I use my good paper when I decide to actually create something. I use cheaper paper for ideas or doodles when I'm not being serious lol. When I started painting in March of this year, I had listened to someone on youtube, forgot who, that said you should always use good paper because cheap paper may discourage newbies since it often gives not great results. I believe she said "Good paints can look cheap on cheap paper, cheap paints can look good on good paper" Something like that. I think it also depends on the artist's skill. I think both your paintings are lovely :D
This is the PERFECT illustration of the advantages offered by better paper! Seeing this highly skilled painter's results in contrast between the two papers should prove to anyone that there is a significant difference between the two categories. In watercolor, the paper is also the source of white, and reflected light, so in a way, if you're trading down to a lower quality paper, you're also trading down your white. The sizing on watercolor paper (the glue/starch stiffener) also has a huge role in bringing colors to their best advantage- by isolating the white paper partially from colors, reflected light glows up through the paint and enhances the paint appearance. Scholastic-grade and intermediate quality watercolor papers definitely have a place in the studio, but for full-fledged presentation pieces, it's worth the extra expense to get something in the 100%rag, internally sized category!
It's v helpful, but I have a tight budget & can't afford the better stuff. This vid helped me realize that some of my disasters have not been my skills, but the paper. Thank you!😉
I really appreciated the original video (when you paint along with Kolbe) because it was fascinating and encouraging to watch someone (besides myself!) struggle to get “perfect “ results while following a tutorial. Then this update was a great follow- up to show us that sometimes it’s the materials that are the bigger problem. Thank you!
This content was so validating and incredibly timely. I have the Arches, Academy papers, as well as CansonXL and Artist’s Loft papers, but tend to save Arches and Academy back for special projects. Yesterday, I painted a wet/wet landscape that was an EPIC FAIL on Artist’s Loft. This painting went so poorly that I felt defeated. I’ve had OK results with Artist’s Loft on a wet/dry small scale pieces, but not great. I feared my skills were lacking, and then I made it worse by overworking the wet/wet. I’ll own this crash and burn, but understanding that my largest mistake was paper choice for wet/wet. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the correlation that it wasn’t at all suitable for wet/wet… Thank you for the insight. I’m now going to pull up my big girl panties and move forward, armed with the new Kristy knowledge! Many thanks!!!
I ask for gift cards to Blick or Arterama for birthdays and Christmas. I get good … something. Sometimes paper, sometimes, a few fancy paints, or something. So, I have a couple of pads of Arches-but lots more of the less expensive stuff.
I learned the hard way! I’m hooked on Arches paper, thanks for sharing your Smarts with me! I think if I’m using good paint and drawings I’m worth Good Paper! Thanks Karen Dirmish
These videos are very helpful… I’m pretty new to watercolouring and thought it was mistakes in my techniques that was stopping me achieve the effects I saw in the tutorial videos I was watching. More information about paper types has helped me make a more informed choice of which paper to use. Thank you as I was feeling like ‘a bad workman blaming her tools’ xx
i definitely prefer 100% cotton but yeah, i paint alot. and for super quick and loose florals my cheaper papers are good enough. but if I'm going to want to make those florals look nicer or do more indepth paintings, then the cotton papers are worth it for sure! loved this one btw! also I'd love it if you painted that interesting plant in the background sometime, it has cool leaves. i get tired of the same flowers on some other channels so appreciate that you often have different flowers or fruits or leaves to paint along with : )
Hi Kristy! After I watched your video with Kolbie I decided to take your advice. I am now only using my 100% cotton paper. Using good paper really does make a difference! Finally, I don't have to decide which practice page gets the good stuff. I don't have the budget for this, oh well, I love art supplies.
lucky I can afford the cheap paper with the price of things sky rocketing. I make do with the cheaper stuff. I found that by only wetting the area I am working on i don't get the warping and pilling of the paper. the down side was it didn't let the paints blend and mingle with each other.
I loved watching you learning like we do. And i loved seeing the same techniques on the 2 different papers. A good lesson about when to use the proper paper for the job at hand.
I find that as long as I get 100% cotton paper (usually Fabriano or Fluid 100), that it doesn’t make a lot of difference to use Arches. Using the watercolor blocks rather than individual pages also helps.
Thank you.❤I watched many a video on the best cheap watercolor papers and since I just started this summer I couldn't afford to keep wasting the expensive ARCHES paper so I purchased the Best of the Cheap. I now know the difference between quality & cheap paper, which I didn't before. Even the best of the cheap makes it harder and requires more work to blend and explosions of wet of wet seem impossible. Don't get me started on how easier it tears when using masking tape on the edges. All I can say is it's made me appreciate ARCHES so much more, but all is not lost. I just purchased another pad of 9x12 Arches but put it away for FINAL paintings. I'm using the Best of the Cheap papers for testing and experimenting without worrying about the cost. So, in the end, it feels like a win-win and I'm grateful for the Best of the Cheap paper. Again, Thank you.❤
Oh my goodness! You said it! Not feeling worthy of the good paper, you put into words what I couldn't properly express for ages. But yes, it's horses for courses. Use the tools (paper!) for what we're try to achieve and not get hung up on the other stuff. Thank you!
