Hi Miranda, I like the brightness of the cat on the gencraft paper better than the bee paper. But both pictures are good. So, I will go with your judgment.
The Bee cellulose watercolor paper is the first watercolor paper I used. It’s good value for money. I’ve cut it down to size and fed it through my printer (well pushed it through my printer) to print coloring pages. I’ve used Inktense pencils, watercolor pencils, and watercolors on it. I agree with the other poster who said something similar; when I was a complete beginner buying cotton paper to try out beginner strokes, tutorials etc, was a pass for me. I would have been paralyzed with guilt at trying out my beginner strokes and paintings on it. Having 50 sheets of Bee cellulose paper was guilt free, fun, and left me free to practice and experiment, and although I’ve progressed to cotton paper I still keep the Bee paper to mess around with. I haven’t tried the other paper. Fun paintings Miranda and it’s great you compared two cellulose watercolor papers, thanks!
It’s nice to see a review of the cheaper papers. No matter how much anyone tells you as a beginner, it’s really hard to buy cotton paper to start with. I did not try the GenCrafts cellulose, but I did get a pad of their 100% cotton. It also has that linear machine texture, which makes it a no go for me for the long run. But it behaves really nicely! Colors flow and blend on it well. I did a little test painting on it, and as long as I’m far enough away to not see the texture it looks great. Right now I’m doing some mixing charts on it. Not sorry about it at all.
Oh, that's good to know about the 100% cotton version. I have that here in my studio but I have yet to test it. I have a few more cheaper papers that I still need to test as well, but nothing that I'm considering for my coloring book. Should be fun!
Strathmore makes some inexpensive cotton paper and so does the fluid brand, under fluid 100. Paul rubens sparkle paper is pretty inexpensive and honestly my favorite even though the size is slightly wonky
I was going to mention your pet fly….swatted with a ruler I guess, lol! 😬 Bee paper seemed a nicer texture from what I could see but neither seemed too bad at all and it seemed easy enough to paint on them, which is the most important thing. Such a cute kitty drawing!
Hahaha, the annoying 🪰. As usual, I want to keep trying different things on both papers, but I'm short on time right now. But it'll be fun to do in the future!
So when I first began painting, wood pulp paper was not my friend at all, and I only used cotton paper. Now many years later, and far more experienced I've found that I can now paint on a wood pulp paper. So a student painter with little experience using watercolor is going to struggle on any wood pulp paper, and sometimes cotton paper too. And I've used many brands of paper both wood pulp, cellulose, and cotton, and of all the non cotton papers, the walmart, Bee paper has been the best in my experience. But I have not tried the Gen crafts.
I have both brands and really like them. The Bee is much more affordable, especially when they are running a 2 pack on sale. Both have outperformed cheap all cotton paper I have tried (like Gencraft and Artbeek). For me, Canson XL was frustrating and I’ll never buy it again. It dries way too fast and my paints seem to lighten more on that paper. I am glad we have good options in the low budget category.
I am really looking forward to your coloring book coming out I think it would be fabulous for days when you want to paint but don’t know what to paint or as a warm up to painting. I always look forward to your videos, not only are they informative but you’re a great teacher.
I would buy gencraft, as there are no Walmarts in the UK. There is the Daler Rowney Aquafine paper or Bockingford, which are not too bad and affordable, still. The paints in the palette seem to be diminishing steadily but slowly. Maybe in two years... Have a great weekend, Miranda.
Have you ever tried using the back of the GenCrafts paper? It has a much smoother texture like something between hot and cold pressed. I usually paint on both sides of my Canson paper and haven’t really noticed a difference. I’m definitely going to try the back of the GenCrafts paper sometime to see if it works or if it’s a sizing disaster
Thanks for an informative and charmingly entertaining video. Your kitty is so cute! I agree with you about Canson XL watercolor paper. I can’t understand why so many UA-camrs recommend it. The Bee paper looks better. Would it be good for outdoor landscape watercolors?
Thank you, Martha. I think if you're careful about how many layers you use when doing a landscape, it could work out pretty nicely. I'll try one tomorrow and let you know!
