Professional Watercolor Papers: A Performance Comparison
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- **Paper updates below
This video presents an in-depth comparison of ten of the most popular watercolor papers used by professionals in 2020. Artist Jill Poyerd guides viewers through the role of paper sizing, the paper's response to water, and six distinct techniques specific to watercolor painting.
*Paper chart at end of video is available for download here: jmp.sh/SbVeq9PM
**Two of the papers in this video (WInsor & Newton and Hahnemuhle) were replaced shortly after publishing. The new versions of each paper are tested in my latest video by the same name: • Professional Watercolo...
***Having worked professionally with the Lanaquarelle paper a few times since creating this video, I would add that it doesn't work well with my particular brand of masking fluid (Winsor & Newton). It tends to pull up some of the top layer of paper. And even though it made it through the tape pull test successfully, my artist masking tape lifted up some of the surface of the paper. It's easily "fixed" by rubbing a clean piece of scrap paper on the roughed up area, but generally the paper is vulnerable. Still...it takes washes beautifully and evenly. Really nice paper if you don't need to mask. Sadly, rumor has it this paper is also being discontinued or sold to another manufacturer.
Watch EPISODE II:
Professional Watercolor Papers: A Performance Comparison II (2022): • Professional Watercolo...
To learn more about paper quality:
Watercolor Paper: The Impact of Quality: • Watercolor Paper: The ...
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Jill also has ONLINE PAINTING COURSES available through:
Her Website:
www.jillpoyerd.com/classes
UDemy
www.udemy.com/user/jill-poyerd/
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Music in order of appearance in the video:
"Life Never Ends" by Mocha Music
"Inspirational Solo Piano" by Praded
"Piano Lyric" by Praded - Навчання та стиль
Hi Jill, I wanted to pass on an update regarding Winsor & Newton paper. I was very impressed with the W&N paper in my initial tests, and I know it's one of your favorites. I noticed that Dick Blick was selling a "new" version of both the classic and professional line watercolor papers. I ordered some and wrote W&N to ask about their new paper. I will paste their response at the bottom of this comment, which reveals they had three different mills making their paper, but now only have one. I just tested the new paper, and unfortunately it's quite different. Note the old paper had the watermarks on the bottom LEFT, but the new papers the watermark is on the bottom RIGHT. The old paper was quite rough for CP, and the new paper has much less texture (this may actually be a bonus for some). The new paper is much less absorbent -- it seems like heavier external sizing versus the old paper, which was quite thirsty. Sadly, the new papers (and I tested all three finishes in 140#) warped and got wavy, and did not flatten out when dry like the old version. Seems like less internal sizing. Additionally, I could not get a nice even flat wash or a good gradient on the new papers in any finish. I even gave it a second try on the CP and modifying my technique helped, but the wash was still blotchy. (When I ordered, they were out of stock of the 300 lb, but I hope to test that one soon. I don't have my hopes up.)
I figured I would post my findings here for you and others to see - wanted to give you a heads up before you order again. Oh, and the price went up more than a dollar per sheet as well. And as an aside, they suddenly raised the Lanaquarelle price more $2 a sheet! (Lanaquarelle is better priced through Cheap Joe's.)
Blick still has some of the old stuff in stock, but I think they are out of 300#. I was able to find some of the old stuff in my local store as well.
Here is what W&N wrote to me:
Thank you for contacting Winsor & Newton.
I'll try to clarify the situation. There are 3 paper mills in the world that can make watercolor paper to our specifications.
Two of them have been bought by competitors or entered into exclusive contracts with other companies so we lost access to the paper made by both mills at different times. Last year we started to work with the third mill who is making the paper we recently launched. All of the versions we've had made were internally and externally sized with some combination of vegetable and synthetic sizing, although I'm sure each mill has their own method. Only Arches in France uses an animal hide glue to size their watercolor paper as they've done for over 500 years.
