A very important part of any watercolour drawing is watercolour paper. It’s important to use the right paper because it can change how the colours blend, how the paint responds, and even how long your art lasts. There are so many choices that it can be hard to pick the best watercolour paper. This guide will help you make an informed choice by going over the things you should think about when choosing watercolour paper.
1. Know the Different Types of Watercolour Paper
There are different kinds of watercolour paper, and each has its own qualities that make it good for different drawing styles and tastes:
Cold Pressed (CP): Cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface that is a good mix between rough and smooth textures. It is also known as “Not” or “Medium” texture. It can be used with a lot of different watercolour methods.
Hot Pressed (HP): The smooth surface of hot-pressed paper makes it great for fine lines and detailed work. Artists who like to have exact control over their brushstrokes like it.
Rough: The surface of rough watercolour paper is very rough, giving the painting a bumpy and uneven look. It works great for making effects that are dramatic and have a lot of texture.
2. Think about the weight of the paper
There are different weights of watercolour paper, which are usually given in pounds (lb) or grammes per square metre (gsm). Some common weights are:
140 lb (300 gsm) is the weight of watercolour paper that most people use. It’s strong enough that it won’t bend or buckle after being painted more than once.
300 lb (640 gsm): Heavyweight paper is thicker and lasts longer. It’s good for big paintings and skills that need a lot of water.
3. How good the paper is
The quality of watercolour paper can vary a lot, which can change how well it works and how long it lasts. These things show that the paper is good:
Choice of Acid-Free Paper: Choose acid-free paper because it keeps your artwork from yellowing and breaking down over time.
Cotton vs. Wood Pulp: Cotton paper is thought to be better than wood pulp paper because it lasts longer, absorbs more, and can handle being wet and lifted many times.
4. Size of the Surface
Surface sizing is the process of controlling how absorbent paper is by treating the surface of the paper. It changes how the paint works and spreads on the paper. Look for papers with the right amount of surface sizing to keep colours from running and to stop too much absorption.
5. Thoughts on the Budget
There are different price ranges for watercolour paper, from cheap choices to high-end professional grades. While better paper might cost more, buying better paper can make drawing more enjoyable and help your art last longer.
6. Trying New Things and Personal Choice
In the end, the best way to pick watercolour paper is to try different kinds and go with what you like. Find the type, weight, and brand that works best for your style and methods by trying them out.
In conclusion
Picking the right watercolour paper is important if you want your drawings to look their best. When making your choice, think about things like the type of paper, its weight, quality, surface size, and your budget. If you buy good paper that works with your painting style and tastes, you can improve your painting experience and make paintings that will last.
1. What’s the difference between hot-pressed and cold-pressed watercolour paper?
The surface of cold-pressed paper is a little rough, while the surface of hot-pressed paper is smooth. Hot-pressed paper is better for detailed work, while cold-pressed paper can be used with more methods.
2. Do all drawings need to be done on heavy watercolour paper?
Heavyweight paper is more stable and lasts longer, but lighter weight papers can still do great work for smaller projects and studies. Pick the weight that fits your drawing style and tastes the best.
3. How can I tell if watercolour paper doesn’t have any acid in it?
On the paper, look for marks that say it is acid-free or archival quality. Acid-free paper keeps your art from yellowing and falling apart over time, so it stays bright and lasts a long time.
4. Can I use something other than watercolour paper?
Watercolour paper is made to be used with water-based paints like watercolour and gouache. However, it can also be used for other art styles, like ink drawing, collage, and mixed media.
5. Is it really worth the money to buy pricey watercolour paper?
Spending money on good watercolour paper can make drawing more fun and help your art last longer. It might cost more at first, but for serious artists, the effects and durability make it worth it.