Pick Your Paper, Pick Your Style: How to Choose the Perfect Watercolor Paper for Your Artistic Flair

Are you tired of using the wrong paper and your art not turning out the way you envision it? Fear not, I’ve got you covered! It's time to pick your paper and pick your style, as we explore the world of watercolor paper.

Weight and Thickness

The thicker the paper, the more pigment and water it will absorb

First things first, let's talk weight. Are you a lightweight who likes to sketch and practice before diving into a detailed painting? Or are you a heavyweight who loves to create intricate pieces with a lot of depth and detail? The weight of the paper plays a huge role in the outcome of your painting, so it's important to choose the right weight that suits your style.

Generally it is advised - and rightfully so - to go for 300gms paper, if you’re planning to paint with water. It absorbs enough water and won’t warp as much as thinner paper.

Play it hot and cold

Cold-pressed paper has a rougher surface than hot-pressed paper, which has a very smooth surface

Next up, texture. Are you a fan of smooth paper or do you prefer a little bit of texture to add depth to your work? The texture of the paper can make all the difference in the way the paint is applied and absorbed, so it's important to consider the texture that complements your artistic flair. If you’re a beginner, you will most likely opt for cold-pressed paper. It is more coarse on the surface and more forgiving to mistakes than hot-pressed paper. If, however, you plan to paint in mixed-media, hot-pressed paper is the better option.

Material: Cotton or cellulose?

Last but not least, the material. Do you prefer to go all out with cotton paper, or is cellulose paper your go-to? The material can also impact the texture and absorption of your paint, so it's important to choose the material that feels right for you. If you have a limited budget, my advice is not to save on paper. Save on brushes, but not on paper. Cheap cellulose will not get you anywhere and you’re more likely to give up on watercolours, not knowing that it’s just the paper that’s ruining your paintings.

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to put it all together! If you're a smooth operator who loves to create detailed and precise paintings, hot-pressed paper is your perfect match. If you're a texture enthusiast who likes to add depth and character to your work, cold-pressed paper is the one for you. And if you're a little rough around the edges and love to create expressive and loose paintings, then rough paper is your best bet. I personally paint exclusively on St.Cuthbert’s Mill paper, but Fabriano, Arches and Winsor&Newton have very high-quality papers as well!

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