Each type of paper we've had made will be similar, but there will be some variations in color or texture based on the unique conditions at each mill.
Oh wow, Jenn. I’m so glad you shared this information on the “new” W&N paper. I’m so disappointed to hear this. From your description, it’s no longer a paper I want to work with. It’s much like how Arches and Fabriano changed over the years - both having been great papers that laid flat.
I wish I knew they were making these changes before creating my comparison video. I hate to think of viewers expecting the results I got from what they think is the same paper. Hopefully, they’ll see your note here. I may cut and paste it into the video description.
And to raise their price as well? What a disappointment.
At some point, I may need to redo the testing as Hahnemuhle is also in the process of changing papers. The good news there is I tried their new one and it seems perfectly fine so far.
@@JillPoyerdFineArt Yes, it's quite upsetting to see another great paper become only ok. (Interesting that they contract their paper out and had three different mills before. That would imply their papers may not have been consistent before, depending on which mill made them.) Of course I would urge you to test it yourself, but I'm quite bummed out about the lack of flatness and just puzzled about how bad flat washes look. They're usually excellent on cotton paper. It's like a totally different brand of paper now - from extremely thirsty and rough to smooth and puddle-prone. As far as the price increase, I'm not sure we can blame that on W&N. Blick's pricing is sometimes... illogical.
And yes, Hanhemuhle stopped making Cezanne and Leonardo, and have replaced it with "The Collection." They offered to send me some samples, but they've never arrived (perhaps the fault of the US Mail?) I've been curious if they changed the paper, or just renamed it.
@@JillPoyerdFineArt A brief update: It's only a theory I have, but I think the new Winsor and Newton just might be made by Fabriano. Fabriano Artistico has an interesting "sub-texture" that I've noticed only in certain light, and I noticed the new W&N looks similar. (Cheap Joe's house brand Kilimanjaro has this texture too, and I had heard speculation that it's made by Fabriano.)
Thank you for this review. I use the original WN 140lb cp and I love it. It can take quite a beating and I tend to lift color a lot to create a specific look, it performs very well. However, I did hear about this change in the paper quality. Today I looked high and low on the internet for a review of the new "professional" paper. Finally, I called Blick to ask them about this and they told me what you just wrote. I immediately ordered 20 sheets of the original paper. I guess I too will go back to Arches once my supple is used. If you can, or anyone else here, I am looking to buy a roll of watercolor paper. Have you and what do you recommend? Thank you.
@@cyndiheath2399 I don't think it's available in rolls, at least in the US, but I am quite liking the Lanaquarelle paper which is not a bad price from Cheap Joe's in bulk. The Hahnemuhle paper is exquisite, but very expensive in the USA, although Blick has a reasonable deal on a small pad.
Wow, this is the best and most comprehensive review on watercolor papers I've seen on UA-cam. Not that others haven't been valuable, but you really went the extra mile to ensure a thorough, fair and thoughtful examination of each paper. Thanks so much!
One comment about the Fabriano Artistico paper--the grain of the paper is opposite the other papers (a change they made a few years ago when Fabriano changed the manufacturing of the Artistico papers). It runs crosswise rather than lengthwise, which is easy to see from the deckle edges and the way the papers curled when wet in the first experiment. I'm wondering if that affected the flow of the Ultramarine Violet for FA and the other papers that had more of a long flow rather than spreading out. Just a thought :) I should try the experiment myself to see!
Thank you, everart. And how interesting about the grain! That totally escaped me. Very interesting. I will say that the paper is sadly not what it used to be. Perhaps that's part of the reason, and could possibly explain the performance in the flow, as you suggest. Hmm.
2020 needs more Jill.
That's sooo kind. I'm honored.
As a professional Artist and Bookbinder myself, I geek out over these videos lol.