Thanks for making this video. I actually bought the bee inspired paper from Walmart because it was super cheap and I figured even if I didn't like it for watercolors I would find some use for it. I am a beginner and I find that it easily will create blooms compared to some other cellulose papers I have tried / use but it also could be I'm just not used to how I need to work with the paper. Either way I always enjoy your view on products. Have a great day
❤😊🙋🏼♀️I prefer the bee inspired paper, overall. I assumed it was paper pulp, which I don’t like, the weight gave me hope and it’s okay. I have not tried the other paper and won’t due to the higher price. Thank you for sharing this demonstration comparison. I haven’t found any documentation about the paper and that’s irritating and not good customer service. Makes me wonder if the company thinks customers will buy it thinking it’s cotton paper because Bee Paper was or is. It sure if the original is still available. Thank you, Fran 👩🏼🎨
I have my students buy the original cotton one for my watercolor classes. Yes, I think many people probably buy this paper at Walmart thinking it's nice than it is, but oh well. It's what I'll be using for my coloring book, so far anyway. Fingers crossed. 🤞
It’s better than Canson XL, mmmmm notebook paper is too🤭. I didn’t know Canson had any better paper as it’s not available in middle Tennessee nor have I seen any in art stores in Tennessee. I’m 100 miles N, S E and W from real art stores. I’m going to donate it to the school so they can have it for finger painting and coloring. I think it would be a good use for it.👧🧒🏼👦🏼 Have a wonderful long weekend! Fran
In the future, could you check out the Bee Inspired (their Walmart and Michaels papers) mixed media sketchbook? I've been searching for a cheap but good mixed media paper and primarily work with watercolor but mixed media paper and watercolor usually don't mix :( It's 9 x 12 and has a thicker weight than Canson XL mixed media (which I have tried, it's way too thin for WC) plus - 120 SHEETS!
Oh my goodness, yes! I saw this at Walmart just this week and I was really curious about it, so maybe I'll pick one up before my no-buy year starts in 2023 so I have a good excuse to have it in my stash already, lol!
Fascinating! Really like the vibrancy of the GenCrafts but know the boxy texture would bug me. Also did not know you could order the Bee paper online from Walmart. Very useful info. FYI: if you have a sickly cat, dark floors, & your vacuuming at night, check floor before you vacuum.
Oh no, the vacuuming a dark floor - oh, I can picture it now. Big sigh! I feel for ya. Yes, the texture was quite strange to paint over. I do like how it dried, but it was challenging at first.
Oooh I love paper tests! Did Kristi test Ohuhu, I don't see it in the thumbnail? I don't think it would be good for the coloring book, but it's a good cheap block. I admit I haven't painted a ton on it yet but the colors are really bright and I prefer it to Strathmore or Fabriano Studio. I do think the lines in Fabriano Studio definitely move the paint much farther and in weird ways, so could be true for GenCrafts.
I don't remember her having Ohuhu paper in the test, but I'd have to re-watch the video to say for certain. Yes, the texture makes the paint flow in a strange way, so I'm glad I tested that out.
@@MirandaWatsonArt She didn't use Ohuhu, it's too bad. It's odd, their markers became so famous, but their watercolor paper is going unnoticed. Their actual watercolor paint is not as good as their alcohol markers though, perhaps that's why.
Yes, he sprints towards me every time I call him and it's super-fast! He's a good boy and is starting to be more friendly and playful towards Jack. Thank goodness! As far as the paper goes, yes, it's totally up to personal preference and only if you can't afford cotton watercolor paper.
Hi Miranda! Love your fun vids and the pups!Oh what fun. Finding that "just right" inexpensive wc paper is something watercolorists are always searching for and testing out all the time. And we all know that Arches 100% cotton(or another high end brand) will give us great results. But I save that for my most serious works and best paints. And who can afford to use 100% cotton paper for playing and experimenting? So I think I may pick up a pad of both of these brands you tested sometime since they both had some positives & negatives. I recently purchased the Zencolor Expert Series from Amazon; 30 9x12 sheets 140 lb for about $10? It's pretty good except it has vertical ridges that are fairly prominent and it annoys me...but the ridges settled a bit more after it was covered with paint. So it's useable for practice and more potentially serious work. Thanks again! P.S. I was wondering why you recommended Daniel Smith for a beginning wc class? For decent classroom wcs, I hear very good things about Prang (people rate it very highly for a "kid's wc.) that usually sells for $10 or less. Just wanted to pass that on, in case. 😊
Thanks, Nancy! I'm actually finishing up testing these two again along with two additional ones either tonight or tomorrow. I can't wait to see how they turn out! Yes, Prang is pretty good, but I want my students to feel like they have "real" watercolors, lol, and get the experience of pouring them into pans, etc., and it's only about $15 more for them to get the DS set I recommend. Hope that answers your question!
