Comparing Hot Press Watercolour Papers for Botanical Illustration

Lizzie Harper www.lizzieharper.co.uk #Botanical #Illustrator, compares #hot #press #watercolor papers for #painting and #drawing on, with #timelapse footage of her painting #wildflowers on five different papers.
Many thanks to www.rkburt.com/ Paper wholesellers, and manafacturers of the splendid "Fat pad" sketchbooks for many of the samples tested.
Links to the Papers tested are:
Moulin du Roy: en.canson.com/w...
Arches Hot Press: www.cassart.co...
Canson Heritage HP: en.canson.com/l...
Saunders Waterford (St Cuthberts Mill): www.stcuthberts...
Botanical Ultra Smooth (St Cuthberts Mill): www.jacksonsar...
Fabriano: fabriano.com/en...
Other useful links:
Winsor and Newton Watercolour paints: www.winsornewto...
Winsor and Newton Series 7 sable paintbrushes: www.winsornewto...
Pentel P205 mechanical pencil:www.pentel.co.u...

[@Aquarellina]

What I call a proper review from someone who knows their stuff and actually tells you the important aspects :D thank you so much...very insightful

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Only just seen this, Aquarellina; thanks so much! I think with things like the quest for hot press papers we all need to share as much info as we can! Glad to have been of use, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Yours Lizzie

[@donnaeturner]

Very sad about Fabriano. Thank you very much for this.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I know. It taes some time to recover, its like the loss of a friend!

[@doratiscareno5856]

I'VE NOTICED THAT TOO...WOOLY PAPER HAS FINE HAIRS AND THE WATER GETS SOAKED UP... THEN THE PAPER BUBBLES 👎👎👎 i have tried all kinds of water color paper expensive, cheap name brands NOT HAPPY 😖 I ACTUALLY HAVE STOPPED PAINTING AFTER 47 YRS AS AN ARTIST 😖🇺🇸

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh yes. Horrible. Make sure you have hot press paper too. Try Fluid 100 by GLobal Arts (Speedball), or Stonehenge Aqua by Legion paper. The latter make cute tiny "trial" books. I get mine from Jacksons Art in the UK, or Dick Blicks in the US. And dont despair!

[@sophiemurray6215]

I have had same experience with Botanical ultra smooth- not happy with it. Disappointing as held good thoughts for it. Just deadens paint somehow. Back to Arches . Fluid HP is a well prices reliable paper well worth trying. But I wouldn’t bother with Botanical Ultra Smooth. Lovely video, thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Sophie, thanks for this feedback. I'm glad we agree on the papers that do and don't work. Although i've just had a dodgy batch of Fluid 100 which is NOT good! AH me. Cheers, Lizzie

[@Renilou2]

I didn't have a good result with Stonehenge. It may work with strictly dry brush but not with very wet media. The surface will tare off with masking fluid. I saw it happen in another review and if you use any low tack tape that will also tear the surface of the paper off. That shouldn't happen. I get good results with Arches, however the quality of it has declined over the years since Canson bought the company. True, the Fabriano is not the same either. But I would use either before I'll use the newer Stonehenge hot pressed again. I was so disappointed. I may give it to my grand-kids to play with.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a shame! I'm so sorry you had a bad time with the Stonehenge Aqua! Isn't it funny how the way we paint totally dictates which paper is or isn't going to work for us. I can see Stonehenge might not be good for lots of wetter work, and I appreciate knowing that. I have heard a rumour that Fabriano have fixed their problems and the good old Artistico and Clasico may be making a welcome return...let's keep our ears to the ground and our fingers crossed (we'll look rather peculiar if we do, though...) Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. x

[@capbin146]

Thanks for sharing this. It was interesting to hear your comparisons and trying to verbally explain a physical experience. I have recently tried some expensive papers and compared with the cheap, well affordable even I can tell the difference. Thanks

[@sf5823]

Thank you so much for this video, it's really helpful. Lovely drawings too x

[@Raeburnsart]

Lizzie, we've spoke before... but I'm deciding between Saunders (St Cuthbert's Mill) or Moulin Du Roy? (for detailed wildlife paintings?) My other choice is The Langton Prestige but I don't assume you've used this one? In Australia the prices are very similar to each other for these :/

[@felicitycrowe6971]

Would it make a difference if you tried running the paper through a die press machine or running an iron over it before painting? I know it would add an extra step, but neither of those things is complicated and only takes a couple of minutes. You could even iron or die “press” in batches so that you always had some ready to go for painting … just a thought! …actually, I notice that this video is quite old. Do you have any updates on what your preferred paper now is?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hey Felicity, that's an idea, but Id be nervous any residue on the iron might compromise the paper's sizing, and likewise that the heat of the iron might change the paper sizing's chemistry. Good idea though. As is,. Ive found a paper Im pretty happy with, Fluid 100 hot press. Mostly, this one works perfectly. But what an interesitng suggestion, thankyou.

