The Best Cheap Watercolor Paper Will Shock You!

[@JanieAlcove9]

I am new to watercolor and I found this comparison soooooo helpful. Not just because you steered me to a good starter paper, but mostly because you taught me what to even look for in terms of blending, durability, texture and smooth application. I would not have been able to articulate that list without your help. So - thank you very much. .

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@Brembelia]

I'm not new to watercolor, and I found this so very helpful; especially the pilling test. I've experienced pilling in the past but couldn't figure out why. Now I know. Hope you will do more of these comparisons on other art supplies, like brushes or various type (pound) papers and what benefits each offers. Thank you for a very enlightening video. 😊

[@Karen_Tries]

Same! I instantly bought the gem crafts paper and haven’t looked back since!

[@LKalkie]

God this explains so much why I sort of dropped out of doing watercolors- I've used most of these brands and I was always left super dissatisfied with the results and thought I was just horrible at painting. And your description of 'fighting the paper' vs 'gliding' was how I actually did feel about some of the brands.

[@KristyRice]

Well hooray it wasn’t you!! Lol!! I hope you pop back into watercolors now :)

[@Oozaru85]

Thats why you always need to learn the theory first. There's a reason why art needs to be studied, after all.

[@maureenmoffat6953]

Finally someone focuses on just the paper. I'm a new painter and have a ton of questions and am reluctant to spend on poor products. Thanks for this presentation. You've cut thru the crap AND taught me techniques and concerns.

[@KristyRice]

Oh I’m soooo glad this was helpful!!

[@juliesczesny90]

Paper, paint, then brushes, that's the importance I put on those art supplies. I went to paper supply, over to the stationary area, tested Strathmore cotton sheets for handwriting, Bristol paper, and hit the discount racks. They used to receive the giant Strathmore cotton sheets, cut them down themselves. That was my secret to be flush in art paper, at wholesale. I'd do similar with paint, see when the paint suppliers were visiting the art supply stores, (still do). And with brushes? Anyone ever realize that you can buy Kolinsky acrylic nail brushes for under $20, at nail supply shops? When we couldn't import, I discovered these ;) That led me down the rabbit hole to discover, that Brush manufacturers do indeed make Cosmetic brushes, with art brushes as a specialty section. Via talks with manufacturers, sales at stores, I've lost my anxiety over art supplies. Discovered if you ask, prices are always negotiable.

[@realfingertrouble]

​@@juliesczesny90 yes I like my sable travel brushes, but my synthetics are almost as good, and way cheaper. Brushes are less of an issue. Paper was, my first works were on cheap paper and faded in front of my eyes....how I realised paper was SO important....probably most important lesson actually. You can skimp on paints, some of the mid-range student paints are really good, you don't have to use Old Holland :-) I mix between Winsor and Newton. Rembrandt, Lukas, Jackson's and a few Sennelier and St Petersburg paints (pre Ukraine!) - only one Daniel Smith colour - and usually find the cheaper Rembrandt paints from Royal Talens are almost as good, sometimes better. I've tried so many cheap and mid-range Cobalts and Cadmiums that I can't spot the difference! But paper - this can't be skimped on. That said there are some good wood pulp papers, but the stuff you find in pound shops or discount places (Flying Tiger, Poundland, The Works - UK shops but I expect there are US versions) is usually uttter dreck. That's what I (re)started with.The FT paper is good for swatches for palettes, that's all, or cheap Xmas card paper. I buy the imperial sheets of Fabriano paper when I can get them and cut them down :-) WAY cheaper than pads. :-)

[@realfingertrouble]

Also I have used cosmetic trays as palettes and art-boxes - they are the same size, and have a few cosmetic brushes in my brush bag! And sash brushes, decorating brushes....more for ink/acrylic/oil, but you don't have to use 'art' brushes always :-)

[@ChristineExpressions]

Watched this and did some testing on the paper I picked up at Michael’s and I use it all the time. It’s called Artist’s Loft and it’s 90 lb 190 g/m2, cold press. It’s made in Italy, artist level 2. It warps with a lot of water, but the other tests look nice. Piling at 16 seconds as I counted using one 1,000 etc. For paint I used W&N Cotman. For me it works for what I’m practicing as a beginner. I will definitely try the Gencraft though! Thank you so much this tutorial was extremely helpful in getting to know how watercolor paper should behave.

[@CynicalSim]

I tried the Artist's Loft 140 lb, and it held up well to the tests. I just use it to practice new techniques, or to make greeting cards with.

[@serenityjewel]

Other than beating the paper up and lifting, the Bee paper won for me. The art created on it looks AMAZING. Canson was also a good paper for final results. A few of the ones you selected didn't look so great when they dried and their flat washes were a fail. I was surprised you didn't mention it. Overall, I think the best paper is always going to depend on how the artist works so ultimately it's just trial and error.

[@pamelaroderick6588]

I like Bee too but Arches of course is number one

[@Oozaru85]

@@pamelaroderick6588 Baohong is good as well. And its cheaper.

[@Jarrych83]

The Bee and the Gencraft are definitely overall the winners depending on minor preferences. I think I may be going for the gencraft for my 8 year old for that durability, but I agree with you about colors on the Bee paper! All things being equal, it's nice seeing the pros and cons with how some of these brands have good lines but not others and those "final five" are definitely a solid place to start.

[@serenityjewel]

@@pamelaroderick6588 Nope, I don't like Arches.