I make custom luxury Goatskin leather ( from Italy and France ) Hardbound watercolor sketchbooks, with choices of 100% papers from all the top professional brands. I buy my watercolor papers in industrial rolls, and imperial sheets in Bulk if the option for the roll isn't available. I geek out on paper! I also teach private lessons in my Art studio and Bindery. I teach paper over paints.... cheap out on paint 1st, and buy good paper if they are on budgets. I also make sketchbooks with any of the Strathmore 500 series 100% cotton papers. I make handmade marbled papers for my books, for end pages and 1/2 cover bindings, and 1/4 cover binders... and those papers are a whole different ball game. But all around, my favorite by far is Saunders Waterford. I love it for both art and Binding with, I find it far better than Arches. I do like Arches for some things, but I think it is very over- rated. The Saunders sizing is just perfect, not over board like Arches can be. Plus I've had many, MANY issues and problems with Arches having spotty sizing problems, and sizing issues in general. Winsor and newton's paper was made by/at Saunders Saint Cuthberts mill, I heard they stop recently tho. Fabriano used to be much better, before they started printing money for the Government of France. It changed something in their process and Fabriano has been forever changed. Fabriano had the best hot press watercolor, specially for botanical Artists. It completely changed the surface of their hot pressed paper, it used to be like a super smooth bristol plate, noway Bontanical Artists have switched to other papers. Anyway, I've rambled enough lol, like I said... I geek out over this stuff. You did an Amazing job with test! Actually it's one of, if not, the best on YT. Absolutely brilliant and thank you for sharing your video. Have a wonderful day!
Please kind sir,which Hot Pressed paper,would you suggest for graphite pencil drawing and which Cold pressed for watercolours?
@greekveteran2715 Hey there... cold press 100% cotton watercolor paper, in my opinion... hands down, 100 million % Saunders Waterford cold press paper in ultra bright white and natural. For graphite draws, I would also give that to Saunders Waterford 100% cotton hot press paper. Now that being said, depending on where you live on this globe... Saunders is more expensive in the USA, but cheaper in Europe. Like I mentioned, buy rolls if you can. Saunders rolls are almost 2 feet wider and 2 to 3 yards longer than arches or any other brand of professional paper. Rolls of Saunders run around 300$... but compared to any other sizes on the market like full-size sheets... rolls are insanely cheaper when bought in rolls. Arches rolls are about 250$ depending where you find them... but I have a massive issue with Arches now. Their hot press paper is outrageously inconsistent ans tend to be extremely blotchy and bad. Their cold press also suffers from blotchy patches because ARches packages Their acid-free 100% cotton papers in acidic cardboard boxes. In turn, the acid from the cardboard absorbs into the acid-free 100% cotton watercolor papers. Which causes bad patches in the paper and blotchy finishes. It's like you are just painting along and feeling what you are doing... THEN BAMMMM!! You hit a bad patch/spot in the paper, and suddenly it soaks in all your watercolor paint and pulls the pigments INTO the center of the paper! Saunders always packages Their paper ( in all forms, including rolls ) in archival 100% acid-free cardboard boxes, AND they wrap the roll in a pvp archival plastic wrap as well. So you can literally store the paper in the very box it came in! ARCHES MUST be removed from their packaging IMMEDIATELY after receiving it! THEN THE FUN STARTS are trying to find out how long the arches rolls have been sitting in a warehouse for 2 years... just soaking in all the acidity from their cardboard packaging. They don't protect their rolls with plastic either.
Saunders is the only paper I can't find here in Greece,no shop sells any paper from that brand. In the same time Royal Talens watercolours that I use,don't work on Arches and Hahnemuhle,because of their nature to spread a lot and being very vibrant and bright colours,so these papers enhance all these features to the point the results always look like a glow in the dark painting. After more research I did recently, probably Saunders Waterford works the best for these watercolors, but my only option,is the poorer Fabriano Artistico cp. Thank you very much for all the excellent feedback,I really appreciate it!!
cant help but admire the way your love for art flows so elegantly through your soothing gentle articulation of the process
Thank you so much, carlosfastcar1
@@JillPoyerdFineArt i love your videos and just want you to know you have inspired me to take up painting again. i will make a video of my next painting ... lets just hope it turns out good enough to post .
