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A Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor Paper and Canvas
By Scott Maier
If you’re new to watercolor painting, it’s important to choose the right paper. Watercolor papers for beginners should be affordable, easy to use, and able to withstand multiple washes. Watercolor paper comes in two main textures: hot-pressed and cold-pressed. Hot-pressed paper is smooth and has a hard surface, while cold-pressed paper has a rougher surface. Cold-pressed paper is the most popular texture among watercolor artists because it is versatile and can be used for a variety of techniques. It is also more absorbent than hot-pressed paper, which makes it ideal for washes and wet-on-wet techniques. Hot-pressed paper is ideal for fine detail work and is often used for botanical illustrations and portraits. It is also great for pen and ink work because the ink sits on top of the paper instead of being absorbed into it.
Watercolor artists love Rough or Cold Press paper for its unique ability to absorb pigment and provide an interesting textured finish. For even more texture, opt for the “Rough” variety, but make sure you choose one that’s made from real cotton and is 100% acid-free! This means your beautiful artwork will remain undamaged over time so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
In this video, I compare Watercolor Canvas, Hot Press, and Cold Pressed paper. I’m using Winsor & Newton papers and Fredrix Archival Watercolor canvas to compare these surfaces.
Whether you opt for watercolor sheets or blocks, there is no wrong choice when it comes to creating a masterpiece. Watercolor sheets provide the perfect canvas for large-scale projects which can accommodate various techniques. For smaller paintings and on-the-go creativity, consider blocks. They are prepped with adhesive on all four sides so your artwork won’t warp even under wet conditions! In either case, preference should be taken into account alongside project specifications in order to make the right decision that will set up any artist’s work of art for success.
What to look for
When comparing different brands of watercolor paper, beginners should look for the following characteristics:
- Texture: Watercolor paper comes in three textures: hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough. Hot-pressed paper is smooth, cold-pressed paper has a slightly textured surface, and rough paper has a heavily textured surface. Cold-pressed paper is the most popular texture for beginners.
- Weight: Watercolor paper comes in different weights, ranging from 90lb to 300lb. The weight of the paper determines how much water it can hold without buckling or warping. Heavier paper holds more water. Beginners should look for paper that is at least 140lb.
- Acid-free: Acid-free paper is important because it prevents the paper from yellowing over time.
- Archival quality: Archival-quality paper is made to last and is less likely to fade or deteriorate over time.
- Brand: Some popular brands of watercolor paper include Arches, Fabriano, Winsor& Newton, and Strathmore. It’s important to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
Watercolor Papers
Arches Watercolor Block, 300 lb
Arches Watercolor Block is beloved by watercolor artists for its superior construction and ability to bring out vibrant colors. It can take loads of liquid, stays wet longer than usual paper, making blending a breeze — plus color lifts come off with ease! The quality really shines through on any project you tackle with it.
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper Block, Rough 140lb
Winsor & Newton watercolor paper offers the ultimate in resilience and durability, withstanding even the most vigorous painting techniques without warping or cockling. The cylinder mold construction creates superior strength through interwoven fibers that are both internally and externally sized; colors remain vibrant on this super sturdy surface which also features an authentic handmade feel due to its pronounced texture.
Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Pad, 140 lb.
Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Pad offers a crisp, balanced experience for any watercolor artist. Its great absorbency and color bring out the best in wet-on-wet or even dry techniques, as its texture is just right. It’s not too aggressive to distract from your work yet it still provides delicate support with each brushstroke.
Fabriano Artistico Cold Press 10-Pack 22×30, 300 lb.
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor paper is a top-notch choice for any watercolor artist. Crafted with 100% cotton, it boasts of being double-sized and acid-free to ensure maximum absorbency without damage or alterations even during vigorous brushstrokes. It’s the perfect option for an unparalleled painting experience!
Watercolor Canvas
Watercolor canvas is a relatively new surface for watercolor painting. It is a specially treated canvas that is designed to accept watercolor paint. It has a texture that is similar to cold-pressed paper, but it is more durable and can be stretched like traditional canvas. Watercolor canvas is ideal for artists who want to create large-scale watercolor paintings or who want to experiment with different textures and techniques. It is also great for artists who want to create watercolor paintings that have the look and feel of oil paintings.
Fredrix Stretched Watercolor Canvas
Fredrix Stretched Watercolor Canvas is the perfect medium for water-based painting. This 100% woven cotton canvas has been specially coated to provide artists with a similar aesthetic as cold-pressed or rough paper, while boasting exceptional lifting ability and durability. This canvas can give you an incomparable finished piece that can be hung without needing any glassed framing!
In summary, hot-pressed watercolor paper is ideal for fine detail work and pen and ink work, while cold-pressed watercolor paper is more versatile and is great for washes and wet-on-wet techniques. Watercolor canvas is a relatively new surface that is ideal for large-scale watercolor paintings and artists who want to experiment with different textures and techniques.
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Meet the Artist
Scott Maier is an artist and a content contributor to artistsnetwork.com. He’s also the author of the instructional art book See, Think, Draw: An Easy Guide for Realistic Drawing and Beyond.