[@bobbiegraham7729]

I'm teaching a beginner's wc class at "camp" this summer. I found that Prang semi moist wc pans and Grumbacher wc paper give some amazing results $8 for 30 sheets. It warps a bit while painting but flattens out nicely when dried. The texture is a little funky but gives the painter a success with vibrancy and movement. Starting with rainbow wet in wet so they can start with joy in their heart. Credit will be given! ❤❤❤❤❤❤🎨

[@KristyRice]

Great tip!

[@americasblackwhitehouse1550]

I have also found Prang watercolor pans to be my go to for newbies on a budget or children as it is a great budget watercolor set. So many lose interest with other sets that are substandard and do not perform as watercolor should.

[@catzkeet4860]

There is no reason that a thicker paper would hold up better under scrubbing. You’re not scrubbing the thickness, you’re scrubbing the surface. It’s how the SURFACE holds up that you’re measuring. Personally I like Fabriano for cheap paper and I use a lot of mixed media paper. Tbh scrubbing isn’t something that I’d usually do, but most ALL good papers should be around 10 seconds. LIFTING on the other hand is important, and I find mixed media papers are great for that

[@KristyRice]

Okay thanks!!!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Thickness is a mistake I see all the time when dealing with fountain pens and dip pens. Bad paper is still bad paper, even if it's an inch thick. Unfortunately, many people don't realize this, and companies are all too ready to take advantage of them by making their bad paper thicker, and then putting blurbs and ads about how the paper has been improved. It's really common sense. Paper is not bad because it's think, and not good because it's thick. It's good or bad based on what it's made from, and how the manufacturing process is done. The most popular, bleed proof paper o in the fountain pen world is also the thinnest at only 52gsm. Some of the worst bleeds if a drop of moisture gets on it, even though it's 160gsm.

[@Shazzordinarylifestyle]

I just love how u show all addordable materials for us

[@purplerabbit7190]

This was very interesting. Most brands I am not familiar with due to living in Australia. I would love to see how a more expensive paper looks and reacts to the paint, compared with the best beginners paper. It would help to know what to use as our painting improves. Thank you for your help in inspiring us to not give up mastering water painting.

[@Grandma_Jizzzzzzzard]

Agreed on testing fancier paper! Especially for art destined to sell. Kristy is such a gifted teacher ❤

[@CynicalSim]

Great idea!

[@wandaeades7274]

I just love how you help us who are struggling with watercolor!!!

[@cathleenconnellperkins804]

Don’t like the lines on Gencraft!! Did like Amazon Basics, Canson XL, Bee paper. Thank you for this video!! I also like your video on cotton papers!! Excellent!!❤

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!

[@jesstolley7193]

I gotta try Bee paper. Lifting isn't an issue for me, as I really don't do it much. My priorities are more how smoothly the paint blends, how vibrant the colors look, and how well they layer. :)

[@ladyhollman9534]

Artist’s Loft is another very good budget paper. Generally 28 sheets, Level 2, made in Italy, and when on sale it’s usually buy 1 get 1. I’ll definitely give Gencrafts paper a try.

[@creativecolours2022]

Hi there. My favourite budget paper is the Winsor and Newton Cartridge Medium surface paper at 220 gsm. It has a very strong surface but not that hard sizing in order to repel the watercolours from its surface like the Strathmore 400 mixed media does. It is strong enough to withstand lifting colour but not that much to not be able to work on it in multiple layers. It's surface has some very slight tooth, enough to work with pencils but not that much to catch ink pens ( nib or others). Something between a HP and a CP or Vellum as it is called. It doesn't accept extremely heavy washes if you haven't stretch it in advance, but if you do wet it on both sides and let it dry completely it can work with heavy washes too. Even if it buckles ( when you haven't stretch it) it dries out relatively flat. Something that is expected by the time that it is not a cotton paper and it is just 220 gsm. I use it to bind sketchbooks for botanical illustrations and urban sketching, check swatches, make ink and pencil sketches but I have made some paintings on it too, more than a decade ago, and so I'm certain that is archival and it will not yellow over time. Generally speaking I have used it to its limits and it works pretty well. It currently cost me 5 euros for A5 pads of 25 sheets each but the price might be somewhat higher in US depending the supplier and what sort of taxes it gets from country to country. It is available in A5, A4, and A3 sizes.

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!! This is so informative :)

[@rosefriedman2764]

I like the bee paper because it doesn't lift. My technique isn't affected so much by the scrubbing test and I actually like a paper that can handle putting lighter washes over darker washes without lifting them. I absolutley hate canson XL, probably for the same reasons. It made me hate watercolor

[@VYang-f1m]

New to watercolors and starting this new supply list - so thankful for this video!!

[@jdhayes]

Thanks, Kristy, for putting this together. I'm new to the watercolor journey and will give Gencrafts a try. Appreciate the time and effort you put into your content.

[@OhJodi69]

Kilimanjaro from Cheap Joe's is my favorite cotton wc paper, and it's inexpensive. Stonehenge is also great and affordable. For non-cotton sketchbooks, I love Canson Montval Artist Series.

[@runningchickmis]

Absolutely loved this video! I am an advanced beginner and have a bankers box full of paper pads and with the exception arches I forget if I like the pad and how it reacts. I am going to try these tests on all my random pads and staple the results on the front of each pad.

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful! :)

[@carlaeskelsen]

Brilliant! I think I'll do the same. Thanks.

[@tabithaboland425]

@@KristyRice just wondering , I can't seem to get gencrafts in Ireland do you think the Amazon basics are a good enough quality for beginners. I hope you don't mind me asking. Thank you.

[@SerebroWD]

Oooh, I like that idea of stapling to the front of the pad, though I'll likely use a tape roller instead as I dislike staple marks in the paper. It'll help all of my Amazon reviews, too.

