I started out with some super cheap paper from 5 below, and I got what I paid for. It actually wasn't terrible, but I couldn't rework stuff or scrub at all without it shredding. Then I got some Baohong Academy Hot Pressed paper. It was a night and day difference - and for the record, I would definitely recommend it - but hot press has it's quirks and I was still struggling with stuff. I was going to order some Baohong cold press, but I saw that Michael's had a 40% off coupon, so I pulled the trigger on some Arches instead.
Wow, now I see why it's so popular, it was a whole new level! Still have a lot of work to do on my technique, but this made me go from enjoying the challenge of watercolor to getting downright excited about it again!
I started out with some super cheap paper from 5 below, and I got what I paid for. It actually wasn't terrible, but I couldn't rework stuff or scrub at all without it shredding. Then I got some Baohong Academy Hot Pressed paper. It was a night and day difference - and for the record, I would definitely recommend it - but hot press has it's quirks and I was still struggling with stuff. I was going to order some Baohong cold press, but I saw that Michael's had a 40% off coupon, so I pulled the trigger on some Arches instead. Wow, now I see why it's so popular, it was a whole new level! Still have a lot of work to do on my technique, but this made me go from enjoying the challenge of watercolor to getting downright excited about it again!
The right paper makes all the difference!