I watched the video with Kolbie last week and just happened on this. I follow you too, and bought the GenCrafts months ago on your recommendation. This is the video I wanted and I feel so much better about my play! So nice to happen upon it after a long day. ❤️
Thank you. I’ve needed to know. I’m so happy with my paint. Wow! The different I was gifted Rosa in 48 colors. Yet I still mix. My husband God Bless him just rolls his eyes. I’m getting ready to order new brushes (yours) my Princeton are starting to loose hair, and I’m oh so careful with caring for them. My 5 year old grandson says I take care of my tools I have then for next time. My father was a mechanic, I learned so much from him, but I’m teaching it a little at a time to my grandsons. I think I can afford the the academy I bought the sample selection on Amazon. Thank you again. You really don’t know how your demeanor, and suggestions have gotten me out of a very dark creative place.
I so much appreciate this type of video. I have tried doing several different landscapes and seascapes paintings and had horrible results of course that was on cheaper paper. I’m actually ordering quality paper for the first time today so I’m excited to try these types of paintings again
Although the GC paper was "different" than Koby's I liked it more as I got a more dramatic " feeling " from a coming or could have been a subsiding raging storm occurring in the ocean. The flow of both pictures on the Arches both gave to me the feeling of the "calm after the storm" I would like to see another example on Arches, between both of you, but each using the exact same colors of same paint brand. I would like to compare the dramatic effects exhibited. Your paint colors were very similar. . . But in your first picture together yours gave me the feeling of building thunder heads ready to lead into a big angry storm, hers gave me the feeling storm had passed and sea was calming down at nightfall. I am really impressed at the different moods exhibited by each painting due to color differences and I guess differences in the smoother blending between the GC and Arches papers. Didn't realize how the materials could affect the perception of the subject matter to the viewer. Ready for a rematch?
I will teach my beginners that good paper is your best tool, but with the cost it can be painful to see $20 of arches 9x12 pad go in the garbage as you practice and learn. So for me the Uber newbies doodle and play and learn to use the brush and the water and the paint on student stuff and then try it on good stuff. It DOES make a whole lot of difference using certain techniques and shows them they CAN do it. Paper is your best friend in watercolor. I do like that Gen art stuff too! Bought some after watching your video. Super for learning.
so true. Great paper is just such a pleasure to paint on but sometimes mix media or lower grade is good enough! I'm trying to be savvy about paper (cost, duh!) but i have noticed that I learn better and more if I keep using the same one for a while, like a month. Jumping from one type of paper to another brings in too many factors for me to evaluate what I do!
I like it, but it was not a fair fight. The arches block vs a loose piece of Gencraft. I feel you must be able to have them either both block or both loose, or even both taped down to get a fair comparison.
My opinion is I’m a beginner and if the paper is crappy I’m not gonna know because I’m not experienced so when my artwork turns out not so great I think it’s me and get discouraged and maybe give up but no I like these videos that you put out don’t stop because it helps me select paper and this is my art this is my phone this is my downtime this is my meditation and I want to use good paper and I have this money in the budget for my art so thank you
Totally enjoyed this video! I do keep different paper types for different artwork. My main is Fluid paper, they have a cheap wood pulp version that's good for mild wet on wet and wet on dry so I use this for character speedpaints (I'm a character/comic artist). I do have arches for the total wet-on-wet projects and also for larger art pieces in general because soaking the paper spreads the pigment more evenly so you can cover more ground with less effort. Something cheaper than arches but easier on ink pens and still 100% cotton cold press is Fluid100, which is the cotton version of the Fluid paper. Absolutely top tier stuff at mid-budget. At the end of the day, though, my everyday paper is the wood pulp standard Fluid and Stillman and Birn Beta sketchbooks. For the books, the paper is very thick and strong to prevent warping, but it's not true watercolor paper so it won't soak up heavy amounts of water for epic wet on wet, but it will handle wet on dry and mild wet on wet no problem. man, I'm talking too much now!
I still love some of the affects you achieved with the gencrafts paper, though I bought a little echer 100% cotton and learning more accomplished wet in wet with this paper. I loved you video with Kolbie. It was really interesting.
I used cheaper paper in early stages of learning and found it slowed my learning. If you are learning to do washes, keeping a bead, lifting, layers of glazing, good paper is a must. But swatches, cards, ok, good paper is not as important unless you are also testing the ability of the color to travel and mix with other colors when wet. Another thing to consider, you can use the back of good paper like Arches 300 CP, but not cheap paper. I buy a full sheet for $8 (yes, Guirys had a special 5 sheets for $36 or buy online). That means a quarter sheet (11x14) is $1 per side. In this dry climate, paper staying wet longer is a must if you want to advance in washes, lifting, and loose painting. My time and frustration is worth it.
That was a helpful reminder: it's very arid here in the winter, and my setbacks may have been due to low humidity. I shall try and remember to moisten my paper more frequently.
Oh, my goodness! I know the struggle! I've got to get some Arches! I have a birthday coming up, I think that's what I will ask for. I get so discouraged using the cheap paper I've been using. It does not work on every project I tackle. Thank you for this video.