[@koskey06]

Hobby lobby watercolor paper is not bad for practice/sketching. Super cheap on 50% of week. Some of the sheets in the pad might have spots where the sizing isn't in spots,but that fairly rare anymore. Still worth the price. Wayyyy better than canson xl

[@jamesaritchie1]

Well, I don't think it's nearly as good as Canson XL, but I can see how you would think that if you use it constantly. Thisd, in fact, is why I think it's a horrible idea and a massive mistake for beginners to use cheap paper. It can slow down progress by years, and it can mean you won't even know what is and isn't quality paper because you've adjusted your style to bad paper. Beginners need very high quality paper at least as much as pros do, and maybe more. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and buy the best in any field, even if doing so hurts like crazy. Putting money ahead of quality is fine if your goal isn't to reach the highest level possible, but if you do want to climb as high as you possibly can, you really need to put quality ahead of money.

[@msgail7232]

My Gencraft paper arrived yesterday and I was anxious to start my testing immediately! I didn’t try wet on wet at first so the wet on dry took some getting use to because of the texture of the paper. The back side of the paper is much smoother and I will def try that side soon for some testing. The paper does buckle easily so I will tape it down for my next testing session. Wet on wet worked fairly well, lifting worked well. Some of the colors look weird, sort of dirty on this paper and I am not sure why. My water is clean, can’t stand a jar of dark dirty water and my paints are not muddy from dipping a brush into several colors without washing the brush in between. Perhaps I had too much water on my brush that produced a weird color. More testing is scheduled. Today I made several bookmarkers and used vibrant colors from my new Kristi Rice palette. Love my palette! They look really good! I got four bookmarkers from a sheet of paper. The Gencraft paper was a two pack unit from Amazon for $17.95, 60 sheets total. I doubt there is a less expensive paper on the market that would give you a decent painting. I would not use this for a piece of fine art, at least not for now until I test it more. Some of my paintings are very detailed and take hours so I don’t want to ruin one of those with paper that is not top notch. All in all I am pleased with my bargain priced paper. Thanks Kristi for giving us these comparisons.

[@KristyRice]

Thank you for sharing your findings!!

[@SwedePotato314]

For me, and my personal style and needs, Fabriano Studio and Fabriano 1264 are the best budgets for me, along with Baohong Artist grade and their Academy paper. Because with my style I prefer using more moist style watercolors and I use them in a very controlled way and a lot of mixed media with them, so I prefer hot pressed paper. And for me, Fabriano budget lines and Baohong have been affordable and their hot pressed options have been incredible. I still do light washes and sometimes I love to play with granulation and lots of water, but I mostly do portraits and character design. I have some sketchbooks from Hahnemuhle, both academy and professional, and they’re VERY affordable for their price range. And they’re very ink and wash, mixed media and controlled technique friendly. The paper is excellent but also doesn’t break the bank. They also have toned tan and gray watercolor paper sketchbook options. I prefer to do studies in a sketchbook and then spend a bit more for higher quality paper for my more serious “pieces”. There’s options for everyone, every budget, every style.

[@T.D.8]

I am so glad I found your channel! I have attempted to watercolor soooo many times throughout the years and it never works out. I've watched tutorials and comparisons and tried to do so much research, but nobody explains and teaches as well as you! I'll be bingeing all your videos and getting out all the watercolor supplies to try again. Thank you!

[@KristyRice]

Appreciate your words so much! So glad you're here!

[@renemorales3238]

Here's where the Fabriano Fat Pad really shines: printing. I've recently purchased an Epson printer, Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wide-format Printer (model 844ed). I use Fabriano Fat Pad for printing black and white reference photos to help me understand values in the photo. I'd highly recommend the Fabriano Fat Pad for watercolor printing.

[@darlenemcgrady9694]

Agreed...Gencrafts works well...

[@sbs726]

I bought all my beginner supplies at 5 below and Michaels. Glad to know what I can upgrade to.

[@yoanalightstar3878]

I am new to the watercolour painting, never really try to create art with it, and I just used Canson paper and for me I wouldn’t recommended to beginners . I might try some that you recommended. Thank you some much for your reviews ❤

[@MsVanorak]

the arteza looks interesting for going out and about with watercolour pencils and making quick dry sketches to wet and develop back at home. the rough texture will grate the pencil core so get lots of colour onto the paper.

[@LaurieLawrence-o4w]

Thank you for the comparison videos! They are extremely helpful and appreciated.

[@KristyRice]

Glad you like them!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

Kristy i have 14 sizes of the brushes that you or using !An i love my an most of the artist say bad about this brush but,you have proud them WRONG.❤😊

[@nancynursenancyelainepeter89]

Sooooo helpful…I had no idea where to begin choosing a paper or why…thanks so much. Again, you are delightful.

[@KristyRice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patricianaranjo5771]

I bought the gencraft last week, I wanted to use how others liked the gencraft.I found your video thank you for sharing. You

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for watching!

[@Calme1918]

Thanks I have used Arteza which is expensive in Canada. I like Canson s Montval is very good practice paper. Thanks for doing all the work.

[@cathiemorrow616]

I have used Gencraft 100% cotton paper and I had nice results from it.

[@lovdolls]

I'm all new just buying paper for the first time so this is good information thank you.

[@KristyRice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emilymaness]

This has to be the best video I’ve ever watched on paper by far. I love a.l the techniques you showed us. Very helpful!

[@KristyRice]

Wow thanks!!

[@tiffanyhoffman3420]

Thank you! I'm currently using the Bee paper and I was just looking to try something new! Thank you!