I guess you could paint ANOTHER painting - same paints -- but do them in the opposite order. I think it's natural the 2nd try painting can turn out better, so reverse the order, do another kitty, and see if you get the same results! (Only if you want to do science!)
Hi Miranda, I like the brightness of the cat on the gencraft paper better than the bee paper. But both pictures are good. So, I will go with your judgment.
Okay, thank you, Diane!
The Bee cellulose watercolor paper is the first watercolor paper I used. It’s good value for money. I’ve cut it down to size and fed it through my printer (well pushed it through my printer) to print coloring pages. I’ve used Inktense pencils, watercolor pencils, and watercolors on it. I agree with the other poster who said something similar; when I was a complete beginner buying cotton paper to try out beginner strokes, tutorials etc, was a pass for me. I would have been paralyzed with guilt at trying out my beginner strokes and paintings on it. Having 50 sheets of Bee cellulose paper was guilt free, fun, and left me free to practice and experiment, and although I’ve progressed to cotton paper I still keep the Bee paper to mess around with. I haven’t tried the other paper. Fun paintings Miranda and it’s great you compared two cellulose watercolor papers, thanks!
This is good to hear, thank you for the wonderful feedback!
@@MirandaWatsonArt you’re welcome! 😃
It’s nice to see a review of the cheaper papers. No matter how much anyone tells you as a beginner, it’s really hard to buy cotton paper to start with. I did not try the GenCrafts cellulose, but I did get a pad of their 100% cotton. It also has that linear machine texture, which makes it a no go for me for the long run. But it behaves really nicely! Colors flow and blend on it well. I did a little test painting on it, and as long as I’m far enough away to not see the texture it looks great. Right now I’m doing some mixing charts on it. Not sorry about it at all.
Oh, that's good to know about the 100% cotton version. I have that here in my studio but I have yet to test it. I have a few more cheaper papers that I still need to test as well, but nothing that I'm considering for my coloring book. Should be fun!
Strathmore makes some inexpensive cotton paper and so does the fluid brand, under fluid 100. Paul rubens sparkle paper is pretty inexpensive and honestly my favorite even though the size is slightly wonky
I LOVE the Paul Rubens sparkle paper. ✨️ Is one of my favorites. I also have some Fluid 100 and I enjoy using it as well.
Such a cute cat! Thanks for the comparison.
Thanks, George. I had fun painting him again.
I was going to mention your pet fly….swatted with a ruler I guess, lol! 😬 Bee paper seemed a nicer texture from what I could see but neither seemed too bad at all and it seemed easy enough to paint on them, which is the most important thing. Such a cute kitty drawing!
Hahaha, the annoying 🪰. As usual, I want to keep trying different things on both papers, but I'm short on time right now. But it'll be fun to do in the future!
Think I will buy some of the Bee paper.... I always appreciate your reviews. You make learning fun :)
Thank you, Deb; I appreciate that!
That paint palette may outlast all of us! I have zero experience with either of these papers, so this was eye-opening. Thanks!
Yes, it might, lol. 😀
So when I first began painting, wood pulp paper was not my friend at all, and I only used cotton paper. Now many years later, and far more experienced I've found that I can now paint on a wood pulp paper. So a student painter with little experience using watercolor is going to struggle on any wood pulp paper, and sometimes cotton paper too. And I've used many brands of paper both wood pulp, cellulose, and cotton, and of all the non cotton papers, the walmart, Bee paper has been the best in my experience. But I have not tried the Gen crafts.
Oh, good to know that you found the Bee paper to be the best of what you have tried. Thanks!
hi, loved the video, the paint's are finnaly looking like they might get depleted in nearer future 😀
Hahaha, I hope so! Thank you, Katarina.
I'm obsessed with the Pentalic sketchbooks and they are cellulose paper, I enjoy them even more than the Etchr (sacrilege, I know!!)--great review :)!
