hahnemuehle (Leonardo, Cezanne, Turner) - amzn.to/2FjFmZ9
Saunders Waterford - amzn.to/2oMul8G
Stonehenge Aqua - amzn.to/2oOijeK
Canson Moulin Du Roy - amzn.to/2G3kFOs
Canson Heritage - amzn.to/2FZ6QAm
Bee 100% Cotton - amzn.to/2D6G7ib
Winsor Newton Pro (not Classic) - www.dickblick.com/products/wi...
Indigo - www.dickblick.com/products/in...
Other reputable cotton brands I've not tried yet:
Kilamanjaro (Unspecified European Mill) - www.cheapjoes.com/papers-and-...
Shut Noblese (Dutch) - www.dickblick.com/products/sc...
Blick Premiere (Unspecified European Mill) - www.dickblick.com/products/bl...
Lanaquarelle (French) - amzn.to/2D4g0bX
Langton Prestige (UK) - amzn.to/2Flm0yS
Shizen (Indian) - amzn.to/2FZbcYk
A few options for 100% Cotton Sketchbooks
www.cheapjoes.com/papers-and-...
www.cheapjoes.com/american-jo...
www.dickblick.com/products/wi...
www.etsy.com/listing/58205574...
www.ebay.com/itm/Arches-Water...
Blick Premiere is great. I assume the St. Cuthburt's Mill makes it based on the language on the Blick page. I made a painting on the cold press and it worked great. Still haven't used the hot press.
Hey... Do you want me to send you a sheet of Langton Prestige from UK?
I'm happy to help .... Ohhhhh Ca na daaaaaa!
Here's what I found, and I imagine there are more places, but this is a start.
1. ARCHES is available in all art Supplies stores so no problem there.
2. FABRIANO ARTISTICO:
1. DeSerres has several stores across the country and an online store as well. They carry blocks and sheets, A block of 140lb cold press 25 sheet 5x7 is $34.99
2. Studio Six in Toronto in store or online : 22x30 sheets $7.99 each
3. Curry's - the Toronto store, 22x30 sheets must be purchased in multiples
of 10, $8.34 each
4. Aboveground Art Supplies in Toronto $10.99 sheet
PLEASE NOTE: If you order Fabriano Artistico from Amazon.ca if will be shipped from Jackson's Art Supply in Britain). I'd rather buy from Jackson's.
3.STRATHMORE 500: Wallacks in Ottawa (online store as well), $7.96 sheet
4. STONEHENGE AQUA 140 lb coldpress 10x14 pad 15 sheets
1. Aboveground Art Supplies in Toronto $28.99
2. Wallack's in Ottawa 29.99
5. HAHNEMUHLE PADS AND SKETCHBOOKS:
1. The Paint Spot in Edmonton Alberta. In store and online.
They carry Cezanne etc.
I hope that helps a little. Please share if you have other resources.
Thanks,
Patricia
my edit .... Saunders Waterford is available at Curry's in all stores.
Thanks for the offer but I just ordered some from Blick. Looking forward to getting it.
Awesome thanks for the input. To hear some Canadian commenters on here, it sounds like you have zero options.
As a beginner watercolorist, I really appreciated your video. You explained why I've been having so many problems with techniques! While I may not be able to always afford a stock like Arches, at least I will understand why the colors are not mixing the way I'd like and why the colors aren't as vibrant. Thanks!!
This is so informative. I am just beginning watercolor and I have been experimenting with these different papers. It's so helpful to see the comparisons. Thanks.
That helps a LOT! I have been struggling with some things that should not be a struggle and the paper I am using is more than likely the major factor in this! Thank you!
The moment you got to Arches with the Prussian blue convinced me to get cotton paper asap. The way the paint just immediately sinks into the cotton is incredible.
I started using watercolour paint just over a year ago and moved to to Arches 4 months and haven’t look back - yes, it is expensive but I do use both sides for practising on.
I learned so much watching this I cannot thank you enough! Not to mention you saved me, today I'm getting more paper and I was gonna go Canson. Actually seeing the effect arches had ( and seeing my own frustrations mirrored on the pulp paper) was revelatory. It's so easy to discount the paper compared to the paint but man, it's the foundation. And the commentary on sizing was super elucidating. Incoming Patreon sub, this guy knows his stuff and I want to know it too lol.
