Looking for paper suggestions. I’ve used Fluid 100 and their cellulose version, some other random cellulose brands, just picked up some Arches and Baohong Academy, what’s your budget brand and your splurge pick?
I’ve used almost everything under the sun. The best papers are the well known 100% cotton brands, not much to say there.
However, if you’re after more affordable, cellulose options, the best I’ve found are these (I’m not affiliated with any of them btw):
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Jackson’s Art own brand papers: https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/jackson-s-watercolour-paper-300gsm These really behave like cotton paper, except the drying time, which is a bit shorter. Still, longer than other cheap cellulose papers. I was surprised how well that paper behaves.
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Hippie Crafter paper: https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Paper-Drawing-Paper-Art-Paper/dp/B08FF2X17C Best of the rest…
Everything else I’ve used that was cellulose, not only the drying time was almost instant (so you could never fix mistakes or do lifting), but most importantly, when you were going for a second or third layer, the paint would “spill” to places where you didn’t put the brush on (and we’re talking about layers that have had completely dried up). So basically, these cheaper cellulose papers don’t have “sizing”, among other problems, like how non-organically the paint spreads, or how dull the colors are. So now I’m limiting myself to either the two brands above for cellulose paper, or to 100% cotton paper. The rest kind of the brands I’ve bought over the years have become scrap paper and tests now…
I ordered half a dozen blocks from Jackson, thanks for the recommendation! It’s as good or better than any other cellulose paper and pretty inexpensive. Cold press and Rough finish is nice, have not tried Hot press. Definitely recommend this paper.
Awesome, enjoy! Can’t wait to see what you paint!
Hi there. Just checking in to see how that paper went?
I’ve ordered Jackson blocks a couple times now. I’ve found the smaller Jackson blocks perfect for quick studies, practice, color checks, etc. The price is cheap enough on the smallest blocks that I just have them around the house, at work, in the car, I can pencil sketch something to paint later or whatever. Versatile.
I’ve been painting “real paintings” on Baohong lately, specifically the rolls. The price seems good for the quality/quantity but requires me to stretch the paper which I don’t like doing so we’ll see.
Thanks for the info. Yes, the baohong is definitely getting the love. Some of the best artists in the world use it. I’ll have to give it a crack. I prefer sketchbooks, and the baohong sketchbooks are quite expensive.
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