Comparing Various HotPressed Watercolor Papers

Botanical artist Wendy Hollender shows examples of testing new watercolor papers to put in her custom sketchbooks. She describes what she looks for in a paper and shows you papers she likes and her favorite new paper! www.drawbotanical.com

[@theresaavery4670]

Thanks!! This is just the help I was looking for 😊 I am trying hot press for the first time. Getting into ink and wash. The cold press made for bumpy lines when I wanted smooth. Very much appreciated!

[@hovawart16]

You're a gem! You use "literally" properly, too! That's almost unheard of (literally).

[@PoliticalPars]

Stillman & Birn also sells sheets as well as hardbound and spiral sketchbooks. Alpha is my favorite. I have a sample of your #1 choice and will it a go. Thanks for sharing all your tests.

[@susanasmith8596]

Re your comment about the Stillman & Birn pads not being available spiral bound ... I have one of them which is spiral bound ... they are available spiral bound in various sizes, as well as the notebook type. I'm in Australia.

[@cmeblu75]

I wanted to tell you your story of discovering botanical drawings while being diagnosed with cancer really moved me. You see I lost my son, my only child when he was just 11yrs old. I was a complete disaster and then one day I decided to start painting and that’s when life changed for me. When I can’t sleep I go to my desk and study my books on art, draw and paint. Whenever I’m in my artistic mode, my brain is completely silent…focused on only the page in front of me. As a former microbiologist I feel both science and art intertwine into what has become a way to heal. I’m so happy you made a full recovery, but know that it came with a price. I don’t know that I’ll ever heal from my loss, but I have found a way to cope and I can breathe easier through the artistic study of nature ❤️‍🩹💙

[@drawbotanical]

I am so sorry for your loss, but it is helpful to hear how you are coping. I wish you all the best in the future and hope that your continued creative practice will help you.

[@cmeblu75]

@@drawbotanical thank you ☺️ and thank you for your wonderful books and drawings. You’re an inspiration ❤️💙

[@mariakellner2221]

just received my sample from Legion looking forward to use it.

[@deannashaw5639]

Thank you so much for this info, and your review on Blick. I’ve been doing my own tests and keep coming back to Stonehenge ( for CP). I saw your video and did not realize they had this aqua paper. I may try OMS with it and I think it will be better than the regular Stonehenge🤞🏼 And also, love your work! Gorgeous!

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

Great review, thank you!!

[@kate.elisab]

Thank you for this review! I have been looking for a quality watercolour paper and will check out your recommendations!

[@alonsojaden6527]

I guess I am quite off topic but does anybody know of a good website to stream newly released movies online ?

[@tylerben6254]

@Alonso Jaden I dunno I use flixportal. you can find it on google=) -tyler

[@alonsojaden6527]

@Tyler Ben Thank you, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !!

[@tylerben6254]

@Alonso Jaden happy to help xD

[@lisap5615]

You mentioned in your video that you often use the "wrong" side of the paper. I purchased some Stonehenge Aqua, hot press. One side seems is more textured than the other. I assume this is the front as it was on the top side of the pad. Is this the side you used in your comparison? Thanks:)

[@corvus6865]

hi wendy this is iconic

[@B1ackDahlia767]

When I tried the Stillman and Birn Beta & Zeta, I'd very high hopes. It was pricey. It pilled terribly.

[@cmeblu75]

I was wondering why you chose Stonehenge Aqua out of all the other brands and you said it…they’re willing to make special manufacturing papers for you and it’s possible they may have agreed to sponsor you (meaning free paper for your own use). Stonehenge is just a little too soft, it’s easy to accidentally damage the paper with a sharp pencil and it doesn’t take masking fluid AT ALL. It breaks apart easily if you add too many layers of water. It’s a good paper, but by far the best paper is the brand new 2022-23 Fabriano hot press

[@drawbotanical]

I hear you and agree. But for my purposes it works and I prefer not to have to do as many layers as I have to do with fabriano.

[@cmeblu75]

@@drawbotanical well, I absolutely looove your work, so you’re clearly doing something right. Your work is so unique that I can see a post or picture and say “that’s Wendy Hollender’s artwork.” I tend to use a lot of water, love masking out stamens and I’ve accidentally dented Stonehenge with my sharp pencils before. It’s a lovely paper, I just haven’t found a way to get accustomed with it, but if they were willing to make special paper and sponsor me, I’d find a way. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, I was simply curious 💕

[@drascatha]

If you really must have a pad that is spiral bound, opens flat, and can have pages added to it, there are several customizable notebook systems on the market, the original being the (rather expensive) Circa system from Levenger. They use discs instead of a continuous spiral, but one advantage is that you can get larger or smaller discs, depending on how much paper you want to put in your pad. Thank you for this video. I'm always searching for that perfect paper!

[@glorialynnhenry8283]

Is the stonehenge aqua cold or hot pressed?

[@mtchob]

they make both

[@greekveteran2715]

Colors and drawing looked better on Fabriano Artistico and Arches.

[@IYQ2-22]

Let us know when you get it in:-)

[@penniecormier8770]

Hot press?

[@mossie1954]

What's with the hair in the face?

[@lindawilliams747]

I do find the hair in the face terribly distracting.

[@sandrajones3455]

Yea I couldn't watch the video, too distracting. I was taught as a child to keep my hair out of my eyes.