[@felicitycrowe6971]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator no worries at all! And thank you for replying - I actually don’t think I’ve seen the paper that you mention down here in east coast Australia🤔 … In case anyone else reads this and wants to try flattening the tooth on some paper, I’ve seen a video by someone else (maybe Lindsay Weirich, known as The Frugal Crafter) here on KZbin, where she wanted to smooth some paper so ran it through her die cut machine once of twice and was much happier with it. If anyone was going to try the iron, I would suggest putting some of that non-stick baking paper b/w the iron and the watercolour paper and I probably wouldn’t use any steam. I’m not sure whether it would affect the sizing - but if the sizing on hot press is the same as the sizing on cold press then it shouldn’t be a problem b/c commercially made hot press paper is run through hot surfaces without causing a problem for the sizing. … Mind you, I’m sure that someone out there has tried ironing their watercolour paper b/f and that it isn’t a new idea - we just need to find them and ask how it went!!!😀

Lovely

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thankyou!

[@AmberwingArt]

I just found your channel (this video came up in my YT suggested videos) and I'm really curious to hear if you've tried the new Fabriano Artistico with the Enhanced surface. I just got a block of it myself and I'm enjoying it (although it definitely lifts under layers much more easily than my Arches or Saunders Waterford papers!), so I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Also, I'm curious what paper you now use.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi, really interesting question, and its good to hear your thoughts on the new Fabriano as I've not tried it yet. I currently use Fluid 100 and Stonehenge aqua. I'm nervous about buying the new Fabriano in case I get sent the old rubbish sheets. But perhaps if I specify "enhanced" ill be ok? I work pretty dry, so the lifting may not be a disaster, but with some papers it was awful! (Fluid (not fluid 100) was dreadful for lifting earlier layers). You've reminded me to add trying the Fabriano enhanced to my "to do" list. Thankyou.

[@AmberwingArt]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator If you order from Blick, they have a specific page for the Enhanced version - just make sure that you're on that page and you should be fine :) I'm not sure if Blick has the enhanced version in individual sheets, as I got a block, but if you don't use blocks, then just be extra careful to check the description. Unfortunately I didn't try the original Artistico back when everyone had a problem with it, because I wasn't doing watercolour then, but this new one seems best suited to dry brush and working wet on dry. Anyway, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, so if you ever get it, hopefully you'll make a video!

[@luisbito8391]

what happing Fabriano no make no more paper is my faver i has par the sheet artistico

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Well, Fabriano DO still make paper but its not as good as it was.... But then it looks like they might have mended the errors and be making paper properly and well again. So maybe there's no need to panic after all....

[@terencemolloy1827]

The botanical is 50% wood pulp. That's why it muddys. I'm more inclined to think that it's made as an alternative to Fabriano 5.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ah, that explains it. Yeah, maybe youre right about its market? Thanks for the feedback.

[@EphygeniA]

Exactly

[@kellyvanschyndel5312]

Informative video..new subbie..

[@michealgo9646]

Why is this tagged to #hot. This is far too sophisticated for it.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That's funny. The #hot refers to the #hot in hot-press watercolour paper (smooth surface not rough). It'd probably be a more interesting film if it was about beautiful sunny beaches or gorgeous men in sports cars, but it's #hot paper. Thanks for making me smile.

[@natford8271]

This is not the first time that’s Fabriano have changed their hot pressed paper and lost many botanical artists as loyal customers. I forget when exactly but in the early 00s two US botanical artists that were online friends of mine online also went through the process that you are having to go through now. Do Fabriano have anything to say about it?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Nat, I did shoot off an email to Fabriano years and years ago and never heard back. Someone said it all changed when they took on the contract to make the paper that Euro notes are printed on, but that may be apocryphal. I also heard that the paper they are producing right now is back to the excellent earlier quailty, but how on earth one can know whether the paper you buy from an art shop is 6 months old or the dodgy stock from 3 years ago, which will be branded exactly the same way, is beyond me. Interesting that they've messed up this way before, you would think it's worth avoiding making the same mistake twice! Anyway, luckily for me Im now really enjoying Fluid 100, so have found my alternative. But I do miss Fabriano. Thanks for the comment. x

[@kleobart]

Thank you for this! It was super helpful. Im gonna go for the Arches paper to begin with. The Moulin du Roy was a bit harder to find here in Sweden. Thanks again!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Good luck with the quest! And remember, its such a personal choice. Just had a comment about someone who loathed Stonehenge Aqua (my current favourite) as it messed up her work. Hopefully you'll source your dream paper soon. Thanks for the comment.