@@carlosfastcar1 That's so wonderful! I'm so pleased and honored to have inspired you to engage in painting again. Really rewarding. Enjoy the process, even if your results are not perfect. It may take a while to get back in the swing of it.
Well articulated!
I don’t even work with watercolors but watching this is soothing and fascinating at the same time
Thank you, Carol. How nice to know
The effort and time you have put into this video is really remarkable. Even more it's free! Art lovers around the world owes you for sure.
You're very welcome, Omer. I'm happy to help others when I can.
I am so grateful that you took the time to do this study. I am now considering using a different paper for the varying results that were achieved in the demonstration. ~Jeannette
You're very welcome, Jeannette! I'm glad you were able to watch it prior to making a purchase.
This has to be the best watercolor paper review on youtube! Great job!!
Thank you so much, Patricia!
What a detailed comparison. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I'm so glad I found your channel, these videos are pure gold. THANK YOU
Very comprehensive comparison. Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to do this time consuming test. Very informative.
I love how thorough and well- explained these tests are - thank you!
What an excellent comparison video, Jill. I have several of your Udemy classes and find your instruction to be so helpful. The color differences are so striking in this video, it’s not something I would have normally thought to compare in a store for instance. I began with Stonehenge for the price, and have a love/disappointment relationship with that paper. The tape lifting is so extreme, but colors come out really vibrant. I have struggled quite a bit with Arches, after buying a boatload of it. I have encountered many of the issues you cite as weaknesses. I’ve been adding a block of different brands to my orders recently, and have tried most if the brands you tested. Right now very pleased with Winsor Newton and Lanaquarelle. I couldn’t have told you why, your video explains it so clearly, and I see why I like those papers so much. Thank you for doing all this hard work!
You're very welcome, and I'm glad you're enjoying my classes! It's so interesting to know your "journey" which resulted in your settling into W&N and Lanaquarelle. I know I mention that I currently use W&N paper, but like you, the Lanaquarelle is one I plan to continue working with as well. I want to try the 300lb version with a formal painting (make sure performance is the same).
You’re testing made the pros and cons of watercolor paper very clear. Thank you.
Fantastic and thorough testing - the best I've seen yet! Thank you.
Thank you so much, Lin. Glad you enjoyed it!
I like your scientific but gentle approach to this experiment.
Thank you, Momiji
Thanks Jill for another superb tutorial, take care, David.
Glad you enjoyed it, David
Great test! Used to paint on Arches CP and Saunders Waterford High White CP, but have now settled on the Hahnemuhle Expression CP. I think the colors flow and blend much better on that paper, they also get more intense. I always get the 50x65 10-packs, more economical that way.
You know, it's always interesting to hear what people prefer. We're all so different and the way we paint is often so different...so different papers will work for different people.
Hi Jill, thank you for the testing, wonderful video and really love your voice, so gentle, calm and professional , well done!
Thank you, Benjamin
Wow fantastic!!! Best paper comparison video Ive ever seen! Please make more watercolor videos!! Thanks so much for sharing! Much love 💙💜
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Nadeane! I'm working on a second video to this right now, actually - 10 more papers to test.
The best videos I've found about Aquarela are yours. Gratitude for your work, it's perfect! Congratulations!
Thank you so much - very appreciated, Tainara
What a detailed review. Thank you!
This comprehensive and thorough review is very well done.
Thank you, Robert
Just ran across your channel! What wonderful full information. Thank you so much!
Thank you, Toni. Welcome to my channel!
I appreciate the time you took for this study. Took a screenshot of the final results. Thankyou
Wonderful - You're very welcome
I love and appreciate the highly technical way you approach your classes. Videos on brush strokes, the qualities of papers, etc. really connects for me, thank you!