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@melissaloos6378]

Just found your channel a week ago and this test is really helpful! Now I know why I've been frustrated as a beginner! Thank you!

[@MiniGoat75]

I always block my paper at the start. It doesn't stop all the warping but it sure cuts it down quite a bit regardless of which brand you use. And I say this as someone that blocks Bristol board so they can paint with gouache on it. My only problem is I go through a TON of blue painter's tape. lol

[@diannezillioux5528]

I’m learning much from you thank you! I’m very new to watercolor

[@renee1292]

Creative Bee is my all time fave but it is increasingly hard to find.

[@Linda-kh6rl]

I love watching you because you or so honest.an i love your painting! An you explain good an you take your time to explain ❤😅

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!

[@janineboguslawski535]

Thanks for your memorable videos! Very chock full of info! I just bought a shitload of Canson xl paper I can kick myself. But I'll still use it.ce' le vis

[@ToadYoga]

I wish I had seen this a year ago...could have saved some time and money 😊 thank you for spending the time to help🙌

[@KristyRice]

Happy to help!

[@desereetouchet9294]

The Canson XL is suppose to do better with the dye based liquid watercolor, vs the liquid watercolors on cotton. I would love to see you test that if you happen to have some of the liquid watercolors on hand.

[@KristyRice]

Oh interesting :)

[@CourageousPainting]

Canson water color paper may not be the best for water color, but I love using it for acrylic, posca pens, and gouache. I think their water color paper is better than their mixed media paper. I can’t wait to see which paper wins! 🤗

[@KristyRice]

Ooh I never thought to use it with gouache!

[@alpcreative2059]

Oh hello! I watch your videos

[@CourageousPainting]

@@alpcreative2059 Hi there! 🥰

[@kathleendelrio2391]

Gen Krafts but I use other paper not included in test. Oh that’s the choice…. Well I will invest as practice paper… can use Arches for more projects. Thank you Kristy❣️🌸❣️

[@griffinharvey3910]

Gencraft in the US is $17.99 for the 2 pack from Amazon. That would be about $23 in Canadian funds. Here Amazon sells this 2 pack for $52.24. US price for Genstar cotton paper is $16.00 for 1 pad of 20 sheets. Here it's $45.78. Heavy sigh...

[@KristyRice]

That's what I was afraid of :(

[@griffinharvey3910]

@@KristyRice That's ok; out of your control! I really appreciate all the help and information you generously offer. I learned from a previous vid of yours about the Baohong Academy paper. Fortunately there is a seller that charges a fair price; US & exchange. It makes sense for me to stock up, as all other watercolor paper has dramatically jumped up in price from 50% to 400%. 🙂

[@griffinharvey3910]

@Ana Pie How very kind of you! I have an opportunity to get some Academy cotton paper at a more reasonable price. I'd better act quickly tho, as the paper prices aren't sneaking up, they're pole vaulting! (ie: from $13 to $42 overnight, and it isn't even a good product! >/

[@jwall6006]

I’m loving this group of videos. I already past my strathmore and Canson XL on to my 5 year old grandson. He wants to create with Grammy. (He doesn’t think my art is awful even if I’m still not painting a group of things) I want him to feel his art is worthy of proper equipment.

[@danettekerr3466]

Love this! I'm saving my "reject paper" for my grands also.

[@ratherbfishing455]

Save money for when he is in high school entering art contests.

[@nadinesawtell3267]

I’ve done watercolour for 35plus years some papers are better for wet techniques and some Are better for dry brush 90 lb print making paper like BFK reeves I work ala prima hit it once leave it alone. Layering is okay but the paper should dry completely between applications. Liberty Mills paper if you can find is nice and I really like cotton or linen paper

[@tinybird2413]

My favorite is Strathmore Bristol vellum surface. Canson XL comes in a close second. I work primarily in mixed media though so - light washes with colored pencil and ink over it. Minimal buckling and enough texture to grab the pencil. I love the cauliflower blooms because it adds a bit of interest. I especially love the effect of throwing salt on wet on wet too. These two handle that quite well.

[@KristyRice]

Thanks for sharing this!!

[@daricedavis6979]

Salt? That's new to me. Will have to explore use of that with textures I seek via abstract acrylic paint pouring techniques. Any thoughts on how salt alters the chemistry of the paints?

[@tinybird2413]

@@daricedavis6979 Salt causes water to spread away, so it creates an interesting bloom effect with watercolor when it's very wet. I've never tried it with acrylic.

[@tavolarolinda7772]

This is the first time I have commented on u you tube. I just had to let you know that I purchased the Gencraft paper from Amazon and tried it this morning and am truly amazed. I use Arches, Bockingford, Saunders Waterson and homemade paper. This paper behaved as well as my 100% cotton paper. It does everything my premium papers do! Kind of weird texture, but it dries fine. I even overworked one part, and it still looked OK. I a will to try and send a photo. Thank you! Glazing was fine, wet-in-wet blended well and lifted beautifully. Keep up you great work and thank you. Lin Tav

[@KristyRice]

I am so happy you were pleased with it :)

[@appleknocker56]

At the moment all I have is the Canson XL & it came in second but have found all water color paper acts differently & used Gencraft paints but never their paper! Ty!!

[@unrulymuse764]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your recommendation for the best budget paper is awesome! Super-cheap yet durable, and the watercolor moves incredibly well on it. Huge win!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

I just go for the cotton paper. Buy it in large sheets and make into a sketchbook so I can paint on both sider. I do use some cheaper paper when I know the technique I'm using allows for it: Canson Montval, Fabriano Studio, Dealer Rowney, Hahnehmule.