[@notmetagaming]

Jacksons art in the UK ships it

[@anilkhare]

i have 10 full sheets of this old HP 640gsm fabriano paper.....any takers and what will be a reasonable offer?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh my goodness! Some people are still completely heart-broken about the change, so this is like gold dust! I've adapted to Fluid 100 and Stonehenge aqua, but a lot of people would definitely be interested. I'm not sure what a good price would be. But I think certainly quite a bit more than you paid for it in the first place! You could mention in on the facebook group "Botanical Art for Beginners and Beyond" as there's a big audience there who might be interested.

[@santen2309]

Thank you for the info. I was considering switching from Arches, but I think I'll stay

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Tan, yes, good idea. But the Stonehenge aqua by Legion press, and Fluid 100 by Global arts are def worth a try too.

[@santen2309]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you, I'll check them out.

[@lindamclean8809]

Hi Lizzie......l work in coloured pencil and I also find some of these papers unsuitable for the same reasons........ I find Moulin du Roy the best for my use.....however it's hard to build layers because of the glassy smooth finish,,

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Linda, rthat's interesting. People do sometimes ask about the best papers for coloured pencil, and I have to admit to having no idea. But it sounds like it's a similar surface that you're after. If you try the Stonehenge aqua ever, let me know how it goes. It has a little more tooth/ texture to it. I wonder what paper Anne Swan uses (except for big sheets of it!) Yeah, the balance between holding onto colour and having crisp edges is a bit of a tightrope in both our disciplines. Thanks for the comment, that's interesting to hear. Yours Lizzie

[@robynbeltrametti1748]

Hello Lizzie, just watched a video from Wendy Hollender, botanical artisit in the USA, she too is disappointed in Fabriano paper Co. which doesnt produce the quality paper she always used, but made a video showing her tests of different cold pressed papers suitable for botanical painting, and voila! Stonehenge Aqua won out of all the papers she tried, just thought you may like to know in case you didnt already! Regards Robyn

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thankyou Robyn, very useful. In fact, in my second youtube video of paper tests I put Stonehenge through its paces and I agree with Wendy Hollender (she's great, isn't she?), it's a really good paper. I thought maybe that would do...until I did my latest set of tests and discovered Fluid 100 HP. I bet Wendy's already stumbled on it, it's properly lovely!

[@corymckinnon9588]

How is the new Fabriano for drawing on?Graphite and carbon...Im in the same jam you guys are in. Im about to run out of the old Fabriano.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Cory, the new fabriano isnt a delight for graphite work either, not like the old one. I quite liked the smooth surfaces I tried, Moulin du Roy is quite pleasing. I also wondered about Frisk CS 10 from the old days, but it doesnt exist any more, I dont think. I was wondering about Bristol board for line and pencil work too, although its nice to have one paper for everything (in reality, I appreciate this aint going to be practical). If you find something that works well for your graphite work, let me know! Thanks for the comment.

[@EKS49]

Watched the video and read all the comments. So far looks like Arches and Moulin are the top ones - unless there is an update to this video?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Ah, yes. There are 4 of these paper comparisons in total on my KZbin channel...but to cut to the chase my top two aren't those. Theyre now (and Ive been working with my new favourrites for a while now) Fluid 100 by Global Arts (Speedball), and Stonehenge Aqua by Legion Paper. Both are stocked at Jacksons online art store, if that helps. Thanks for asking!

[@MichelleLynnFineArt]

Very informative! My last name is Harper too😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

All the best people are Harpers! Glad the video was useful.

[@EphygeniA]

Thank you for your helpful video ^^ I didn't know about Fabriano's is no longer available... do you maybe know why? it is one of my favourite papers to work with :(...

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Dear EphygeniA, it;s not that they dont make Fabriano any mroe, just that they dont make it like they used to. there's suggestions it's to do with them also making paper for bank notes, but I don;t know if this is true. So you CAN still get Fabriano...it's just not quite as nice as it used to be, alas.