I'm so glad it's all been helpful to you, Liastnir
Amazing amount of information for a learner like me. This is just the comprehensive video on watercolour paper. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I'm so glad it was helpful for you, Anil
Amazing. Thank you so much for your hard work in testing all of these. I can't even imagine how much time all of this took!
Thank you - Glad it was helpful
Dear Jill, I found your presentation absolutely fantastic, so thorough and well explained. I will definitely give the link to this video to all my students. Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to do produce this in-depth comparison . :-)
It was my pleasure. I had wanted to do this for some time now - was glad to finally sit down and run through the tests.
I just have to say, your classes and videos have helped me overcome my fear of painting with watercolors. Seeing your paper and paint tests have helped me find much better materials and supplies than what I was originally working with, and it has made a huge difference in how I feel about painting. Thank you for your wonderful content!
That is so rewarding to hear, Pauline. To know that my work has reduced your fear and helped you succeed...well, it makes what I do so worthwhile.
I m so impressed! Thank You for lesson!
Great review. I am so impressed. Thank you.
Excellent review Jill ... Thank you
Glad it was helpful, Rob
Thanks, very interesting and explained well. Kudos!
Thank you very much. A very informative video that I have ever seen. Please keep doing more of these videos.
Thank you, Mahidhar. No plans to stop at this point...
Thanks a lot! Very useful, very well explained.
I love all your previous videos but this one was as interesting as watching paint dry...just kidding. Very thorough and informative and your voice is hypnotic! More videos please.
lol - Sorry, Martin. I guess for those interested in the topic, it holds them? I have a good one on the Masters in the research phase. Corona has slowed it down quite a bit, but I'll get there.
I can't thank you enough for this very comprehensive and excellent review. As a serious beginner, I really needed this. I'm also glad to have found your Skillshare classes. You're a lifesaver. Thank you once again.🙏
I'm so glad. my work has been helpful for you, inkyhabit. It's so rewarding to hear
Thanks for sharing these testings.
Excellent review, thank you !
very good testing! Thank you!
Thank you for your priceless work. A research, tests, for the best to be chosen by the technique and permanence of the art. art stays! The artist thanks you.
Very glad it was helpful, Zupo
Thank you so much for the in depth review.
You didnt compare this, but it is really important how long the paper stays wet.
Thats also the reason many professionals prefer Saunders over anything because it widens the window for dry-in-wet or wet-in-wet in rather dry or "normal" conditions (Europe, USA, Canada etc.)
For example I live in central Europe and paper like Fabriano just dries in seconds for me.. I like the paper but I can only use it for sketches.
For people in more humid conditions it might be perfect.
This is a quality video reference. Thank you for this.
You're very welcome, Tony
A great review and one of the most clear and detailed one. Your Skillshare classes are just as great too :)!!!
Thank you so much, Simra. Glad you have you as a student, too!
This is amazing ! I love the in depth and comprehensive tests you have done . Really informative ❤️ i would love to see a similar test to hp paper it would be amazing
Thank you. Yes, I might like to see the comparison as well. I'll consider it for the future.
Enjoyable, educated and professional
Thank you for the comprehensive guide.
Glad you enjoyed it, Meisuko
Excellent video. Thank you.
Amazing review!! I am blown away by your thoroughness! Thank you so very much! Now I know why my recent paintings looked wretched on the Stonehenge paper. I really wanted to love it but so many of the techniques I use look bad, and the tape ALWAYS pulls 😭 Arches is what I prefer now, but I’m excited to try the Lanaquarelle and the Hahnemuhle !! Putting those in my cart for my next purchase
I'm so glad it was helpful! I know what you mean about wanting to like a certain paper....but yes, sometimes they just don't perform.
Excellent review!
Thank you, I've watercolored for years and always used the same Arches paper, only recently have I become curious about what other possibilities exist and this video was super well done and gave me tons of ideas what to look for.
Wonderful! I like to know it is helpful.