I have struggled with paper so much. I think it has made a huge difference, even to a novice with no natural talent like myself. I can follow tutorials to try to paint something like what the artist produces, but my paint doesn't behave in the same way, and it's because of the paper. I buy the right weight and kind, but I have bought things I can afford (cheaper). It doesn't hold a glossy sheen/layer of water the way 'good' paper does. It doesn't stay wet for long enough to lovely blends, it soaks in too much, meaning I have less time and frequently end up with a poor result for landscapes, things are drying before I'm finished. The paper I have currently is fine for practise, small things, less complex/layered work, but I think I need much better to do some of the other tutorials I want to do/have tried. It's such a bad feeling to go to the effort of making the time to paint, and then feeling like a failure and hating what you end up with (if you even manage to finish).
This type of video is great! I tried the GenCraft paper, and found I like using it on the backside (smoother side) for most things. But yes - it doesn't like lots of water! 👍
I have Arches paper, but I hardly ever use it. The biggest plus for me is how long the paper stays wet, and how much water it lets you put on the paper at once. I usually use Fabriano which is a lot less expensive and since I am used to it, I think it works well for me.
That's a really interesting comparison. 😊 I bought a selection pack of different hot and cold pressed papers and it's a really great way to find out what you like without breaking the bank. 😊 My favourite budget watercolour paper is Mozart Supplies which comes in at $15.99 for 30 sheets of 300 GSM cold pressed paper (size A4). 😊 It definitely doesn't feel like 'budget' paper.
This explains a lot! Any time I try to do a juicy sky/ northern lights type of painting on cheaper paper it never works. I will try with some Arches :)
I believe I saw that GenCraft now has a 100% cotton paper. I'm going to have to look for it to make sure. I bought an Academy block to try. I do have Canson XL and thought I'd use it to practice brush strokes, etc. Then paint on the Academy. I do plan on getting some Arches for when I want to paint something to frame.
However I did do a quick experiment on Canson since I just bought Kolbie's landscaping book & want to experiment. I wetted the paper & put on juicy watercolor. And you were rgt..it dried too fast & didn't allow me to keep zigzagging. Then I pulled out Strathmore's cold press watercolor paper that I just bought on Amazon & did the same thing. Voila! I had success!! I know Strathmore isn't Arches, but it allows me to have more success at my budget. Thank you for sharing your insights. I so appreciate you!
I use Baohong Academy most of the time. I get it on T-mu, so it's very affordable for me. It's still more affordable than Arches even on A-zon, however. But yeah, thats my go-to cotton watercolor paper and I love it. I'm planning on getting the Baohong artist grade paper next, since I always wanted to give it a try.
Enjoyed your video, and it showed what I thought it would do, and do it well. I use it after I’ve practiced it a couple of time on cheaper paper, than do my final copy on the good stuff!
I get what you’re saying. I mostly practice and learning brush strokes color mixing and things like that. I have tried better paper and can see the difference. I think when I want to focus more on what the watercolor does on good paper, then I’ll use the better paper. I agree with you . Right now my paper works . If I take on the big juicy landscapes or skies then I’ll break out the better paper. You answered my paper or affirmed what I’ve been thinking.
Me too... actually started learning to use Arches and it was very different! I need to practice on it to know paint/water ratio onto brush! I'm a beginner and it feels like I'm starting over!!! What a joy 😊 to have people like you share your journey and Kristy to inspire us!!! A California Gramma ♥️
I understand the desire to do cheaper paper, but it makes such a difference. I've been leaning always to 100% cotton. There are often brands other than Arches that are more affordable. Fabriano Studio is my choice. And, if I buy as a full sheet, its the most economical. I've not had success on cellulose papers.
I strongly dislike the GennCrafts paper for landscapes though it’s good for cutting up and making cards. I appreciate this re-do and it validates my experience.
Good video, I have all kinds of paper, cheap and 100% cotton. I have learned to paint with all types. One useful tip I learned in a workshop is to wet the back of the paper then the front, this keeps the paper very flat....its harder to paint on buckling paper. For some reason when I started out I liked cheap paper and cheap paint, I didn't mind wasting it. It was a mindset I guess. I enjoy your videos
I have had to unlearn some bad habits I got using cheap wood pulp paper - like using too much pigment and too little water....my water control was off when I moved to cotton mix and then 100% cotton papers. TBH you can just sneeze paint onto Fabriano Artistico and it looks good...it feels like cheating! And some styles fit the drier papers though, sometimes I miss wood pulp Daler and go back to it, it certainly is a different mindset and approach. I really wish there was a good economical cotton paper that everyone could learn on FIRST! Then people would know that shift and not ingrain some bad-paper specific habits. But I know that for me, when I started I had no money - still have little money - and didn't want to invest £40-50 on an Arches pad (yeah try making the currency conversion, you will be shocked how much Arches is here - as a result I've never used Arches, it is the most expensive paper - yes even more so than Fabriano).
PS also, a few days ago, I decided to attempt to paint on some postcard-sized paper, THINKING it was good quality bc it’s ZenArt..it’s not. The first shape I laid down? Hard, gross edges and like with that WC paper; I couldn’t lift any thing off it. Going to cut my arches & try again…
100 % cotton is best. however. there are some papers which are cellulose with a percentage of cotton. Artways, Winsor Newton, Fabriano. Good prices too
I love love love Baohong. Its my preferred choice now when I'm doing something that I think has potential or is not practice. Its not Arches but it responds so well that I feel happier and looser when I know thats what I'm painting on.