[@EphygeniA]

As far as I know, there is a slight difference between the spare big sheets (which are always the same, since I use it) and the blocks... maybe you talk about blocks?

[@jdemaestri4300]

Excellent and much appreciated!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wakeupuk3860]

I wish all reviews were as good as yours.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Dave, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you.

[@anilkhare]

Is it even possible to buy this older version of fabriano artistico hot pressed paper anymore?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Sadly not. I looked for it and asked around, but nothing. However, some other illustrators have suggested that since I made this film, the manafacturing process has inmproved again. But Ive not tried it out yet, feeling happier to stick with Fluid 100 Hotpress and Stonehenge Aqua hotpress, my current favourites (and favourites for the past 4 years). Thanks for asking.

[@orkidbox]

Interesting comparisons. Fabriano Artistico was good.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yeah, I know (sob sob)

[@glorioskiola]

I have new Fabriano Artistico and it pills up easily. Darn.

[@danecory1741]

Regarding your two new favorites (fluid and stonehenge), which is better for fineliner/technical pens? I use arches hot press and the pens drag a little more than I’d like due to the slight texture. Thanks!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Dane. Ive been using Daler Rowney heavyweight cartridge for my pen and ink work - but these illustrations havent needed any top colour washes of watercolour. I'm thinking Fluid 100 is a marginally smoother surface, so might provide the crispness a tiny bit better than the Stonehenge. I know lots of pen and ink artists love Bristol board (is it even still called that?), which is a very smooth surface that you can "scratch" mistakes off with a scalpel if needs be. Saying that, Ive not used bristol board for decades, so am not sure it still is being made... Let me know what you settle on, and how it works out? XLizzie

[@danecory1741]

Lizzie Harper hey Lizzie. I’ve tried bristols board and it’s no good for my heavy ink and watercolor work. I need watercolor paper to handle the wetness of it all. Arches hot press is almost perfect in every way except for the pens dragging a little bit. So all I need is a smoother watercolor paper that can still handle my work. I’ll give the fluid a try and let you know!

[@felicitycrowe6971]

@@danecory1741 hi Dane! Sorry this is a very long time in the future from when you made your comment, but it made me wonder whether you have tried Yupo paper?

[@claudiahemmings2080]

Very helpful, thanks for taking the time. I can't find anyone else who is coming right out and saying what they think of the alternatives. I made the mistake of buying a whole pad of that 'Ultra Smooth Botanical' and it was dreadful, even at my level (and I'm only a beginner).

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Well, Im rather silly to be so bold, having slated so many of the papers Ive recently had a lovely time working on stonehenge aqua and on Moulin du roy. And on Arches! Ive also been sent a pad of Fluid 100 (pure cotton) so need to check that one out next. Seems endless! But if I were you, Id try to get your hands on Moulin du oy, Arches HP, or Stonehenge Aquae. Thanks so mcuh for taking the time to cooment!

[@claudiahemmings2080]

It's great to find someone knowledgeable who is testing these papers and actually sharing their observations of each. Look forward to hearing what you think of the Fluid 100% cotton. Stonehenge Aqua is really difficult to find here. I contacted Jacksonart and they aren't planning to stock it at the moment. I'm pretty sure they (and other large UK art suppliers) would though, if some more people drop them a line to make them realise there is a demand for this paper.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Claudia Hemmings You can buy it on Amazon, it is very pricey though www.amazon.co.uk/Stonehenge-Press-Watercolor-Paper-Block/dp/B01NCWTKMI

[@claudiahemmings2080]

That's the only place I can find it, that's the problem. That vendor is charging way too high because there's nobody else selling it to compete on price.

[@Kyomiibrown]

Claudia Hemmings Hi Claudia, it will be around that price regardless since they are based in USA, and USA list price is about 30 dollars, so you are looking at least £25 for that size regardless of stockist. The price is about right, but the postage bumps it up.

[@joyfulldj]

OMG did that happen to the studio jumboblock as well? Cause this block.. well Iew.. it feels somewhat moist to the touch if that makes sence,like you can dry with a heattool all you want but dry... no? It makes my toes curl.. where as the prior block of them I LOVED. I feel kind of ripped of that my store didn't say that or fabriano didn't say them... could have saved me at least 30euro... it's pathetic to admit but I rather paint on the canson xl over the fabriano studio jumboblock... at least from the Canson I am not disapointed cause I know it's not the best... but this really well.. BLEEEP

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

No, it's not pathetic at all A. Vultink, this stuff matters! And I tend to agree with you. I guess suppliers dont know exactly when the stock changed, so they may welkl have both the old and new on the same shelf...but I feel your pain!

