My 5 Favorite Watercolor Papers and Surfaces!

In this video I share my favorite watercolor papers and surfaces, why I like them, and I also talk about paper weight and other helpful tips for choosing your perfect paper!

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Here is a full list of supplies used in this video (US Links):
COLD PRESSED PAPERS I LOVE:
ROUGH PRESSED PAPER:
HOT PRESSED PAPER:

UK/Worldwide Links (Jackson's Art Supply)
COLD PRESSED PAPERS:
ROUGH PRESSED PAPER:
HOT PRESSED PAPER:

🎥 Film & Editing Gear 🎞️
- Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro

Please note, some of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This allows me to continue creating helpful and entertaining free content! I only recommend products that I use and love.

[bkqnrhk]

My favorite watercolour papers are all from St Cuthbert’s - my all time favorite is Saunders High White Cold pressed, followed by Millford, then Bockingford. Each has its unique texture and benefits. I tend to use Saunders for most of my painting.

[juliecollister]

I am a complete beginner! So I love watching and listening to all your advise, Thank you so much x

[wistfulworld]

I am surprised no mention of Fabriano Artistico Soft Press paper.... I switched over a few years ago and never looked back. Perfect balance of "tooth"-- lies between cold and hot press. Love your work!

[stephaniepaints]

Omg yes, I agree with the buying quality paper! For a long time I thought I was just really horrible at watercolor but once I bought the better paper, everything I had wanted the paper to do before, has started actually happening. I wish I had discovered that earlier🤦 Thanks for the comparison! I'm experimenting now to see which are my favorites <3

[twicen]

Your videos are so helpful. The best explanation and guidance on watercolour surfaces I've ever heard. Thank you!

[yasuewho]

Wow! I'm so excited to make my own panels! Thank you for that especially!

[NordicFoxArt]

as you asked for favourite paper i would say out of all the ones i have tried my favourite must be the 640gsm watercolour collection paper from hahnemühle. the paper behaves exactly how i want it to. not far after i really love using fabriano and arches papers as well. never tried cotton paper from brands outside those 3 though so maybe i find a new favourite in the future.

[violinamore]

As a re-starter after 36 years (😳) I had some aquarelpaper still lying around in the house so I started using that again. It doesn’t say which it is and it’s 180 gr but in a block.
It made me buy hotpressed Hahnemuhle Cézanne paper. I like it sofar as I don’t have many experience with different kind of paper but it certainly gives a better result than the other paper. Thanks for your explanation. It helps🙏

[annabellaapean]

i love your channel you deserve more attention and you're so pretty

[rupamagdy]

Dear Emily, many of the paintings you show in this video are stunning! Esp the mountain and sea painting, it looks like a photograph at first glance. Would love to see a time lapse or even better a short video on how you achieved that Rocky but green surface.

[VincentBurkardt]

Great video! Thanks so much. I am new to watercoloring, yes I started out using cheaper paper, now only Arches and Fabriano 140. I just received my purchase of those brands with 300 paper, excited to try out.

[amylanagan]

Incredibly helpful! I have a couple Fabriano blocks arriving this week. I'm so excited!

[notazart]

this is so informative, i really learnt a lot. thank you!

[maureencepiel]

Great, informative video! One suggestion...if you do have cheap paper, use it to practice your sketches. Either with graphite pencil or with watercolor pencil. Your paper will not 'shred' if you don't add much water.

[krisyoungsteadt]

Hahnemühle The Collection WC paper is my favorite so far.

[gnathp]

I love the Canson Heritage watercolor paper the best; I would say it is as good as Arches and I definitely recommend it!

[danielav]

Have you got a tutorial of the beautiful big landscape you mentioned in this video? I see it behind you in all of your videos and I simply fell in love with it

[rnee]

Great informative video. I'm not new to watercolor but I always like to hear what products other artists prefer. I just discovered your channel so I'll be looking into other videos. I primarily paint botanicals and birds, I am considering trying more animals of the furry variety LOL. My favorite paper brand is Arches with Fabriano Artistico a close second. I have tried different types of paper but cold pressed is my go to as I like wet on wet techniques. Almost always use 140 lb but I have a few sheets of 300 lb and can appreciate the difference.

Be well and be safe.

[jasonmullins]

I like Fabriano Artistico coldpress. Arches is good but the glue or sizing starts to smell when you add water to it. I like Stonehenge Aqua coldpress too. Thanks for the videos!

[daviddavies]

I buy 30 x 22 inch sheets when on half price sale and cut them into 4 or 8. That tends to work out a good chunk cheaper than pads or blocks. Prices these days are high though, it has slowly creeped up the last 10 - 15 years.