Are you an artist on the hunt for the perfect watercolor paper? Look no further! After trying out numerous brands, here are the top recommendations that have made it to the top of my purchase list.
Keep in mind that just because some papers didn't make the cut, doesn't mean they aren't good options. I have found a few others I also enjoy, but these are the one I always have laying around. When someone asks me what they should buy, these are the ones I recommend first. I would love to know if you agree with me or what you enjoy using.
Paper
1. Arches
I am not going to lie, when I started watercolor this brand always came up, over and over. Everyone seemed to talk about it and show it off in videos. I saw the price and thought, "nope". I just could not wrap my mind around how "Paper" could cost this much. I tried so many 100% cotton papers and didn't want to "give in" and buy this paper. Got some extra birthday cash and went crazy.
The moment the paint touched this paper, I had instant regrets not trying it sooner. The paint soaks into the paper and doing wet on wet works like a dream. It takes longer to dry, unlike student grade paper (not cotton paper).
If you are like them and have watched all those fun videos where people are doing the fun wet on wet projects and you can't figure out why your art doesn't look the same, check your paper. I started using this and felt like Bob Ross. The colors touch each other and create the most amazing textures.
If you are coming from a student grade paper (that isn't 100% cotton), it will take a little bit to adjust to water balance. The "blooming" effect takes a little longer to show up because the paper stays wet longer. and the "blooming" effect is a little different.
This paper is labeled "white", but it is slightly ivory. I only noticed when holding it up to other watercolor paper. Defiantly not enough of a difference to impact your colors.
Why is Arches my number one? I love it because it has enough texture to give that special watercolor feel. It doesn't buckle much when wet. Also, It is more commonly known and seems to go on sale more. If you sign up on Blicks website and wait until they have a 10% or 20% off orders over 59.00 you can get them at around 16.00 each (for a 9*12 pad). That is a pretty good deal.
Saunders
This paper is another amazing 100% cotton paper. Picking between Arches and Saunders is tough. The only real difference I could tell is texture, slightly more ivory colored and price. Saunders seems to be a little less textured and smoother. This makes it easier if you are sketching before you paint. You don't have to deal with trying to draw a line in all the bumps from the cold press texture.
You can get Saunders in either blocks or pads. The smallest size in the pad is 9 x 12 and the smallest block is 7 x 10. They don't have as many size options as my next pick, but they have the basic sizes.
I keep my eye on this paper, because even though this is several bucks more then Arches, sometimes it will go on sale or I can use my coupon on Saunders when I can not on others.
Overall, you will not be disappointed in this paper.
Legion
Legion makes amazing watercolor paper blocks. Plus you get 15 sheets, the other two above only have 12 sheets. They also make a 7 x 7 block and list price is $20.18 but I have been able to get it around $14.00 with coupons. Can't bet around $1.00 per sheet. Even the 9 x 12 is around the same price as Arches and you get 3 more sheets of paper. You defiantly get more bang for you buck with Legion.
I love using blocks, but the price normally keeps me from purchasing them. Not with Legion. If you are worried about your paper buckling from using water, then you need to try these blocks out. As far as I know, they are the only ones with square sizes.
Legion is even less textured then the others on this list. It is closer to Saunders texture, but just slightly less grainy. Which again, is good if you like to sketch out before you paint. I did notice you can't use an eraser too much, because Legion is a little more sensitive (both on Hot Press and the Cold Press) even though it is 140 lb paper, just like the others I have listed.
This paper is also more white then the other two. If you are looking for something closer to 96 bright copy paper, this would be my pick.
Holds paint amazingly well. Wet on wet works like a charm. You can lift pant up really well. You can't beat using watercolor paper blocks.
Overall, this is the most cost effective 100% watercolor paper I have found. I always keep this on hand for when I want to paint with a block. Or if I am looking for more paper size options.