[@joyfulldj]

Well update i like the canson 140 lb watercolor blocks the one with 11 sheets,i love how slow drying it is,how affordable and... it doesn't buckle...jay- arches coldpres is always good but really pricy, the jumboblock is still in use but with brushmarkers..as that is ink it reacts different, but i wont buy it again, I just hate to waste it.. but for me as beginner in botanicals, it is a block for practice now.. however if you like tombows for botanicals i'd say go for it... but keep in mind they are inks and not watercolors.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I am so happy that you've found a paper that works for you! That's fabulous! Its just like I say, there's the perfect paper out there, but you have to try them and see what "fits" you, A bit like life-partners or a gorgeous pair of heels, there may only be one that's ideal so you need to start looking! The brush markers sound like a good option to use of the block, good thinking. DO try Fluid 100 or stonehenge Aqua, you can get single sheets so its not too pricey.... Thanks for taking the time to comment and reply x

[@joyfulldj]

thanks for the warning... thanks to your post i realised i wan't totally crazy for absolutely hating this change - heck like i knew there was any- well...not totally crazy yet anyway

[@carlaa.1617]

Thank you so much Lizzie for this great video. I am using Arches and will stick with it for now as I have quite a lot of it. Maybe by the time I finish it there will be a better solution:)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Carla, Arches is one of the ones I'm still using. Along with Stonehenge Aqua, Moulin du Roy, and my new favourite Fluid 100. Yeah, there is an element of using what's there first. Saying that I have A LOT of the new batch Fabriano in my plan chest (sigh).

[@carlaa.1617]

Thank you so much Lizzie:) I too have a lot of paper I never use. I think we all waste money on art supplies:( I will look into Fluid 100. I have not yet heard of it.

[@Raeburnsart]

I don't do botanicals yet I aspire to eventually. Looking for a paper that will work for doing detailed animal paintings... and not sure where to try first. I use cheap paper at the moment and my colours are muddy and not as vibrant using what i use currently.. gosh can you imagine when I get hold of some quality paper lol. I'm thinking of trying the Saunders Waterford paper you mentioned here ?? Any other suggestions? (PS it would be good if the choice is economic)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hiya Raechel, I think a good paper for natural history subjects like animals will be the same as a good one for botanical illustration. I hear what you're saying about price, and actually that's on thing I've not touched on in my paper testing. However, I know there's one I tested recently which shouldn't break the bank; it;s not so hot for pecnil work but was vibrant and clear for watercolour. It's Winsor and Newton medium surface heavy weight cartridge - its a bit odd cause it looks all crinkly but paints like a hot press. Not certain of price point, but it'll be less than the hotpress papers. For a good hotpress, try Moulin du Roy, Arches Hotpress, Stonehenge aqua (imported from the US) and Fluid 100 (my new fave paper, but also only available in the US....for now). Hope this helps a bit. New video on 6 mroe papers comign out on Friday.... Thanks for your comments, and good luck with the papers, let me know how it goes? x

[@Raeburnsart]

You must have so many brands of paper in your house/studio - how do you keep them from getting mixed up? LOL At the moment, my brands of paper are not worth mentioning (I live in Australia, none of them are brands that are outside of my country and are like - kids/student/craft quality.) I have art stores (real art stores) I can get good quality paper from. Then I see the price and I run away (like a character in a horror film lol). It's totally against my "savvy saver" nature.. but once I began painting - and realised the cheap stuff just isn't going to cut it. That said, I've taken the economic route so far but am seeing now why artists spend more money on quality - because IT does make a difference. Artists often say PAPER comes first with watercolours (the thing you should spend your money on)? Would you say that's true?..and Then brushes and then paints? For some reason (probably a mixture of disbelief and defiance) I completely reversed that method and went paints, brushes and now paper.. unfortunately I see myself having to buy all three (or at least brushes and paper all over again). I have to look past the price!! (well, as far as I can look past it). I have two kiddies, I'm a stay at home Mum - economic as i can be is still valid but i dont want to make the same mistakes I've already made .. look forward to the next video!!!

[@Raeburnsart]

www.ebay.com.au/itm/Winsor-Newton-Heavy-Weight-Medium-Surface-Cartridge-Gummed-Pad-I-25-Sheets-/171378882593?var=&epid=1540608870&hash=item27e6fa3821:m:mT1KvfNrhInGPb3pgbpcXwQ ??? this one Lizzie???