Great video Jill! It’s so clear and informative that I had to share it with my fellow artists/students, many of whom loved it. I especially liked the chart at the end summarizing your findings and adding the cost of each paper. This class is just what I needed to make intelligent choices. Thank you again. You are an amazing teacher.
Thank you so much for the kind compliment, Liliana, and I'm so glad both you and your students benefitted from it. My thought was that it's hard for all of us to get out there and try so many papers, so an evaluation like this could help artists narrow the field a little based on how they paint.
@@JillPoyerdFineArt you
You are so right Jill. It’s costly and difficult to try so many different kinds of papers that’s why we all appreciate so much what you do for us all. Just to clarify something, I’m a fairly new student of watercolor myself. I shared your video with my fellow students, not my students. Hehehe.
@@lilianaklass8247 Oh, not a problem! Thank you for sharing with them.
great clear and short explanation on watercolor paper..... very interesting and important for all art practitioners
Thank you, Ernesto
I've been waiting for this video for so long!!
I'm just sorry it took SO long to get it out!
@@JillPoyerdFineArt no problem, it's so worth the wait!
This is amazing, thank you very much for this helpful video.
I'm glad it was helpful!
Very useful videos - please continue the good work.
Thank you, Sanys - No plans to stop at this point
Fantasticand throrough review. Top marks, thank you.
I appreciate that, Christine...
Thank you so much! I've been needing this analysis. Thank you for taking the time and doing such a thorough job. I really appreciate it. I'd be interested to see how Baohong compares to these.
You're very welcome, Suzanne. Perhaps whenever I get to try it (which could be a little while), I can post in the community section of my channel with my thoughts.
Such incredible videos!!
Thank you!
So informative, thank you. 👌💕
I was Fabriano artistico user for a long time and after i tried HM sezanne i can say it is huge difference for heavy wet in wet aplications.Compared to artistico Sezanne is 50% more expensive in my country but its totally worth the price. Now it is my paper of choice and after watching this video i dont need to seek further . Thank you very much
That's great, Gos'n Bandar. I'm glad the video was so helpful for you.
The complete watercolor paper essay. Thank you. Now i can choose my paper depending on circumstance and performance
Glad it was helpful, Vincent
Thank you so much! This test really is the most comprehensive I have ever seen - and probably the most costly! It's always amazing how paper affects the painting and the paint! But - as you said, it is a matter of taste as to what you prefer. Hahnemühle has so many different types of watercolour paper, about half of them are 100 % cotton. Have you tried "The Collection"-papers. They are fairly new and come in blocks, roll and sheets. I have not tried it yet but heard good things.
Thank you, Chrissie! No, I haven't tried the Collection papers but since the Cezanne performed so well, it might be worth trying a few of their other papers on the side.
Love all your videos J 💚 😇🙏
Thank you, Maheshwar
Such a great video! Thanks much! deserves more views. Your voice is also so comforting like ASMR. When you get time please do a similar comparison for paints (WN, DanielSmith, QoR, Schminke etc) Would also love to see demos and more videos from you :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kaustubh. I'm actually working on a Part Two to this video....testing 12 more professional papers. And plenty of video plans thereafter!
Thank you for this helpfull video!! Very interesting and it will guide me in my future choices !
Wonderful - Glad it was helpful, Merlentine.
Yu did great job ! Thank you!
Best. Review. Ever!
Thank you!
I finally found THE perfect paper for my needs!!! It's the Arches Hot Pressed 300gr on their Black and Pink pads! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!
It turned out, way better for pencil drawing than Fabriano Artistico, which I didn't expect, because many complained of it having a soft surface or not so smooth tooth. I had a completely different experience with it and I regret, for not getting it earlier, relying on such inferior papers for all those years, that made everything more difficult.