[@laurelsorensen5759]

Don't know how long people follow these. But I just bought 30 page 140 pound 9x12 Fabrino 100% cotton paper pads from Jerry's Artarama $8.65/30 sheet pad. I bought 3 pads, and shipping was $10. Total was 35.94. It's gorgeous stuff for $.40/sheet. Probably won't be on sale long, but normal price is $.60/sheet.

[@sapphire9675]

I'm new to water coloring, and was wrapped up in reviews on different paint palettes for beginners. I didn't take into consideration that the paper is important too for beginner's success. But, that brings me to the question: If things aren't going well how does one know if its the paper or the paint?

[@CindyCallahan227]

Thanks for this! Don’t know if anyone mentioned Artbeek 100% cotton, Amazon $17 for 32 sheets 9x12. On a wire binder at top with perforations. I have used it following one of your tutorial videos (happy poppies!) and it looked great! I know it’s not “budget” but I like it better than Arches for the price point.

[@jamesaritchie1]

Well, for the price point, maybe, but Arches is absolutely one of the best paper out there, many pros think it's number one, and is actually pretty cheap as top papers go. The Arches I use is the 9x12 or 12x16 300lb blocks. The 9x12 is a little over four dollars per sheet, and the 12x16 is something over six dollars per sheet, but it doesn't get any better. Trying to go too cheap is probably the worst mistake a beginner can make. A little over four or six dollars for paper of this size and quality is very cheap, and buying anything much cheaper can mean it will take a lot longer to develop your skills. Some of the graphite Bristol Board paper I use costs from fifteen to twenty-five dollars per sheet. I know many can't afford such paper, but using the absolute highest quality you can afford will get you where you want to go a lot faster. Really, I've drawn and painted on all sorts of paper and surfaces, but other than just having fun, it did me no good at all. What's the point of using cheap paper, even if you can do well on it? It really doesn't help you use a top paper, and very, very often stops a beginner from using high quality paper, or from knowing how to use a top paper well. You can't, or shouldn't sell a painting done on anything less than the best paper, and even displaying a paint done on cheap paper does very little for the artist's reputationj.

[@araya52]

I have been using Canson but as a beginner, I didn't know how well it would perform until I was doing a wash and the paper practically disintgrated , very disappointing. So I started using Arches, but being a beginner still, 12 sheets for the money was hurting me a bit. So, I will try GenCraft. I don't mind paying a little extra. I want to use two kinds of paper one for practice and one for creating, whatever that may be. Thanks so much for this video it is extremely helpful!

[@mkboyd6880]

Valuable information. Excellent video. Thank you!

[@revsla]

Thanks for doing the hard work for us. Much appreciated!

[@KristyRice]

You bet!

[@EM-nl8zm]

Excellent information. I recently started water color. I'm using artist loft but don't dare tell anyone because there are so many snobs out there when it comes to brands. I mean I get that you want good quality but I've just begun. I'm going to pick up what you've recommended. This has been very helpful. Thank you.

[@KristyRice]

Use what you have I always say. You can always level up but never put off painting because of what you or others think is not the best supplies :)

[@miriammarshall0802]

@kristyrice my first order of your brushes and travel brush came today!! I ordered some ink so a bunch of littles in the neighborhood can come over and make cards for their moms! I am either in my closet doodling or I have all the kids in the neighborhood make something fun! You have soo inspired me! I ordered Mozart palate and I am so excited to add that to my gencrafts! Then with your brand after my newest set of brushes arrive!! I feel hope and excitement that was once fear and overwhelmed took my soul.. HERE WE GO!!!!!! Aloha- M 🤙🏽 Beach Bungalow Middle of the desert

[@noonekennedy1282]

If its not %100 cotton the paint will not behave correctly, period. So once you start using real watercooler paper your going to have to relearn everything and overcome habits you learned from using anything that's not %100 cotton. The best budget water color paper is whatever %100 cotton is on special, cut into fours, and used front and back. I learned this the hard way. You will regret learning on anything that's not %100 cotton. If you want to go budget do it on the paint and brushes, never on paper. Just get any cheep watercolor paint and hogg hair brushes are dirt cheep and awesome, you just need to soak them for 15 min before using them. Later you can switch to better natural brushes or synthetics that TRY to emulate natural brushes with out having to relearn anything, but you might end up just getting nicer hogg hair brushes. I learned this from the watercolor master Gordon Mackenzie.

[@flowerchild777]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise🤗 I'll look around and see what I can find.

[@stereodreamer23]

Canson XL is FANTASTIC for mixed media, but you are correct, it's a little deficient for straight watercolor work. Using an M.Graham Blue for your lifting test is a little unfair though--they are notoriously pigment-dense, and blues are some of the most staining pigments made--if any paper lifted this even a little, that's a HUGE plus for the paper...

[@nerissathomas7777]

I just use whatever paper, wall, wood, material etc: I can afford and practice on 😂 now using Fabiano Studio cold press, Masters Touch cold press acid free, Strathmore premium recycle and Arteza canvas , like to experiment on everything and anything so will check others out later, TY

[@bethbrady8146]

Omg! Thank you so much for this video! I am a beginner however have always done art and managed quite the collection of art supplies. Sat done to play with Bienfang (?) to lazy to go look in my studio ....paper. It was awful! Did everything you don’t want from pilling to no movement! I thought it was Me! I love your books and videos! Thank you!

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@Winstonsmom]

I just checked the price of gencrafts in Canada… 38 dollars and change for one 60 sheet pad of a4! Craziness. Going to stick with Canson XL for my practice paper. Nice review though… if I’m ever in the US I’ll try and grab some.

