· loose drawing paper · 13 min read
Best Water Papers For Artists and Students
Water papers are an essential medium for painting watercolor artworks. They provide high water absorption to endure paint application and drying without becoming tacky. For the best experience, artists should research and try different watercolor papers. Here are some of the best water papers available.
Water papers are unique art paper types resistant to warping and damage that allows working in watercolors and other wet mediums. This special paper produces transparent layers, transitions, and color blending, making it ideal for watercolor paintings. Artists also use it as a base for ink, gouache, and acrylics for its reliable results. Choosing the right water paper depends on your painting style, intended results, and factors like its absorbency, thickness, and texture, but this guide will introduce you to the best options in the market today!
Overview
PROS
- Eco-friendly and reusable, eliminating waste associated with traditional paper
- Versatile writing surface suitable for both Chinese calligraphy and drawing
CONS
- May require a specific type of brush for optimal results
- Drying time can vary depending on humidity levels
Dianelhall's Water Drawing Writing Cloth is a revolutionary product for practicing the art of Chinese calligraphy. Crafted from a durable and reusable material, this water paper provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper, eliminating the waste associated with multiple sheets. Its versatility extends beyond calligraphy, making it an ideal medium for drawing as well.
The texture of the water paper simulates the experience of writing on traditional rice paper, allowing for smooth brush strokes and precise character formation. Its absorbency ensures that ink dries quickly, preventing smudging or bleeding. Moreover, the cloth's large size (17 x 13 inches) provides ample space for practicing various brush techniques and creating larger pieces.
PROS
- Exceptional 300GSM/140LB thickness provides ideal support for wet and dry media.
- Cold-pressed texture offers a delicate tooth, perfect for capturing brushstrokes and details.
CONS
- Paper may buckle or warp slightly when heavily saturated with water.
- Not suitable for large-scale watercolor paintings.
Immerse yourself in the world of art with our top-notch 60-sheet watercolor paper. Its impressive 300GSM/140LB weight forms a sturdy foundation for your artistic endeavors, handling both wet and dry techniques with ease. The cold-pressed surface boasts a subtle tooth that gently catches your brushstrokes, capturing every nuance and detail of your masterpiece. Plus, its off-white hue provides a warm and inviting base for your vibrant watercolors to shine.
While this watercolor paper excels in its support and texture, it's important to manage water usage. Excessive moisture may cause slight buckling or warping, so it's best suited for smaller-scale paintings. Additionally, its compact 5 x 7-inch size makes it ideal for travel, workshops, or quick sketching sessions. Overall, this watercolor paper is an excellent choice for artists of all levels seeking a reliable and inspiring surface to bring their artistic visions to life.
PROS
- Sturdy heavyweight paper adeptly handles multiple washes, ensuring effortless blending and vibrant hues.
- Foldover binding offers convenience, allowing for quick access to fresh drawing surfaces and secure storage of completed masterpieces.
- Exceptionally crafted white surface provides a brilliant backdrop for your artistic visions, enhancing color vibrancy and luminosity.
CONS
- The limited number of sheets may not suffice for extensive sketching sessions or large-scale projects.
- Some users may find the paper's texture slightly too smooth for their preferred painting style.
For watercolourists seeking a canvas that effortlessly caters to their creative flow, the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad emerges as an exceptional choice. Its heavyweight paper forms a sturdy foundation for multiple washes, allowing for seamless blending and vibrant colour expressions. The carefully crafted white surface acts as a brilliant backdrop, enhancing the luminosity and depth of your artistic vision.
The foldover binding adds to the convenience factor, providing quick access to fresh drawing surfaces and ensuring the safekeeping of your completed masterpieces. However, the limited number of sheets may pose a constraint for extensive sketching sessions or those embarking on larger-scale projects. Furthermore, some users might find the paper's texture slightly too smooth for their preferred painting style. Nonetheless, the Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad remains a solid choice for artists seeking a reliable and high-quality water paper to bring their artistic visions to life.
PROS
- Exceptional 140 lb / 300 gsm paper thickness for durability and minimal buckling
- 30 sheets of bright white paper, providing ample space for artistic exploration
CONS
- May not be suitable for beginners due to its high-quality, professional-grade nature
- Individual sheets are not perforated, requiring careful removal from the pad
Step into the world of watercolor artistry with the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad, meticulously crafted to empower both seasoned masters and budding enthusiasts. Its sturdy 140 lb / 300 gsm paper forms a reliable canvas for your creative strokes, ensuring minimal buckling or warping even under generous water application.
Indulge in uninterrupted painting sessions with the ample supply of 30 bright white sheets, providing a pristine backdrop for your vibrant hues. Embrace the freedom to experiment, layer, and blend colors seamlessly, allowing your artistic vision to flourish. While its high-quality construction may be more suited to experienced painters, the Amazon Basics Watercolor Pad remains an exceptional choice for those seeking to elevate their watercolor techniques.
PROS
- Durable 110 Lb/230 GSM thick paper withstands multiple layers of paint and water
- Cold-press surface provides excellent absorption and texture for vibrant colors
CONS
- May require pre-stretching for heavy washes
- Some users report slight warping after drying
Immerse yourself in the world of watercolor painting with our high-quality watercolor paper. Measuring 9" x 12", this pack of 20 sheets offers ample space for your artistic creations. Made with 110 Lb/230 GSM thick paper, it provides a sturdy base for multiple layers of paint and water applications, allowing you to build depth and texture in your paintings. The cold-press surface delivers a beautiful toothy texture that absorbs and holds pigments exceptionally well, resulting in vibrant and luminous colors.
Whether you're a seasoned watercolorist or just starting to explore this versatile medium, this watercolor paper is an excellent choice. It's ideal for various techniques, from wet-on-wet to dry brush, and is suitable for both kids and adults. Unleash your creativity and let your imagination flow freely on this premium watercolor paper designed to enhance your artistic journey.