Great comparison that really shows not all watercolor paper is the same. Not all cheap watercolor papers are alike, though - I use Canson Montval and Norberg & Linden cold press for practice paper, and my friend uses Ohuhu, We like all three better than GenCrafts (sorry, GenCraft). That being said, GenCrafts makes a 100% cotton watercolor paper, but I haven't tried it.
OMG. Thank you thank you for doing this video!! I was hoping you would. 😊. You just validated what I ( someone who is not so experienced in watercolor) was thinking. I bought GenCraft based on your recommendation and have had good luck with wet on dry. Not so much with wet on wet. 😳. I do believe that paper makes a huge difference and feeling “worthy” of it is a struggle but you and Kolbie have made it less so. No matter what your style is I have to believe that I am not the only one that feels that your openness and insight is priceless in this creative journey, both mentally and creatively. 😊
i am still not convinced to buy arches i. did buy artist paints and brushes but i was painting on paul rubens 100% cotton and didnt even know it .i took a pic of both paintings and they looked the same ,ive been painting 27 years mostly acrylics on cardstock i make rose cards.if i were to start selling i totally would use arches but for how often i create id go broke .thank you
I know feel even though the Arches paper is more expensive when can try it going for it! Reason as put water drops on Canson XL 140lb/300gsm & the water drops just sat on too of that paper for over 15 minutes 😳 & truly wondered is there a tiny bit of plastic in that paper as never seen water drops sit up for that long? So had some ordered (Canson XL) & cancelled that order. If want decent results know need better paper to do backgrounds.
I use Bockingford and Fabriano. They are okay but must try Arches for my better work sometimes I think it would be worth it. Thanks for the video it I helpful
Hi Kristy. Sorry to be off topic but could you share where you get the small magnets you use in your half or full pans of paint. The ones you use when filling them from tubes. Thanks.
Would wet on dry for the initial wash work better for the Gen crafts paper? Could you redo the one with the Gen Crafts paper but wet on dry instead so it doesn't need to handle so much water?
I was using a budget paper and at the point of lifting with paper towel, my paper began to disintegrate. Guess this pad will be relegated to wet on dry projects. Art is a constant learning experience.
Watercolor is a learning experience, all the time. Better brushes, better paper do bring better results... Depends on the goals & end results you desire,
I do think there is a difference. I'm a hobby gal who will never sell art so paper isn't that important but I buy Blick student paper. I throw so much away. I like Cheap Joe's Kiliminjoro paper a lot....and is affordable.
I use my good paper when I decide to actually create something. I use cheaper paper for ideas or doodles when I'm not being serious lol. When I started painting in March of this year, I had listened to someone on youtube, forgot who, that said you should always use good paper because cheap paper may discourage newbies since it often gives not great results. I believe she said "Good paints can look cheap on cheap paper, cheap paints can look good on good paper" Something like that. I think it also depends on the artist's skill. I think both your paintings are lovely :D
This is the PERFECT illustration of the advantages offered by better paper! Seeing this highly skilled painter's results in contrast between the two papers should prove to anyone that there is a significant difference between the two categories. In watercolor, the paper is also the source of white, and reflected light, so in a way, if you're trading down to a lower quality paper, you're also trading down your white. The sizing on watercolor paper (the glue/starch stiffener) also has a huge role in bringing colors to their best advantage- by isolating the white paper partially from colors, reflected light glows up through the paint and enhances the paint appearance. Scholastic-grade and intermediate quality watercolor papers definitely have a place in the studio, but for full-fledged presentation pieces, it's worth the extra expense to get something in the 100%rag, internally sized category!
Thank you!
It's v helpful, but I have a tight budget & can't afford the better stuff. This vid helped me realize that some of my disasters have not been my skills, but the paper. Thank you!😉
I am glad it was helpful :)
I really appreciated the original video (when you paint along with Kolbe) because it was fascinating and encouraging to watch someone (besides myself!) struggle to get “perfect “ results while following a tutorial. Then this update was a great follow- up to show us that sometimes it’s the materials that are the bigger problem. Thank you!
You’re welcome!!
I’m a major beginner. Thank you for these comparisons.
You’re welcome!
I love your clouds in the new painting..
Thank you!!
This content was so validating and incredibly timely. I have the Arches, Academy papers, as well as CansonXL and Artist’s Loft papers, but tend to save Arches and Academy back for special projects.
Yesterday, I painted a wet/wet landscape that was an EPIC FAIL on Artist’s Loft. This painting went so poorly that I felt defeated. I’ve had OK results with Artist’s Loft on a wet/dry small scale pieces, but not great. I feared my skills were lacking, and then I made it worse by overworking the wet/wet. I’ll own this crash and burn, but understanding that my largest mistake was paper choice for wet/wet. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the correlation that it wasn’t at all suitable for wet/wet…
Thank you for the insight. I’m now going to pull up my big girl panties and move forward, armed with the new Kristy knowledge!
Many thanks!!!
You are armed and ready!!!
I ask for gift cards to Blick or Arterama for birthdays and Christmas. I get good … something. Sometimes paper, sometimes, a few fancy paints, or something. So, I have a couple of pads of Arches-but lots more of the less expensive stuff.
Great idea!!