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Brushes first. Paper second. Paints third. For me, at least. Yes, I think youve sourced the right Winsor and newton paper; hang on and Ill pop the link here so you can be sure before investing...or wait for the video on Fri to see how it paints? www.jacksonsart.com/winsor-newton-cartridge-gummed-pad-220gsm-medium-25-sheets-a5?channable=e17573.NjY2NDA&___store=jacksonsart_en&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1JbPBRCrARIsAOKj2PmjmOU6xexbk9u0s3Jyf6gULJOJ4BMwv3Um_pkwbA2rS5ZjVW-n-GsaAiEYEALw_wcB x

[@erins.5420]

Urghhhh yes! My sweet husband bought me a 25 pack of the Fabriano artistico 300lb from jacksons and for some reason the "disclaimer" isn't in the description on that pack size. Well I got it and boy was I surprised. My dear husband is so thoughtful and when I talked with jacksons art about the situation think we both could meet in the middle since there was no disclaimer and it would cost more to send back but jacksons offered to send one of the sampler botanical paper that is 50 cellulose and 50 cotton. So needless to say I was shit out of luck with a huge stack of paper I can't use. Again thoughtful of my husband, real tacky of jacksons considering the websites description didn't include the information that all the other paper packs did warming about the different issues with the newer paper. Thank you for doing this in depth review!!! I found some luck with st cuthberts but I've ordered Stonehenge Aqua with high hopes! I've heard really great things about the Stonehenge and counting the days till it's delivered.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh no, what a pain! Im still using some of the Fabriano, it's not what it was but it's ok for less fine work. I was so relieved when I heard other folks had had trouble too, for about 3 months I thought my eyesight was going! Yes to the Stonehenge Aqua, Im uploading my follow up video right now which gave Stonehenge and Fluid HP a run for their money. Both give reason for hope, I think. Anyway, have a look when you have a moment (and when it's finished uploading!) The link is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvIfX2GrLiebK8

[@erins.5420]

Lizzie Harper I ended up with Moulin du Roy. It's similar to the Fabriano and I can get it in 140 lb and 300 lb. unfortunately the Stonehenge aqua paper lets dried paint no matter if it's staining or not lift too easily. Even when using a sable brush and a light hand adding just a water wash to work wet in wet adding the water lifted the dried paint underneath. Shame because it looked promising. However I heard that Fabriano was looking into what the problem is with the unfortunate changes until they had a fire in one of their mills that made the Fabriano and the testing was cut short until repairs could be made and catch up in production.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Erin, thats fascinating, specially abotu Fabriano looking into it. I thought theyd given up on us! Yeah, Moulin du Roy isnt good on allowing for changes, I agree. Recently Ive been using that one, Arches HP and Stonehenge Aqua which is a paint to get hold of, but which I totally loved working on. Really crisp, and Im not convinced my doubts about it (in the follow up video to this one) were fair, it doesnt seem to dull colour after all. Give it a go and let me know what you reckon? Thansk so much for taking the time to comment, and for sharing yoru knowledge. x

[@Kyomiibrown]

Lizzie Harper it's the stonehenge aqua Erin said was hard to lift from, not the Mulin Du Roy. I love the Mulin Du Roy paper, though I have only used cold press at the moment though. At first I wasn't sure but the more I used it the more I loved it - it seems to make colours glow in a way I have not seen with other papers. Very easy to lift from and can take a lot of abuse. I have some hotpress but not used it yet, looking forward to doing though.

[@volcanowb]

Have any updates on paper quality for 2019, Lizzie?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hiya. No, except for an interesting rumour. The thing is, now I've found Stonehenge Aqua and Fluid 100, I've finished my quest. Rather like a stray cat being re-homed to a "forever home", I feel like I've found my "forever paper". The rumour is that Fabriano have sorted out their manafacturing and are creating lovely stuff again, Classico and Artistico. Even if this is true (and I do so hope it is), the art shops and suppliers are still going to have piles of the new and less wonderful paper on their shelves. And how much of this remains in the Fabriano warehouses? So I think I'm going to continue to steer clear of them for another 2 years, til the old stock has been washed out. Then yes, I'm excited to see if the rumours are true! But for now, me and my "forever papers" are going to live in a state of bliss in my little garden studio. Thanks for asking. You got any new updates? x

[@volcanowb]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thanks Lizzie! x I will be trying out the new Artist Ink, by De Atramentis soon. Have you used it yet?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

@@volcanowb No, Id be interested to hear what you think! x

[@parden3743]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Hi dear, can you tell me where this rumour came from?