Yes, I saw you talk about them on one of your videos, so one has been on my wish list since then. Hopefully I get one for Christmas. Fingers 🤞
I have both brands and really like them. The Bee is much more affordable, especially when they are running a 2 pack on sale. Both have outperformed cheap all cotton paper I have tried (like Gencraft and Artbeek). For me, Canson XL was frustrating and I’ll never buy it again. It dries way too fast and my paints seem to lighten more on that paper. I am glad we have good options in the low budget category.
I am really looking forward to your coloring book coming out I think it would be fabulous for days when you want to paint but don’t know what to paint or as a warm up to painting. I always look forward to your videos, not only are they informative but you’re a great teacher.
Thank you, Gina, you're so sweet. I am also looking forward to the day my coloring book releases. :-) Hopefully it's soon!
I would buy gencraft, as there are no Walmarts in the UK. There is the Daler Rowney Aquafine paper or Bockingford, which are not too bad and affordable, still.
The paints in the palette seem to be diminishing steadily but slowly. Maybe in two years... Have a great weekend, Miranda.
Two year - yeah, you're probably right, dang it. I really need to find a way to use them more quickly, but I'm finding it really challenging!
Have you ever tried using the back of the GenCrafts paper? It has a much smoother texture like something between hot and cold pressed. I usually paint on both sides of my Canson paper and haven’t really noticed a difference. I’m definitely going to try the back of the GenCrafts paper sometime to see if it works or if it’s a sizing disaster
I haven't tried it but I have a few pieces of it in my new sketchbook I made, which I plan on painting on both sides. Should be a fun experiment.
Thanks for an informative and charmingly entertaining video. Your kitty is so cute! I agree with you about Canson XL watercolor paper. I can’t understand why so many UA-camrs recommend it. The Bee paper looks better. Would it be good for outdoor landscape watercolors?
Thank you, Martha. I think if you're careful about how many layers you use when doing a landscape, it could work out pretty nicely. I'll try one tomorrow and let you know!
Canson is awesome if you do wet on dry and not a lot of wet on wet. The best paper is the paper that works for your style.
Thanks for making this video. I actually bought the bee inspired paper from Walmart because it was super cheap and I figured even if I didn't like it for watercolors I would find some use for it. I am a beginner and I find that it easily will create blooms compared to some other cellulose papers I have tried / use but it also could be I'm just not used to how I need to work with the paper. Either way I always enjoy your view on products. Have a great day
Thank you, Danielle. Watch for next Tuesday's video - it'll be even more helpful.
❤😊🙋🏼♀️I prefer the bee inspired paper, overall. I assumed it was paper pulp, which I don’t like, the weight gave me hope and it’s okay. I have not tried the other paper and won’t due to the higher price. Thank you for sharing this demonstration comparison. I haven’t found any documentation about the paper and that’s irritating and not good customer service. Makes me wonder if the company thinks customers will buy it thinking it’s cotton paper because Bee Paper was or is. It sure if the original is still available. Thank you, Fran 👩🏼🎨
I have my students buy the original cotton one for my watercolor classes. Yes, I think many people probably buy this paper at Walmart thinking it's nice than it is, but oh well. It's what I'll be using for my coloring book, so far anyway. Fingers crossed. 🤞
It’s better than Canson XL, mmmmm notebook paper is too🤭. I didn’t know Canson had any better paper as it’s not available in middle Tennessee nor have I seen any in art stores in Tennessee. I’m 100 miles N, S E and W from real art stores. I’m going to donate it to the school so they can have it for finger painting and coloring. I think it would be a good use for it.👧🧒🏼👦🏼 Have a wonderful long weekend! Fran
@@MirandaWatsonArt It looks like it will be excellent for your coloring books. 💁🏼♀️
In the future, could you check out the Bee Inspired (their Walmart and Michaels papers) mixed media sketchbook? I've been searching for a cheap but good mixed media paper and primarily work with watercolor but mixed media paper and watercolor usually don't mix :( It's 9 x 12 and has a thicker weight than Canson XL mixed media (which I have tried, it's way too thin for WC) plus - 120 SHEETS!
Oh my goodness, yes! I saw this at Walmart just this week and I was really curious about it, so maybe I'll pick one up before my no-buy year starts in 2023 so I have a good excuse to have it in my stash already, lol!
