My 5 Favorite Watercolor Papers and Surfaces!

[@user-bk8qn9rh5k]

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.

[@wistfulworld5931]

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!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven't tried that! Now I think I must! :)

[@KittyKarenpoo]

I've used it and agree that it is wonderful paper. The problem with Fabriano hot press (or any hot press) is that the paint sits on top and will unevenly pull off as you layer, making smooth layers almost impossible. It can also create an interesting effect, which is why I sometimes use hot press. So I thought that soft press would sit halfway between cold and hot press in this capacity. Actually it handles closer to cold press, which is great. Highly reccomment soft press.

[@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.

[@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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, paper quality makes SUCH a big difference!

[@juliecollister8981]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@violinamore1927]

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🙏

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@twicen777]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I appreciate that!

[@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.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You're going to LOVE the thicker paper!

[@danielav5808]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

No tutorial for that one, sorry! 🙂

[@yasuewho]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@rupamagdy805]

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.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@amylanagan7874]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Have fun!

[@volkanreyhan1223]

I am sorry but fabriano artistico is the worst paper ever. It starts to buckle with a small amount of water and you cannot blend the paints on the paper. It functions likethe other cheap papers. Stick to Arches.

[@annabellaapean]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You're so kind!

[@andreameeks6454]

Oh my sister you are wonderful

[@notazart3454]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I’m so glad, thank you!

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

Hahnemühle The Collection WC paper is my favorite so far.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I have heard good things! Might be time to try it!

[@jasonmullins6638]

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!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You bet!

[@gnathp4497]

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

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Oh yes! I’ve used it once and it was a really nice paper!

[@labaccident2010]

My pad wouldn’t do flat washes, everything came out patchy. Maybe I got one from a bad batch?

[@gnathp4497]

@@labaccident2010 Yeah, I've heard of others having this problem too. It seems as if the sizing on the Canson Heritage is more susceptible to expiration than papers like Arches. If the paper is exposed to humidity before you begin to work on it, this problem is likely to occur. Otherwise, the paper works like a dream!

[@maureencepiel959]

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.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Absolutely! Great use of cheaper paper.

[@rnee1000]

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.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hi Renee! Sounds like we enjoy the same papers. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@aduf2002]

Near the end of the video you showed a 640 qram sheet of Fabriano, what was it called?

[@Michael-lq5di]

Very informative ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ramk.sketchpanting1238]

I love your artwork😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you!

[@ramk.sketchpanting1238]

@@EmilyOlsonArt 🙏🙏🙏

[@Babs9285]

Great advise and help!!! ❤️

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad!

[@rachelbuyshouses7261]

I just completed Watercolor Live 2023, and so ready to start painting. I'm shopping for supplies for multiple plein air events. I like your idea of Aqua board. How do you prep it for a ready-made plein air frame w/o glass?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You can spray it with an archival varnish-I use Krylon.

[@RoadArtAdventure]

I've been at watercolor for about 3 years... more and more lately. I don't have a fave yet- still exploring. But wondering about illustration board. I notice you don't mention them. Any particular reason?

[@NancyTipton-u8e]

Can you do a video of how to use a wax finish (for preservation?) on a watercolor painting which has been glued onto a board so a glass frame does not have to be used? I obviously do not know the correct process…🤪

[@Njhjiuie]

Thank you very much you help me a lot

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Happy to help!

[@samfraulino]

On that thick surface you did the cliffs, etc. How do you protect it when done?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I used a Krylon archival spray varnish. :)

[@suel4269]

Great tips! I’m in a dry climate.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You and me both!

[@david111davies]

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.

[@a.humphries8678]

Who does half off?

[@david111davies]

@@a.humphries8678 In the UK, Jacksons art but its only once in a while they have a sale. And that was 10 months age, they might not be doing sales anymore. I quit painting ages ago so dont know sorry

[@a.humphries8678]

@david111davies thanks! I went to London this past summer and made a point to go to Jackson's. Love it.

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

Decades ago I remember an instructor mentioning hot press, cold pressed and not. Not being a surface between the other two, I have not seen it anywhere. Could it have been just available for a while or discontinued? Be patient, I've seen close to eight decades so it might have been a long time ago. Or my memory is faulty.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

“Not” is another name for cold pressed-medium textured paper. Hot pressed is smooth and rough pressed is your most textured paper option. :-)

[@Gigiridgway]

Thank you, it help me a lot

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad to hear that!

[@disha19848]

very nice video

[@mabelestrada6508]

GREAT VIDEO ! THANK YOU!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you liked it!

[@KangleiShinigami]

Which paper is the best for all watercolor paintings ?

[@David-I0]

Hi Emily, Can you use these watercolour papers with coloured pencil? If so any recommendations?? I use luminance and polychromos and draw detailed portraits and like to burnish hard and smooth with my layering. (I like to layer a lot) Thanks

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You definitely can! I love using Arches hot pressed paper to draw on with colored pencils. Strathmore Bristol 500 series is also awesome.