It makes a perfect combo, with Faber Castell Aquarelle water soluble pencils!!! Add a Da Vinci synthetic round No6 and you get the most enjoyable Art supplies I've ever worked on! Super high quality, super fan!! Santa Claus came after many years for me!!! Hope to youu too people! Merry Christmas!!!
Great to know- thanks for sharing! I’m sure others will benefit
Let me say that i really don’t like long videos but this video omg has me so focus and now i know how to choose my paper
Thank, Roxy! That's a great compliment. Glad it was helpful.
Excellent, thank you
What an amazing video!!!
I started with GVARRO as a kid, but fell in love with Arches and I'll add that there's a noticeable difference between stretched and un-stretched Arches. Nowadays I only use Moleskines.
Thank you, Alejandro. I need to try Moleskine sometime...
VERY helpful thank you
Top quailty tutorials on youtube.UNMATCHED
Thankyou for taking the time to make this video. I will try the Hahnemühle Cezanne. It's about €0.50 per full sheet cheaper here than the Arches.
Oh, that's nice to be able to get it so much cheaper. It's really nice paper.
This is so nice. Thank you very much 💕😭
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Gabriela
I’ve said it before many times and I’ll say it again, Winsor and Newton 100% cotton is a fantastic paper. I’ve tested it thoroughly. It can take more abuse than most, including Arches and also stays wet longer than most which can be a help depending on your style. Your test also demonstrated that initial coverage needs a little more paint which is exactly what I find. After initial coverage then all is well. Given the price vs performance, it’s a no brainer.
I’ve never considered Arches the best like many do, and never liked Fabriano CP, i’ve always felt Fabriano is inferior and dulls colours. I do like the Fabriano Artistico hot press though - the “old” formula, and fortunately I have some full sheets left of the old formula.
I like the Cezanne too - but - I find glazes/layering a little more difficult since colour seems to lift a little easier in practice.
You have peaked my interest more than ever in Lanaqua though, a paper I have always wanted to try, but is very, very expensive in the UK. Maybe one day.
Finally, I thank you for your thorough test Jill, it is much appreciated. You are the best at what you do!
PS: A hot press demonstration at some point would also be very much appreciated since hot press performance in a brand can vary significantly in that a brand that has a good cold press doesn’t mean that same brand produces a good hotpress.
Thank you so much, Kyomii, for your kind comments. You're right about hot-pressed taking the paint differently - I agree. I'll write it down on my list of potential future videos. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I agree, W&N Professional is truly exceptional. CP and HP as well. Do you also have experience with Classic (not cotton)?
@@zenataf I have used the non cotton version, it’s pretty good for a pulp paper, however it is very textured.
After bingewatching a bunch of paper comparisons, I discovered you have the best two videos on UA-cam about paper. I did follow along with your tests on the 4 papers I had on hand (2 cellulose, 2 cotton). Now with this video, I know that Stonehendge is good for practice and warmups, see that Arches is really pretty good, and I can try the Lanaquarelle if I get really good and win the lottery :) Dick Blick's price on Arches is quite a bit less than stated here, which is nice.
I'm glad you enjoyed the testing, Jenn. It's also good that you mentioned Dick Blick being less expensive. They are actually my normal go-to supply provider, but I may have purchased the Arches for this test locally. Glad you enjoyed the videos!
@@JillPoyerdFineArt I sure did, and I learned so much from doing my own tests. I highly recommend to anyone watching that you test your own papers along with this video. The only problem is that now I have bought a bunch more papers! I can't wait till they get here so I can test them as well. I'm so glad you helped narrow it down for me.
Thank you👍
This is very informative for me
, I was struggling with hard edges when painting on Waterford CP , and yes this paper dry very fast , I had to rewet with clear water twice for wet on wet techniques , now I have a clue , thanks you sooo much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏻
Wonderful! Glad it was helpful.
Very helpful
Thank you madame.
Jill, this was extremely well presented. I appreciate your efforts here. I’m going to experiment with Stonehenge. I’m sad you did try the Chinese Baohung paper.(sp?). Thankyou for your time and effort here.