Wow! Your revamped studio looks soo glamorous!!.
Aww thanks :) I feel so fancy!
I learned the hard way! I’m hooked on Arches paper, thanks for sharing your Smarts with me! I think if I’m using good paint and drawings I’m worth Good Paper! Thanks Karen Dirmish
You are!!
You are truly apprecated!
These videos are very helpful… I’m pretty new to watercolouring and thought it was mistakes in my techniques that was stopping me achieve the effects I saw in the tutorial videos I was watching. More information about paper types has helped me make a more informed choice of which paper to use. Thank you as I was feeling like ‘a bad workman blaming her tools’ xx
Nope!! Tools really do make a huge difference!!
The video I didn’t even know I needed, but I’m all here for it!❤
Yay!!
i definitely prefer 100% cotton but yeah, i paint alot. and for super quick and loose florals my cheaper papers are good enough. but if I'm going to want to make those florals look nicer or do more indepth paintings, then the cotton papers are worth it for sure!
loved this one btw!
also I'd love it if you painted that interesting plant in the background sometime, it has cool leaves. i get tired of the same flowers on some other channels so appreciate that you often have different flowers or fruits or leaves to paint along with : )
Hi Kristy! After I watched your video with Kolbie I decided to take your advice. I am now only using my 100% cotton paper. Using good paper really does make a difference! Finally, I don't have to decide which practice page gets the good stuff. I don't have the budget for this, oh well, I love art supplies.
Thank you so much for posting the side by side. Each paper's serve their purpose. 😊
Indeed!
lucky I can afford the cheap paper with the price of things sky rocketing. I make do with the cheaper stuff. I found that by only wetting the area I am working on i don't get the warping and pilling of the paper. the down side was it didn't let the paints blend and mingle with each other.
I loved watching you learning like we do. And i loved seeing the same techniques on the 2 different papers. A good lesson about when to use the proper paper for the job at hand.
Thanks for watching!
Totally makes sense!! Sometimes it pays to use better paper❤
:)
I find that as long as I get 100% cotton paper (usually Fabriano or Fluid 100), that it doesn’t make a lot of difference to use Arches. Using the watercolor blocks rather than individual pages also helps.
Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you.❤I watched many a video on the best cheap watercolor papers and since I just started this summer I couldn't afford to keep wasting the expensive ARCHES paper so I purchased the Best of the Cheap. I now know the difference between quality & cheap paper, which I didn't before. Even the best of the cheap makes it harder and requires more work to blend and explosions of wet of wet seem impossible. Don't get me started on how easier it tears when using masking tape on the edges. All I can say is it's made me appreciate ARCHES so much more, but all is not lost. I just purchased another pad of 9x12 Arches but put it away for FINAL paintings. I'm using the Best of the Cheap papers for testing and experimenting without worrying about the cost. So, in the end, it feels like a win-win and I'm grateful for the Best of the Cheap paper. Again, Thank you.❤
Thanks for sharing! So glad it was helpful :)
Oh my goodness! You said it! Not feeling worthy of the good paper, you put into words what I couldn't properly express for ages.
But yes, it's horses for courses. Use the tools (paper!) for what we're try to achieve and not get hung up on the other stuff. Thank you!
I just started my watercolor journey and these comparison videos are very interesting and enlightening!
I am so happy they are helpful for you :)
I watched the video with Kolbie last week and just happened on this. I follow you too, and bought the GenCrafts months ago on your recommendation. This is the video I wanted and I feel so much better about my play! So nice to happen upon it after a long day. ❤️
That is awesome!
Thank you. I’ve needed to know. I’m so happy with my paint. Wow! The different I was gifted Rosa in 48 colors. Yet I still mix. My husband God Bless him just rolls his eyes. I’m getting ready to order new brushes (yours) my Princeton are starting to loose hair, and I’m oh so careful with caring for them. My 5 year old grandson says I take care of my tools I have then for next time. My father was a mechanic, I learned so much from him, but I’m teaching it a little at a time to my grandsons. I think I can afford the the academy I bought the sample selection on Amazon. Thank you again. You really don’t know how your demeanor, and suggestions have gotten me out of a very dark creative place.
You are the sweetest :)
Helpful. Always battling when to is the good paper
So true!
This was helpful. It makes sense and I feel better as to why some of my attempts are less than good.
Glad this helped!!
I so much appreciate this type of video. I have tried doing several different landscapes and seascapes paintings and had horrible results of course that was on cheaper paper. I’m actually ordering quality paper for the first time today so I’m excited to try these types of paintings again
Glad it was helpful!
Although the GC paper was "different" than Koby's I liked it more as I got a more dramatic " feeling " from a coming or could have been a subsiding raging storm occurring in the ocean. The flow of both pictures on the Arches both gave to me the feeling of the "calm after the storm" I would like to see another example on Arches, between both of you, but each using the exact same colors of same paint brand. I would like to compare the dramatic effects exhibited. Your paint colors were very similar. . . But in your first picture together yours gave me the feeling of building thunder heads ready to lead into a big angry storm, hers gave me the feeling storm had passed and sea was calming down at nightfall. I am really impressed at the different moods exhibited by each painting due to color differences and I guess differences in the smoother blending between the GC and Arches papers. Didn't realize how the materials could affect the perception of the subject matter to the viewer. Ready for a rematch?