[@David-I0]

@@EmilyOlsonArt thanks Emily I can only seem to buy strathmore 500 vellum from where I live and can't get the 500 plate. Is the vellum a good option or arches hp a better option?

[@ptaylor4923]

Why do you seem to prefer Fabriano cold press over Arches? (Great video... knew it would be as soon as you said don't waste time on cheap wood pulp paper.)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It's hard to say, lol! The texture difference between Arches and Fabriano is SO subtle. If I had to try and describe it, I would say Arches texture is a little more grainy, and Fabriano is a little more "pebbly". I've just used Fabriano the most, so there is just a certain comfort that comes with using a paper over and over so you know exactly how it will respond.

[@ptaylor4923]

@@EmilyOlsonArt No! Grainy vs pebbly is a perfect distinction! It get it! I only have Arches (after ditching the cheap stuff) but now I'll try that Fabriano. Cheap Joe's sells comparison packets of assorted watercolor paper brands and weights. Time to expand my horizons

[@harumrona]

How about the paint you used? Could you make a video about your palette?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Good idea! :)

[@Mr.S65]

I bought Arches 300 Lb/640gsm cold pressed watercolor paper sheets (22X30”) but I have found it doesn’t lift paint as easily as the 140Lb with the same texture. I don’t know it it’s me or I got a bad batch of paper. Any ideas? Thank you

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hmm that is strange! I haven't experimented enough with lifting between the two paper weights to know what the issue might be.

[@elegw5072]

I agree with you, is hard to lift paint

[@disha19848]

very nice video i wanted to know can i use oil paper for water colour

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I would not recommend using oil paper for watercolor, at least not “as is”. You would need to prepare it first to handle watercolor paint. You can apply 2-3 coats of watercolor ground and then you could use it for watercolors.

[@disha19848]

@@EmilyOlsonArt thank you for replying love ur work

[@tenientemantequilla4307]

I have Fabriano 5, 50% cotton. What do you think?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I have not tried that particular paper, but I can say from experience that all of the partial cotton papers I've used were still not as good as 100% cotton.🤷

[@tombryan720]

I tried the winsor newton cold pressed 100% cotton and didn't really like it that much. Wet Paint has a $20 sample pack of many of the best papers sold if anyone wants a cheaper alternative to buying ones that might not fit your style or ability

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Good to know, thank you!

[@natlisan]

I've been contemplating weather to mount my paintings on cradled panels or to use watercolour ground! Is using the ground comparable to painting on paper or would it be a bit of a learning curve? As a watercolour artist yourself you know how expensive framing can be, once you start adding mats and UV glass! I'm looking for a more modern & cost effective way of presenting my work.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I would say try it first on a small panel to see if you like it! It definitely feels different than working on paper, but I really enjoy it! And yes, for larger paintings it is so nice to be able to frame them open like oil paintings!

[@jamier.cheney9086]

Hi, Emily!! I know this an older video, but thought it was appropriate to leave these questions/comments on this video. I was wondering what you thought of the new Fabriano Artistico Enhanced paper vs. regular Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper (I use extra white)? I purchased some of original in block form off of Dick Blick and I think I spotted something about it being discontinued??!! I'm not sure if this is true or what's up with the company changing their watercolor paper, but as an artist who's trying to go mostly vegan and cruelty free, this is concerning! Fabriano Artistico is one of the only professional watercolor papers I've found to have vegan sizing so that makes me nervous! I've read negative reviews on the Enhanced paper and wondered what your thoughts were on it and if you've worked with it? Sorry about the length of this comment. -Jamie

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, Fabriano has discontinued their original paper and is now producing a vegan "enhanced" paper--I can understand the negative reviews about the new paper because the texture is slightly different from the old paper. That said, I feel like (once you get used to it) the new paper performs just as well and I haven't had any complaints with it!

[@jamier.cheney9086]

Thank you!!

[@elegw5072]

But the extra white is the same natural colors as the others

[@LadyJP6969]

Arches is French, it’s pronounced “Arche,” the (s) is silent, Thanks for sharing!!!

[@marlenejones6266]

I use Arches pads simply because I can get them affordably with cheap shipping from one place. That bein said this is NOT my favorite watercolor paper. Fabriano Artistico is my favorite of all. I have used 100% cotton 500 series Strathmore which isnt bad really. I love Fabriano artistico more due to the cold press having just the right amount of roughness for my painting. I'm so new to it, having started in August I think. Slowly I am getting better with each painting. But I need to find a job to pay for my supplies. Lol know anyone who will hire a 71 yr old lady? Oh and thank you for all of this info. I didnt know much of it and I learned so much

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much for your comment, and agree about Fabriano! I LOVE love love that you are taking up watercolor. Taking up a new skill is hard enough at any age but at 71? Just awesome. You GO girl.

[@NikkiLong-wj5kn]

It's not a cold press! It's not a hot press! Fabriano 300lb (or 140!) Soft press for sure! It's JUUUST RIGHT because it's not quite as textured as a cold press but it's also not as smooth as hot. And it's made by Fabriano so no need to go into qualtiy.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I need to try soft press!

[@Egy166]

Fabriano is very bad, even in Art School noone recommended it.