About watercolour papers:
“Papers with different sizing react differently in variable weather conditions. In damp conditions papers that are more absorbent (have less sizing) will dry more quickly, whereas hard-sized papers (with heavy sizing) will seem never to dry. Arches, a hard-sized paper, is better in drier conditions. Fabriano is a very absorbent paper that works well in a cold damp climate.”
- David Dewey

Also take into consideration when choosing a paper for watercolour- how you paint: fairly dry or very wet. And of course: how you want it to look- the paint skips over the ridges in rough paper and can puddle on hot pressed paper.

We will be making up a taster pack of watercolour papers to allow artists to try out a wide range of papers and determine which works best for them and the art they are making.
Any suggestions of which papers you would like to see included?
What is your favourite paper and why does it work so well for you?