I'm glad it was helpful. Actually...I have a second video where I test Baohung. Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/zn45fBA1b6I/v-deo.htmlsi=w6qfE0lFreu7i8OY I hope it's helpful!
love this ❤️
Wonderfully well thought out and thorough survey of watercolour paper options. Thank you for the enormous time and effort this took to produce!
If you wanted to try another less expensive paper, I would love to see how you find Bee 100% 140lb paper compares to the others you tried. I find that it’s a very thirsty paper compared to Arches, and the texture is a bit too soft, but it’s a true cotton paper so for a new painter is a far better option than cellulose paper. I use it for greeting cards and similar.
I've heard some good things about Bee paper (Aquabee Watercolor Paper) from others as well. Yes, I will have to order some and see what I think. Thanks for the reminder. It's also good to know what you've experienced with it.
Great, systematic analysis, thanks! Given the many manufacturing changes noted in earlier comments and more recent ones such as Fabriano producing only an "enhanced" surface (completely different product; thwarts granulation and has a very machine-made texture), would you consider doing an updated set of tests? BTW, Legion is now marketing Lanaquarelle.
You know, I should. I'm so backed up with projects right now but I think I may have to consider doing that at some point. I was so sad to hear about the changes so soon after releasing this...and my second one.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing
I actually like the khadi paper for gesso and oil painting due to the texture :)
Ahh, yes, I could see that. Thanks for sharing that.
Thank you very much for this thorough comparison,. I've been painting watercolour a couple of years now and, like a lot of people, began by using cellulose paper, tried a few and have been pretty happy with a couple of them (Bockingford and Hahnemule Britannia), so I decided to 'up my game' so to speak and got some Fabriano 100% cotton, big mistake, I found it to be just about what you could expect from this video plus it has a huge watermark which shows in the finished painting. It's put me off trying other 100% cotton papers because it's such an expensive mistake to make.
Wow amazing.☆
Thank you, Merri
Thank you so much for that video that is so informative especially for a beginner like myself. I didn't read all the comments but I wonder if you did your comparison after Arches changed their paper and maybe that is why it didn't act like the paper you had been using for most of your career?? That thought just crossed my mind
I did - I was definitely using their current paper, which doesn't perform like the old version. Good catch. I actually just released a follow-up to this video, as two of the papers in this video got replaced right after publishing this. It's hard to keep up with these manufacturers! lol. Here's a link if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/zn45fBA1b6I/v-deo.html
What I have learned is that.....depending on what you plan on doing to create, then there is a paper that works best for that technique!
Exactly!
Thank you for this comprehensive review. Was the Fabriano paper you used from the Artistico line?
You're very welcome, Sally. Yes, it was Fabriano Artistico cold-pressed 140lb paper.
After more testing,I have to say,that from now on my absolute choices for the best papers,are goingDessin Arches Hot pressed and Hahnemuhle Dessin,as my absolute favorite drawing papers,for graphite pencils.For sketching,Canson 180 and Universal sketchbooks. For charcoal and Polychromos,I choose the Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed. (I also like Fabriano Accademia 200gsm for coloured pencils!) For watercolor,I'll play it safe,choosing Hahnemuhle watercolour papers and same for ink,Hahnemuhle bristol!! Canson bristol is also excellent for ink.
Hahnemuhle papers,feel way higher quality when I draw on them! Canson still makes the best student grade paper.
For me it's: Hahnemuhle > Arches > Fabriano > Canson.
That's a great breakdown, and something other viewers may find helpful.
Thanks,
Excellent watercolor paper test, really helpful, lanaquarelle is a french brand and for me mayby the best tested, and overall one of the best tested, i will try it
Yes, I was really impressed with it and hope to use Lanaquarelle for a formal painting in the future. Glad the video was helpful, Julien.
It's also vegan, it doesn't use animal sizing 😊
@@YourMajesty143 Nice