[@mariasanhueza9405]

Muchas gracias por este video!!! Me sirvio mucho para decidir que papel comprar, me encantan tus videos, enseñanzas y comentarios , gracias!!!!!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!!

[@elaineg60]

I actually STARTED with Chinese Brush painting-p…basically watercolor + ink on Xuan paper-called “rice” paper, but almost always mulberry or/and bamboo. Because the binding agents + natural pigments are different; so are the results on the papers. I’m branching into more Western Watercolor for certain subjects..mainly because I found Gongbi, a much more detailed, unforgiving style on a smooth, treated paper, (ideally non-absorbent)-it’s just TOO unforgiving for my failing eyesight and not-so-steady strokes sometimes. Western watercolor I’m just really getting started & a bit overwhelmed. Considering the money & practice I’ve invested in my CBP & calligraphy supplies..for the most part, I’ll stick with mostly doing that. HOWEVER, I’m currently attempting two particular subjects that, for me, aren’t as easy to do in the oriental style..or perhaps I should clarify, they’re for my daughters. When they saw my panda, ink & WC paintings that were praised by my Chinese tutor? “MAMA? WTF. are you doing ink blot tests on bamboo?” Somehow I doubt they’d appreciate a hummingbird or bunnies in ink & CBP. Western watercolor attempts coming up… (Both subjects have special meaning..Hummingbirds showed up at my late son’s life celebration last year, then again when the girls visited the farm we lived on in their childhood. My youngest daughter, after 5 years of surgeries and fertility treatments, is pregnant with likely my only grandchild, due next Jan, the Year of the Rabbit. She was also born in the year of the rabbit, 1987. As to why the emphasis on Chinese culture; my Son spent the last 12+ years living in, traveling through and working in China. His/our Chinese friends call and message us almost daily to check on us and offer any help we need with anything. I’m STILL hoping to get over there at some point after my grandchild is born..I have another tie in that a medical research group I was a part of for many years, is now located in China after their funding was cut about 4 years ago. I’d planned on joining my precious son over there, and we were hoping to convince the girls. We’ll see. 😉

[@flowerchild777]

Thanks for sharing precious details of your life. I also had a child born in 1987 and he's such a wonderful son😍

[@KristyRice]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@elsagrace3893]

Interesting broadcast, Elaine.

[@healthyoiling4041]

Love this video -- I started with the Arteza paper and the texture has bothered me a lot -- so good to hear it wasn't just me. I would be curious to hear another video on comparing papers that would be the more expensive ones.

[@KristyRice]

Oh don't worries, this is a whole series!! XO

[@healthyoiling4041]

@@KristyRice YAY!!

[@teresabotkins4983]

I'm a beginner, and I've been using an Arteza sketchbook. Maybe it's me or maybe the sketchbook paper is different, but I have gotten the opposite results. My Arteza sketchbook has taken a lot of abuse as far as laying down a lot of pigment, but it absolutely hates a lot of water.

[@teresabotkins4983]

Whoops! Sorry, I meant this as a regular comment, not a reply! 😳

[@4chencookie1]

Arteza expert watercolor paper is so much better it is a littlemore $, but definitely worth it. The lines really bugged me on the paper shown in video

[@lornawilburn3605]

Thank you for this video. Just beginning to experiment with watercolors so I was clueless.

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!!

[@karenkaren9526]

You are great Kristy. I have learned so much from you

[@KristyRice]

I'm so glad!

[@yo-yo8474]

New to your channel. ❤ your voice is calming and singsongy. I’m willing to give your paper pick a try. I really like arches. I like the texture and I feel like it holds up better than your sample showed, But that might be just because I like using lift.

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

I have a bunch of Gencrafts, the first paper I bought because of the price & before I knew I should be watching reviews about the paper before I bought it! Love it too, Thanks for making me feel brilliant!

[@KevieG]

Gencraft also comes in 100% cotton!

[@KristyRice]

Oooohhhhh!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

An you don’t paint off the wall an you do different kinds of paintings that just all of your watercolor or enjoyably.An there for you or great❤

[@timeenuf4200]

Something new, yeah! So I had not heard of Gencrafts but have order some and eager looking to see how it compares with my loving standard Canson. Thank you again for a beautiful professional video, for sharing your valuable time and ideas and for you wonderful love of life and painting. A great way to start my day off.

[@KristyRice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@proton9551]

Bao Hong Paper has taken the world for its great value

[@dsimms561]

Not as inexpensive as it was when this was made

[@carlred6476]

@@dsimms561 And I find it too coarse to control water flow.

[@lisaspears8974]

Your strathmore 400 is good for gouache. So at least it can be used up since i saw you are painting with it a bit on your recent videos. But my favorite for gouache is strathmore 500 heavy weight which are 100% cotton but not good for watercolor in my opinion. But with gouache it looks so professional and finished because its like painting on a thin board.

[@Detroit-Jen]

This is so helpful. Knowing why you chose the paper you chose makes it easier for us to decide what is best for us. I’m using the Canson XL because that’s what I heard was best for the budget. I am going to try the Gencrafts 😊

[@jimbobbluegrass]

Honestly I think you missed the best one. Bee is my choice here. You are correct that it doesn’t take scrubbing very well, but it’s other characteristics are close to higher quality cotton papers. I use it all the time for studies and practice and even some finished work. I have the 9x12 sketchbook but I prefer the 6x9 individual sheets. They are better than the sketchbooks. I do appreciate your analysis very much. Just my opinion and I have not used all the types you looked at.

