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?
HP paper 140lb Arche is my favourite paper as I can get a more precise finish to my artwork.
HP paper 140lb Fabriano Artistico and the new white are 2nd best.
I have not tried any other HP papers as I am so far satisfied with the above.
The sizing on the 140lb HP Arche is the best as it does not absorb the paint and allows sharper lines when using dry brush work.
Thanks Sylvia.
I haven’t used the Arches myself, but I will try it now because sometimes I do like a hard-sized paper.
-Julie