I agree! After finishing my second I still appreciated my first on the Gencrafts but for very different reasons!
Thanks for your honest opinions Kristy. Ery much appreciated.
You’re welcome!!
I will teach my beginners that good paper is your best tool, but with the cost it can be painful to see $20 of arches 9x12 pad go in the garbage as you practice and learn. So for me the Uber newbies doodle and play and learn to use the brush and the water and the paint on student stuff and then try it on good stuff. It DOES make a whole lot of difference using certain techniques and shows them they CAN do it. Paper is your best friend in watercolor. I do like that Gen art stuff too! Bought some after watching your video. Super for learning.
Thanks for sharing the information and I am glad it was helpful :)
so true. Great paper is just such a pleasure to paint on but sometimes mix media or lower grade is good enough! I'm trying to be savvy about paper (cost, duh!) but i have noticed that I learn better and more if I keep using the same one for a while, like a month. Jumping from one type of paper to another brings in too many factors for me to evaluate what I do!
Excellent point!
So true!!
I like it, but it was not a fair fight. The arches block vs a loose piece of Gencraft. I feel you must be able to have them either both block or both loose, or even both taped down to get a fair comparison.
Thanks for sharing!
My opinion is I’m a beginner and if the paper is crappy I’m not gonna know because I’m not experienced so when my artwork turns out not so great I think it’s me and get discouraged and maybe give up but no I like these videos that you put out don’t stop because it helps me select paper and this is my art this is my phone this is my downtime this is my meditation and I want to use good paper and I have this money in the budget for my art so thank you
Eeeek!! Love it :)
Totally enjoyed this video! I do keep different paper types for different artwork. My main is Fluid paper, they have a cheap wood pulp version that's good for mild wet on wet and wet on dry so I use this for character speedpaints (I'm a character/comic artist). I do have arches for the total wet-on-wet projects and also for larger art pieces in general because soaking the paper spreads the pigment more evenly so you can cover more ground with less effort. Something cheaper than arches but easier on ink pens and still 100% cotton cold press is Fluid100, which is the cotton version of the Fluid paper. Absolutely top tier stuff at mid-budget. At the end of the day, though, my everyday paper is the wood pulp standard Fluid and Stillman and Birn Beta sketchbooks. For the books, the paper is very thick and strong to prevent warping, but it's not true watercolor paper so it won't soak up heavy amounts of water for epic wet on wet, but it will handle wet on dry and mild wet on wet no problem. man, I'm talking too much now!
Love the contrast between the papers. I’m a fan of this video!🤩
Thanks!!!
I still love some of the affects you achieved with the gencrafts paper, though I bought a little echer 100% cotton and learning more accomplished wet in wet with this paper. I loved you video with Kolbie. It was really interesting.
This was helpful, as well as the original on the cheaper painter. It made me realize my mess ups aren't Always my fault.
Exactly!!
I used cheaper paper in early stages of learning and found it slowed my learning. If you are learning to do washes, keeping a bead, lifting, layers of glazing, good paper is a must. But swatches, cards, ok, good paper is not as important unless you are also testing the ability of the color to travel and mix with other colors when wet. Another thing to consider, you can use the back of good paper like Arches 300 CP, but not cheap paper. I buy a full sheet for $8 (yes, Guirys had a special 5 sheets for $36 or buy online). That means a quarter sheet (11x14) is $1 per side. In this dry climate, paper staying wet longer is a must if you want to advance in washes, lifting, and loose painting. My time and frustration is worth it.
That was a helpful reminder: it's very arid here in the winter, and my setbacks may have been due to low humidity. I shall try and remember to moisten my paper more frequently.
Gorgeous!! Seascape, though, isn't it? Fun video!
Thank you so much!! Cheers :)
Oh, my goodness! I know the struggle! I've got to get some Arches! I have a birthday coming up, I think that's what I will ask for. I get so discouraged using the cheap paper I've been using. It does not work on every project I tackle. Thank you for this video.
“I wasn’t completely disgusted with the painting at this point.” ~Kristy
That’s what I shoot for every time I paint! ❤️👍😁
Me too. 😂
Me, too!
:)
:)
:)
Thank you for saying we deserve it!!!
You bet!!
I have struggled with paper so much. I think it has made a huge difference, even to a novice with no natural talent like myself. I can follow tutorials to try to paint something like what the artist produces, but my paint doesn't behave in the same way, and it's because of the paper. I buy the right weight and kind, but I have bought things I can afford (cheaper). It doesn't hold a glossy sheen/layer of water the way 'good' paper does. It doesn't stay wet for long enough to lovely blends, it soaks in too much, meaning I have less time and frequently end up with a poor result for landscapes, things are drying before I'm finished. The paper I have currently is fine for practise, small things, less complex/layered work, but I think I need much better to do some of the other tutorials I want to do/have tried. It's such a bad feeling to go to the effort of making the time to paint, and then feeling like a failure and hating what you end up with (if you even manage to finish).
What you say about 3:04 in is EXACTLY what I have been plagued with.
Odd one out I liked the Kolbie for more defined vs arches more loose
This type of video is great! I tried the GenCraft paper, and found I like using it on the backside (smoother side) for most things. But yes - it doesn't like lots of water! 👍
Yup!