[@KristyRice]

Oh I need to try the individual sheets then!!!

[@45067daddymac]

I love the Bee 6x9 sheets but haven't been able to find them lately. Anyone know where to find them?

[@jimbobbluegrass]

@@45067daddymac Jerry’s Artarama has it for $9.48 pack of 25. It’s gone up from where it was a couple years ago

[@eirenmist12]

I have found this to be true in my experience as well, that the 6x9 individual sheets perform differently and better than the paper in their bound sketchbooks, which is unfortunate because the sketchbooks are bound so nicely and come in bigger sizes. Of course, Bee paper also comes in a roll, and you can cut it to whatever size you prefer. I am a professional and I love working on the Bee paper. There's just something about it that I find pleasant to play around on. Although for most of my work to be sold, I use either Arches or Saunders Waterford 300 lb.

[@jamesaritchie1]

I wouldn't use any of these papers for finished work, but I do think Bee is better than it was ranked here.

[@coletteg.4548]

This is SO helpful !! Thank you for sharing this !

[@KristyRice]

You bet!!

[@15MinuteMindsetShift]

I bought the Gencrafts paper on the recommendation of this video. I have to say, I do like it, but I much prefer the Fabriano Studio Watercolor. I'm not sure if it's the same as the fat pad because it's listed differently at the major online retailers. The GenCrafts paper did not do well with masking tape. I haven't tried masking fluid, but I doubt it can handle it.

[@KristyRice]

Good to know!

[@melissab3038]

I have begun using the purple painters tape by 3M that’s made specifically for delicate items. Discovered it when I moved last year. Haven’t used it with a really watery wash yet so I’m not positive it can withstand a lot of water. Thanks for the feedback on the Gencrafts. 👍

[@valmiron4360]

AHA! I waited with bated breath for your choice pick & I had picked Gen Craft! I'm learning! Thank you SO much for this demonstration! ;):):)

[@KristyRice]

Nice!!

[@mentalmadness5402]

According to my research, Gencraft is a wood pulp/cotton blend.

[@dianachase63]

Strathmore makes a 500 series that is 100% cotton. . Walmart used to sell it. When they quit carrying it they put it on clearance. I bought several 8x10" and 3x9" travel pads and 5x8" travel journals at fantastic prices. I guess you can still find it online.

[@firstsun5208]

Could you please do a video on hot process? Maybe you already have? I am a beginner and accidentally bought hot process. Thank you.

[@neerumalhotra5630]

Omg I'm loving your watercolor brushes and I'm so proud to own them. Love n hugs to you 🥰

[@KristyRice]

Glad you like them!

[@paulah317]

I started out using Canson xl, Strathmore 300 and 400 and used them for a few years. Then got convinced by my watercolor teacher to try 100% cotton paper.....namely Arches. There is a big difference with artist grade vsvstudent grade paper for sure. Then the journey began of trying multiple brands of 100% cotton papers. My favorite was Moulin du Roy which I found at Hobby Lobby and would buy one sheet at a time and use the 40% off when they had that deal. By the time I decided to buy it in bulk from the on line stores it was no longer available. Bee paper was good too back in the day but their quality and cotton content changed so a no-go for me now. My favorite became Saunders Waterford and Kilimanjaro . Plus I like Shizen and even Strathmore 500 is good. Paper costs have increased so now I'm looking for cheaper paper for practice pieces and will use artists loft from Michael's and the masters touch brand from HL. A professional artist I know says you can paint successfully on any paper when you know how to paint and have the fundamentals down.....just adjust how you paint and use of water. I'm really not a great fan of Arches either. Interesting video.

[@cindyhorton6980]

I did the exact same thing, tried the Moulin du Roy at hobby lobby, used the coupon and I loved it!!! Then like you say, poof!! It was gone! I was so disappointed!! I've always wondered why they got rid of it....

[@paulah317]

@@cindyhorton6980 it's still available in the UK through Jackson art supply. Canson makes it.

[@cindyhorton6980]

Thank you so much, I had no idea!! 🤩

[@jamesaritchie1]

I've tried just about everything, and while I love Strathmore Bristol Board, up to and including 3 and 4-ply, to death for graphite and colored pencils, but for me, nothing beats Arches for watercolor. I buy the 300lb blocks, 9x12 and 12x18. I know a bunch of pros who think it's the best out there, and it certainly is for my painting style. It's also cheap enough to use as practice paper, which I think is important. Practicing on the same paper you're going to use for finished, commercial paintings not only save some bad surprises when you switch from a cheaper paper to a more expensive one, it lets you do a better job faster because you won't mix techniques that work on one paper but not another. Arches is simply extremely good paper, whether you're a fan or not. Most pros rank it at number one, and I've never seen anyone rank it below third. You have to use a paper that fits your style, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face. At the very least, go with something in the top five. As for painting well on any paper, of course a pro artist can. The old saying, "It's a poor worker who blames the tools" is absolutely right. But the plain fact is that the better the tools you have, the faster and easier it is to do a professional job. Adjusting how you paint and use water is fine, but shouldn't be necessary, and if you want to be a pro, meaning someone who sells painting, using anything other than the best paper you can find is very bad business. Really, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should, or that it's a good idea. Some of the most stunning graphite drawings I've ever seen were done by artists who had to use pencil stubs and scrap paper, the remnants of butcher paper rolls, if they were luck, and brown paper bags if they weren't, that they found in the city dump while searching for food. But good as those drawings were, any one of those artists would have traded his left foot for one good drawing pad and a set of cheap art pencils. In fact, some of them cried when they were giver several large drawing pads, a couple of sets of art pencils, and a bag of accessories. Using just any paper is fine, if you're at pro level, and just want to see what you can do. But it's a bad idea for beginners, who need to use the best paper they can possibly get until they develop the skills to say what your pro artist friend did. And an artist who would sell a client a painting done on anything less than the best paper available should be ashamed.