I love your down to earth explanations. These tests taught me a lot about how to avoid the poor results I have been getting -- it's definitely because of the cheaper papers. The last trial which used the very watery paint, demonstrated what has been wrong with my glazes.
My dear sir, thank you for this video. I took your advice and went to buy some Arches paper sheets (300 gsm/140 lb) and WOOOOW!! 🤯 I am UTTERLY blown away by this paper! I immediately felt the difference and sturdiness. It has this mini texture which is what helps paint spread evenly. The EASE to get a flat wash is out of this world! Omg! Pretty much paints itself. Very easy to move the color around. I was even getting perfect flat washes out of my cheap Pentel Arts watercolors! (the ones that are like $8 for 24 5ml tubes). And my Holbeins go down like butter 🤤. Now I know why they say that the paper is the most important thing. It's so glaringly obvious! I feel like a pro all of a sudden hahaha. I also tried a destruction test, where I drew dark pencil lines, then erased them (completely disappear) with no damage to the paper whatsoever. To confirm, I painted over the erased area and it was perfect! Usually with cheap paper, when you erase, it changes the texture of the surface due to damage and you can tell when you paint over it. But the Arches was unfazed!
I had been using cheap Canson paper and having to fight it all the time. But not with Arches! It's magical! I am NEVER going back to cheap paper.
Fellow viewers, trust this man and get you some Arches paper. You will love it!
Next I will test a sheet of heavy Arches 640gsm/300 lb which I also bought and that one looks and feels like a rug!😆 Gonna test it with some heavy washes to see how much water it can take before warping 😁
Edit: For those who would like to follow my watercolor journey, find me on Instagram @tonyrichengodarts 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Great demonstration. I think Canson XL and Strathmore 400 are fine for crafters and cardmakers since we don’t do too much layering and glazing, but for the typical watercolor painting, definitely Arches or similar. Thanks, Steve. Very helpful.
I agree, Linda. I'm a crafter, not a painter! But I loved seeing the tests!
I found this video today and I can not tell you how much it has helped me. I was working on a Canson XL pad and unbelievably frustrated at my inability to get consistent washes. As a beginner it is so easy to blame yourself when anything goes wrong. Your channel is an awesome resource and I really appreciate all the information that you share.
I do love all your intros, especially the ones with Reese! Great painting advice too, of course. Thank you so much for putting in all work that goes into making these videos. I'm just learning to paint, and your videos have been so very helpful ☺
I learned loads in this video. I didn’t think it made a difference but now I know better! Thanks!
I thought Arches was super expensive until I started buying sheets from my local art store. They had discounts for 10 sheets (140lb) = $40. Each sheet is 22x30, which means if you work in a 11x15 format then you have 40 sheets for $40 which isn't too bad imho. On the other hand, if I were to buy Arches pads or blocks that would be easily twice the amount. So my advice is to buy in full sheets - I also noticed the quality seems a little better with full sheets
I used to buy pads from Hobby Lobby and use their 40% off coupon. That was a deal but they discontinued that daily coupon unfortunately. Under normal pricing sheets would be more economical.
Wow! Thank you so much for doing this extremely helpful comparison. I have used 3 of the 4 papers (not Fabriano) and have experienced every one of the problems with the cheap paper. In contrast to the inexpensive papers, Arches is a dream to work on. I do buy it when it's on sale and it is totally worth it. I erroneously thought that I could get good enough to overcome the shortcomings of the cheaper paper, but in reality I was just reinforcing bad habits. Thank you so much!
This is incredibly helpful. I'm new to watercolor and there is a lot of different information out there about all the materials. Seeing this side by side comparison has convinced me to try Arches. As a newbie, it is frustrating to not understand why my art isn't doing as I want or as I see in other's work. I know a lot comes down to being a beginner, but I can see paper counts. Thanks!
Steve... this is a very effective & dramatic demonstration of the drawbacks to these "cheap" papers. Probably like others, I've been lured into buying these from the local hobby store (ie. the 40% off places). Never again - especially after watching your tests. A big thanks to you & Reese - you've saved us from wasting $$$.
Thanks Alan. Glad you see it that way. I believe it whole heartedly.