Just, thank you, for all the research, examples and advice. 🎨🖌️🖼️💯
I have Arches paper, but I hardly ever use it. The biggest plus for me is how long the paper stays wet, and how much water it lets you put on the paper at once. I usually use Fabriano which is a lot less expensive and since I am used to it, I think it works well for me.
Thanks for sharing :)
That's a really interesting comparison. 😊
I bought a selection pack of different hot and cold pressed papers and it's a really great way to find out what you like without breaking the bank. 😊
My favourite budget watercolour paper is Mozart Supplies which comes in at $15.99 for 30 sheets of 300 GSM cold pressed paper (size A4). 😊 It definitely doesn't feel like 'budget' paper.
Nice!
This explains a lot! Any time I try to do a juicy sky/ northern lights type of painting on cheaper paper it never works. I will try with some Arches :)
I believe I saw that GenCraft now has a 100% cotton paper. I'm going to have to look for it to make sure. I bought an Academy block to try. I do have Canson XL and thought I'd use it to practice brush strokes, etc. Then paint on the Academy. I do plan on getting some Arches for when I want to paint something to frame.
Love it :)
However I did do a quick experiment on Canson since I just bought Kolbie's landscaping book & want to experiment. I wetted the paper & put on juicy watercolor. And you were rgt..it dried too fast & didn't allow me to keep zigzagging. Then I pulled out Strathmore's cold press watercolor paper that I just bought on Amazon & did the same thing. Voila! I had success!! I know Strathmore isn't Arches, but it allows me to have more success at my budget. Thank you for sharing your insights. I so appreciate you!
I appreciate you sharing! Cheers :)
I use Baohong Academy most of the time. I get it on T-mu, so it's very affordable for me. It's still more affordable than Arches even on A-zon, however. But yeah, thats my go-to cotton watercolor paper and I love it. I'm planning on getting the Baohong artist grade paper next, since I always wanted to give it a try.
It’s wonderful!
Thank you for this video - was very helpful for me!
Glad to know it!!
Enjoyed your video, and it showed what I thought it would do, and do it well. I use it after I’ve practiced it a couple of time on cheaper paper, than do my final copy on the good stuff!
Perfect!!
I get what you’re saying. I mostly practice and learning brush strokes color mixing and things like that. I have tried better paper and can see the difference. I think when I want to focus more on what the watercolor does on good paper, then I’ll use the better paper. I agree with you . Right now my paper works . If I take on the big juicy landscapes or skies then I’ll break out the better paper. You answered my paper or affirmed what I’ve been thinking.
Wonderful :)
Me too... actually started learning to use Arches and it was very different! I need to practice on it to know paint/water ratio onto brush! I'm a beginner and it feels like I'm starting over!!! What a joy 😊 to have people like you share your journey and Kristy to inspire us!!! A California Gramma ♥️
Thank you. I was looking for a video like this.
Glad it was helpful!
I understand the desire to do cheaper paper, but it makes such a difference. I've been leaning always to 100% cotton. There are often brands other than Arches that are more affordable. Fabriano Studio is my choice. And, if I buy as a full sheet, its the most economical. I've not had success on cellulose papers.
Thank you for sharing :)
sometimes as a beginner to watercolor the less expensive paper is the way to go but when u get to the good stuff its like moving up a couple grades
This!!!
Wow so interesting you making a video on this topic. I'm a huge fan of good quality paper but it's sometimes painful messing it up...
I strongly dislike the GennCrafts paper for landscapes though it’s good for cutting up and making cards. I appreciate this re-do and it validates my experience.
It’s also awesome for wet on dry and controlled washes :)
Good video, I have all kinds of paper, cheap and 100% cotton. I have learned to paint with all types. One useful tip I learned in a workshop is to wet the back of the paper then the front, this keeps the paper very flat....its harder to paint on buckling paper. For some reason when I started out I liked cheap paper and cheap paint, I didn't mind wasting it. It was a mindset I guess. I enjoy your videos
Very helpful ‼️
Thanks!!
I have had to unlearn some bad habits I got using cheap wood pulp paper - like using too much pigment and too little water....my water control was off when I moved to cotton mix and then 100% cotton papers.
TBH you can just sneeze paint onto Fabriano Artistico and it looks good...it feels like cheating! And some styles fit the drier papers though, sometimes I miss wood pulp Daler and go back to it, it certainly is a different mindset and approach.
I really wish there was a good economical cotton paper that everyone could learn on FIRST! Then people would know that shift and not ingrain some bad-paper specific habits. But I know that for me, when I started I had no money - still have little money - and didn't want to invest £40-50 on an Arches pad (yeah try making the currency conversion, you will be shocked how much Arches is here - as a result I've never used Arches, it is the most expensive paper - yes even more so than Fabriano).
Have also found another 100% cotton paper from FRISK that is Very Good. Less than Arches!!
Mel 🍰🌻
Thank you for this informative video. Seeing the difference in the amount of water a paper can hold is a valuable lesson. ❤
Glad it was helpful!