[@sherryyoungbloodwester842]

​@@jamesaritchie1 thank you for your info. You made some very valid points.

[@LydiaCuff]

I tend to use both sides of my paper, especially if I’m not happy with the painting I did on the “front” side of it. The GenCrafts paper has a very different texture on the reverse side. It seems like something between a hot and cold press on that side. I haven’t done much with that paper yet because I’m trying to use up some Canson XL and Master’s Touch papers first, but I’m curious to see how the backside of the GenCrafts will hold up

[@luciaaya]

Have you tried Clairefontaine Aquapad? It is my goto budget 100% Cellulose paper. The 140lb 50 sheets A4 (8.3 x 11.7 in) is around 16 US$ meaning around 32 cents/sheet... almost the same price of Canson XL Aquarelle, but with a good cold press texture and I use both sides for exercises and color charts... hope you can test it next time!

[@isabellewood2381]

I live in Québec, Canada. Aquapad is also my go-to paper for practice and swatching. I buy it from DeSerres. Cheap, but still good enough for a beginner like me. Got some Academy paper though.

[@kb9847]

I'm glad you mentioned you are looking at the Amazon USA Prices. Here in Canada, the exact same paper is $43.42 PLUS $4 delivery whereas in the USA it's $17.97. So crazy that it's a $29.45 price difference.

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Baohong Academy blows all of these outta the water! Super budget friendly too!

[@finnthewestiefinnmccool5916]

Hmmm Baohong watercolour paper - the type you mentioned is way too expensive to even consider as a beginner paper. I’m in the U.K. 20 sheets of A5 is £39

[@kme]

@@finnthewestiefinnmccool5916 Where do you find it? (I'm in NI...)

[@amberfreed784]

I'm pretty new to my watercolor journey. I've only been painting for 6 months and use the Canson XL. I recently tried to do my first real piece and was disappointed with how the paper performed, although could be user error. It seemed to lift the color underneath and made a fuzzy effect, at least I think that's what was going on. It was very weird to me since I've never seen this happen to anyone else I've watched. I'm so glad you did this video since I was already in the market for different paper. Thank you!

[@soniccookie655]

There’s someone I saw who made a video about some beginning watercolor issues, one of the things she talked about was lifting! She had some good demonstrations. It’s probably largely the paper for you (I recall having lifting on the Canson XL too, using not very much water in the paint is what worked for me when layering) but I can find that video too and you can see if any of those tips help you.

[@soniccookie655]

Here’s the link (KZbin might delete this): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6vaaIV4j9Ooidk

[@soniccookie655]

If KZbin deleted the link, she’s “Karen Rice Art”, the video is “The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make in Watercolor”. It’s been a bit since I saw it so I don’t remember all of what she said.

[@sheilazart]

LOL. I just purchased the Gencrafts. I have never used it before, I am so pleased to know your opinion. That it was a good call. :) I purchased 2 pads online and I think it was a super deal. Thanks for sharing this information with us :)

[@staceg2003]

Lots of good information here. I'd be curious to see you do this as a blind test - where someone preps the papers and you don't know what you're painting on until the end when you've done all the tests. Does knowing what the paper is affect your opinion even as you're painting? It does for me, sometimes. I'd love to know what blue you used for the blobs at the bottom of each piece. It's luminous & beautiful!

[@LCLand]

Looks like Prussian

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

I like Mozart Supplies 300gsm CP watercolour paper ($15.99 for 30 sheets). I enjoy Wet-in-Wet techniques and this handles water beautifully - and I *cannot* get that sucker to pill! (believe me, I've tried! 😂). One cost-effective way of trying higher quality papers is to buy assortment packs. I bought a pack 3 years ago and I still have plenty left to use. 😊 With regard to Arteza, I have the watercolour sketchbook and I found the sizing very inconsistent and not great for Wet-in-Wet. Have you experienced that with the bigger sheets? It's funny, but where the papers 'failed' (for instance, at 28:11) I can see opportunities to exploit it for artistic effect. 😊

[@KristyRice]

There’s always opportunity in every “failure”. I’m needing to try that Mozarts paper for sure!!

[@soniccookie655]

I’ve never tried an assortment pack before, I’ll have to get one sometime! I like to use “bad” paper for artistic effect, too, though it’s usually cheap sketchbook paper.

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

Glag you did this. I grabbed some Grambacher from Walmart, it did just like the Gencraft. The amazon is fast to pilll up on me and it's sucks in the pigments also. It's so hard to buy the expensive to practice on. I go thru a lot, as I'm sure you do. Thanks for this video.

[@KristyRice]

Soooo much paper! The Grumbacher falls in my midrange review :)

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@KristyRice I'm not impressed and I'm just a beginner in watercolors. lol..it'll be good for practicing brush strokes lol Have a good weekend.

[@shingylee]

I've had the same experience with the Amazon paper. I have never been so frustrated.

[@debmarie55]

I stocked up on Grumbacher a couple of years ago when I found it on clearance at Hobby Lobby. I bought one or two of each size. I have to admit that I almost feel guilty when I say that it's one of my favorites for things like card making and practice. I do pull out my Arches for "important" pieces.

[@jodycourt]

I kinda like Grumbacher too. Just started playing with it.