The 40% off places have Arches. I've gotten sheets and pads there. :)
Ihave to say this is a much better job in comparison to a recent video I saw with watercolor paper comparisons
I am learning how to paint with watercolor, and your examples here show me the exact issues I’ve been having. I have Canson XL and I just haven’t been able to get the effects I’ve been trying. My instructor was helpful, but since my class is a leisure one (most of us are retired) I did not want to spend much money on something I wasn’t sure of. I just signed up to continue the next session, and now I feel like I’d like to invest in better paper. Thank you for showing the differences.
This comparison video is exactly what I needed. At school, my warercolour enthusiast students already complain that the paper we have in the art room start to break down when they do watercolouring. I told them that was what I could afford at school but they can buy the more expensive ones. Some did and I could see how much their work improved as they had the better paper to work on. I totally agree that no matter how good you are, you also need the correct tool. I have used a strathmore 400 lately and absolutely loved it. Thanks Steve, this is amazing. Will have to direct my pupils to this video, those who are serious about art and want to study art at Uni- they need to understand the value of good quality materials.
Would love to now see you do a comparison video on different brands of 100% cotton papers.
Hmm, yeah that would be a task. So far I've only run across one 100% cotton paper I didn't like at all and thats Fluid.
Hey Steve, so right you are on Fluid. I'm guessing that you found it pilled very easily, among other things.
For me, it stained to easily and wouldn't lift as well. Something about the sizing I didn't like I guess.
Wow!! This video show me a new world! I actually use Canson XL and I did't know how was the problem with the colors, but now I know!! It is totally different! Because despite all the practice, if the paper sucks, you never will be better! Thank you so much for the demo.
Exactly, thanks!
Same thing here! Though I'll stick to Canson XL for a while until I feel my skills with the medium improve, no doubt I'll move to Arches (quite expensive paper to practice over here)
Super cool! Now I really understand how much difference the paper can make. I can see that you really needs to match your style and how you want to paint to react to the paper. Great useful video!
I've just recently found you, Steve. Thanks for all your fabulous vids. This one was really great.....so carefully done and with such caring attention to detail. Very much appreciated.
I am mind blown at these demonstrations. I know now why I’ve been having trouble getting the results I want! I thought it was just me! I’m so happy after watching this video I could cry! I almost gave up on watercolor.
I'm glad to hear that you didn't give up 😊
Thanks. ☺️ Me too! Art is my passion, and I love adding to my options of mediums.
Just started watercolours 3 months ago and recently bought Arches.It was a game changer. Especially for wet on wet and blending. I Will use the Canson for quick doodles with ink that I colour in or I use extra paint to paint random shapes that I doodle on with gel pens. This is great for stress management.
You are soooo right about paper. Today I got some samples of Arches. OMG I feel like I got a new life. This is amazing! Paper is the most important thing in Watercolour painting.
Thank you for the visual explanation! It was very helpful! I will have to try the Arches paper.
Thank you so much for doing this comparison on video. I knew the the quality of the paper makes a difference but I had no idea how much! I've been blaming my own mediocre skills for crappy results when it was probably at last 50% due to the crappy paper.
Hoping this is my case too-gonna find out tomorrow!!!
Wow, this was truly eye opening! I've seen other watercolor paper comparison videos but never a demonstration like this. I'm a beginner and have experienced all the issues you showed but thought it was just me. Initially, my plan was to continue working on the cheaper paper (one of which you premiered and quickly discounted in this video) and when my technique improved, I would invest in the better, cotton paper. Now I realize it may not be entirely me. I'm going to buy the lower cost Arches pad (with a 50% coupon!), cut down the sheets to make a smaller book, and try using that to more accurately identify which techniques I need to work on. Thank you sooo much for this incredibly informative video! 🎨📚👍
Use 300lb. paper for your masterpiece paintings. 300lb is super expensive, so dont use it for practicing. You'll see a big difference with 300lb. Amazon has 10 sheets of 300lb for 25 bucks.
@@endgame6979 thanks.
Thanks Steve for both your humour and your technical advice presented in such a clear manner....greatly appreciated. Lorraine.
Due to this I just bought my first pad of Arches paper. Thank you for the demonstration.
I new I loved arches! It's great to see a demo that shows why. Thanks☺
I was thinking of trying some other brands and now I won't bother. Thanks again
You bet!