PS also, a few days ago, I decided to attempt to paint on some postcard-sized paper, THINKING it was good quality bc it’s ZenArt..it’s not. The first shape I laid down? Hard, gross edges and like with that WC paper; I couldn’t lift any thing off it. Going to cut my arches & try again…
Thanks for sharing this :)
100 % cotton is best. however. there are some papers which are cellulose with a percentage of cotton. Artways, Winsor Newton, Fabriano. Good prices too
Thanks!!
Perfect examples and good tips and considerations.
Glad you think so :)
If I use Arches... then I won't have anything to blame for a ❤️ painting 😊
😂😂😂
I like line&wash a lot- no need for arches for that
To be honest, for the wet on wet I'm using Baohong or fabriano artistico
I love love love Baohong. Its my preferred choice now when I'm doing something that I think has potential or is not practice. Its not Arches but it responds so well that I feel happier and looser when I know thats what I'm painting on.
Is Baohong bright white or more cream?
Exactly.. I find big wet washes and more detailed layer after layer need the better paper
@@Rockymtnbloom I just compared it to plain copy paper and its cream
very informative, Kristy. Thanks for sharing
You’re very welcome!
Very helpful video !!😊
This is good information to know. Thanks. ☺️✌️🖖
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison that really shows not all watercolor paper is the same. Not all cheap watercolor papers are alike, though - I use Canson Montval and Norberg & Linden cold press for practice paper, and my friend uses Ohuhu, We like all three better than GenCrafts (sorry, GenCraft). That being said, GenCrafts makes a 100% cotton watercolor paper, but I haven't tried it.
Thanks for watching!
OMG. Thank you thank you for doing this video!! I was hoping you would. 😊. You just validated what I ( someone who is not so experienced in watercolor) was thinking. I bought GenCraft based on your recommendation and have had good luck with wet on dry. Not so much with wet on wet. 😳. I do believe that paper makes a huge difference and feeling “worthy” of it is a struggle but you and Kolbie have made it less so. No matter what your style is I have to believe that I am not the only one that feels that your openness and insight is priceless in this creative journey, both mentally and creatively. 😊
I’m so grateful for your words :)
i am still not convinced to buy arches i. did buy artist paints and brushes but i was painting on paul rubens 100% cotton and didnt even know it .i took a pic of both paintings and they looked the same ,ive been painting 27 years mostly acrylics on cardstock i make rose cards.if i were to start selling i totally would use arches but for how often i create id go broke .thank you
That’s how I feel!!
I knew in that video that you were going to get frustrated with what she was doing because of the paper. I still love how it came out though!
:)
I like all three paintings.
Aww thanks!!
I know feel even though the Arches paper is more expensive when can try it going for it! Reason as put water drops on Canson XL 140lb/300gsm & the water drops just sat on too of that paper for over 15 minutes 😳 & truly wondered is there a tiny bit of plastic in that paper as never seen water drops sit up for that long?
So had some ordered (Canson XL) & cancelled that order. If want decent results know need better paper to do backgrounds.
Very helpful, thank you.
You bet!
I use Bockingford and Fabriano. They are okay but must try Arches for my better work sometimes I think it would be worth it. Thanks for the video it I helpful
Oh do try it!!
I like the canson and fabriano but my daughter who is an acrylic painter and at times watercolor say she swears by the cotton paper.😊
Thanks for sharing this!
Oh wow! I had no idea the paper matters 😱I thought I sucked haha. I normally paint with acrylics 😂
Nope paper is the most important thing :)
Hey Kristy thanks for for your information today
I think it depends on your finances. If you can budget it in?
Absolutely.
I love this art work this is my kind.
Hi Kristy. Sorry to be off topic but could you share where you get the small magnets you use in your half or full pans of paint. The ones you use when filling them from tubes. Thanks.
I love good paper! I try to be conservative with it, but it's oh so good
Cellulose is so frustrating! Cotton paper is so much better -- it takes my feeble artistic attempts look a whole bunch better 😁
:)
Is the GenCrafts the 100% cotton? I ask because I use this and have lovely results. Nothing like what is showing here. Thank you!
There is a Gencrafts that is 100% cotton but that wasn’t what I used lol :)
So I see that Gencraft has a 100% cotton paper on Amazon. So I am assuming this was not that? Now I wonder how that works compared to Arches.
Nope I used the Gencrafts budget paper. Def not 100% cotton!
Would wet on dry for the initial wash work better for the Gen crafts paper? Could you redo the one with the Gen Crafts paper but wet on dry instead so it doesn't need to handle so much water?
Yea exactly
This is helpful. TFS
So happy to hear :)
I was using a budget paper and at the point of lifting with paper towel, my paper began to disintegrate. Guess this pad will be relegated to wet on dry projects. Art is a constant learning experience.
Watercolor is a learning experience, all the time. Better brushes, better paper do bring better results...
Depends on the goals & end results you desire,
:)
Does Kristy ever address stretching the paper first?
I am interested in knowing if the watercolor mediums people use That keep your paper wet longer are worth trying?
I do think there is a difference. I'm a hobby gal who will never sell art so paper isn't that important but I buy Blick student paper. I throw so much away. I like Cheap Joe's Kiliminjoro paper a lot....and is affordable.
Love this! Thanks for sharing :)
Hi Kristy arre you painting on a block or just an arches pad.
So I justify buying the good paper because it's still cheaper than a therapist 😉
Oooh amen!!!