Fascinating! Really like the vibrancy of the GenCrafts but know the boxy texture would bug me. Also did not know you could order the Bee paper online from Walmart. Very useful info. FYI: if you have a sickly cat, dark floors, & your vacuuming at night, check floor before you vacuum.
Oh no, the vacuuming a dark floor - oh, I can picture it now. Big sigh! I feel for ya. Yes, the texture was quite strange to paint over. I do like how it dried, but it was challenging at first.
@@MirandaWatsonArt Sent Kim's pigment list to your e-mail. Forgot to mention how much I love the cat coloring book preview!
Great, thank you! 😊
Oooh I love paper tests! Did Kristi test Ohuhu, I don't see it in the thumbnail? I don't think it would be good for the coloring book, but it's a good cheap block. I admit I haven't painted a ton on it yet but the colors are really bright and I prefer it to Strathmore or Fabriano Studio. I do think the lines in Fabriano Studio definitely move the paint much farther and in weird ways, so could be true for GenCrafts.
I don't remember her having Ohuhu paper in the test, but I'd have to re-watch the video to say for certain. Yes, the texture makes the paint flow in a strange way, so I'm glad I tested that out.
@@MirandaWatsonArt She didn't use Ohuhu, it's too bad. It's odd, their markers became so famous, but their watercolor paper is going unnoticed. Their actual watercolor paint is not as good as their alcohol markers though, perhaps that's why.
Thanks for doing this! I've wondered about these.
You're welcome; thanks for being here to watch this!
they both look ok, seems to come down to preference in how effects work
lol collie goes zoom!! jack is getting big 😀
Yes, he sprints towards me every time I call him and it's super-fast! He's a good boy and is starting to be more friendly and playful towards Jack. Thank goodness! As far as the paper goes, yes, it's totally up to personal preference and only if you can't afford cotton watercolor paper.
Hi Miranda! Love your fun vids and the pups!Oh what fun. Finding that "just right" inexpensive wc paper is something watercolorists are always searching for and testing out all the time. And we all know that Arches 100% cotton(or another high end brand) will give us great results. But I save that for my most serious works and best paints. And who can afford to use 100% cotton paper for playing and experimenting? So I think I may pick up a pad of both of these brands you tested sometime since they both had some positives & negatives. I recently purchased the Zencolor Expert Series from Amazon; 30 9x12 sheets 140 lb for about $10? It's pretty good except it has vertical ridges that are fairly prominent and it annoys me...but the ridges settled a bit more after it was covered with paint. So it's useable for practice and more potentially serious work. Thanks again!
P.S. I was wondering why you recommended Daniel Smith for a beginning wc class? For decent classroom wcs, I hear very good things about Prang (people rate it very highly for a "kid's wc.) that usually sells for $10 or less. Just wanted to pass that on, in case. 😊
Thanks, Nancy! I'm actually finishing up testing these two again along with two additional ones either tonight or tomorrow. I can't wait to see how they turn out! Yes, Prang is pretty good, but I want my students to feel like they have "real" watercolors, lol, and get the experience of pouring them into pans, etc., and it's only about $15 more for them to get the DS set I recommend. Hope that answers your question!
May I ask what Daniel smith set you recommended I’m wanting good watercolors to learn how to mix but also good quality
I like the Split Primary set from Daniel Smith. It has two reds, two yellows and two blues in it. That's what I have my students start with.
Gencrafts looks nice and vibrant. Don’t they make a cotton version?
They do, and I have some to test, but it would be too expensive for my coloring book project. I'm still looking forward to trying it out!
@@MirandaWatsonArt oh yes, I suppose it would! I’ve been loving the Legion cotton paper! But would like cheaper backups.
They do, it has a very linear texture, but otherwise is pretty nice.
I guess you could paint ANOTHER painting - same paints -- but do them in the opposite order. I think it's natural the 2nd try painting can turn out better, so reverse the order, do another kitty, and see if you get the same results! (Only if you want to do science!)
Oh my goodness, I was thinking the EXACT SAME THING this morning when I was watching the release of this video!
@@MirandaWatsonArt 🤣🤣 great minds think alike!
First.
Hi, Diane!