PROS
- High-quality 140 Lb/300 GSM cold press paper for superior absorption and texture
- Ideal for various art forms, including watercolor, sketching, and mixed media
- Convenient 5x7 inches size suitable for kids, students, and artists
- Acid-free and pH neutral for archival quality and longevity
CONS
- May not be suitable for very large or detailed watercolor paintings
- May require multiple layers of paint for vibrant results
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of watercolor art with our premium watercolor paper. Crafted from high-quality 140 Lb/300 GSM paper, this cold press paper provides an exceptional surface for capturing your creative visions. Revel in the paper's excellent absorption and texture, allowing you to achieve captivating layers of color and depth.
Our watercolor paper is not only durable but also versatile. Unleash your artistic flair in watercolor painting, sketching, and mixed media, knowing that the paper will support every stroke and blend. The convenient 5x7 inches size makes it ideal for both small-scale artworks and practice sheets, empowering you to experiment and explore your creativity without limits. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a budding enthusiast, or a child discovering the joys of painting, this premium watercolor paper will elevate your artistic journey.
PROS
- Premium 140lb (300gsm) acid-free paper ensures durability and longevity
- Glue-bound design provides a sturdy base and allows for easy page removal
CONS
- May not be suitable for extremely wet techniques
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
For those seeking a high-quality watercolor paper, the ARTISTO Watercolor Pads stand out as an exceptional choice. Crafted from premium 140lb (300gsm) acid-free paper, these pads offer unparalleled strength and archival quality, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant and protected over time. The glue-bound design provides a sturdy base, allowing you to work confidently without fear of pages tearing or buckling. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, the ARTISTO Watercolor Pads are an investment in your artistic expression.
With its versatile surface, this water paper is compatible with various wet and dry media, making it a perfect companion for watercolorists, acrylic painters, and mixed-media enthusiasts. Its 9x12-inch size offers ample space for both detailed and expansive artworks. Additionally, the pads are available in packs of two, providing great value and convenience. While the ARTISTO Watercolor Pads may be priced slightly higher than budget-friendly options, their exceptional quality and durability make them a worthwhile choice for serious artists who demand the best materials for their creations.
PROS
- Exceptional 140LB/300GSM weight, ensuring minimal buckling and warping during wet applications
- Durable cotton construction for excellent absorbency and color retention, allowing for vibrant and long-lasting artworks
CONS
- Larger pack size may not be suitable for occasional or small-scale projects
- May require additional sizing or preparation for certain painting techniques
Immerse yourself in the world of watercolor artistry with our premium 5 x 7 water paper, crafted from high-quality cotton fibers. Its exceptional weight of 140LB/300GSM provides a sturdy base that minimizes buckling and distortion, ensuring your creations remain pristine even under wet washes. The carefully selected cotton construction offers superior absorbency, ensuring colors flow effortlessly and blend seamlessly on its surface. Experience the joy of vibrant pigments and exceptional color retention, allowing your artwork to come alive with brilliance.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your watercolor journey, our water paper is the perfect canvas for your artistic endeavors. Its versatility accommodates various techniques, from soft washes to intricate detailing. Unleash your creativity and capture the beauty of the world around you with our water paper, designed to elevate your art to new heights.
PROS
- High-quality 140lb/300 GSM cold press paper provides excellent water absorption and color retention.
- Versatile surface suitable for a wide range of watercolor techniques, from washes to detailed paintings.
CONS
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty water application, such as pouring techniques.
Indulge in the vibrant artistry of watercolors with Augacage's 100 Sheets Cotton Watercolor Paper Bulk. Crafted from high-quality 140lb/300 GSM cold press paper, this water paper offers exceptional absorption and color retention, ensuring your masterpieces come to life with vivid hues and vibrant details. Its versatility caters to all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned watercolorist or just starting your artistic journey. The 5" x 7" size makes it ideal for travel, workshops, or creating a series of smaller paintings.
Augacage's water paper strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality, making it an excellent choice for students, hobbyists, and professional artists alike. Each sheet is designed to withstand multiple layers of water and paint without buckling or tearing, providing a sturdy base for your creative endeavors. The cold press surface provides a slightly textured finish that enhances the vibrancy of watercolors, adding depth and character to your artwork. Unleash your creativity and capture the beauty of watercolors with Augacage's premium water paper - the perfect canvas for your artistic vision.
PROS
- Experience the unparalleled vibrancy of colors on our 140 lb/300 GSM watercolor paper, designed to hold pigments like a dream.
- Indulge in seamless blending and effortless transitions with our specially formulated cold press surface.
- Enjoy a generous supply of 30 sheets (A5 size) to fuel your artistic endeavors for hours on end.
- Tear away sheets effortlessly for easy use and portability, allowing your creativity to flow wherever you go.
CONS
- The paper's exceptional thickness may require slightly longer drying times for certain techniques.
- Due to its high quality, this paper may be slightly more expensive than some other options.
Prepare to be captivated by the exceptional quality of our water paper, meticulously crafted to elevate your artistic creations. Its robust 140 lb/300 GSM weight ensures that your colors will sing with vibrancy, staying true to your vision. Experience the joy of effortless blending and seamless transitions on our cold press surface, allowing your brushstrokes to dance across the page with graceful ease.
With a generous supply of 30 sheets at your disposal, you can immerse yourself in your artistic journey without the worry of running out of paper. Tear away sheets effortlessly for quick and convenient use, whether you're at home, in the studio, or capturing inspiration on the go. Embrace the freedom to experiment and explore, knowing that you have a reliable foundation for your artistic expression.
Water papers are specifically designed for watercolor painting and other wet media, creating transparent layers and smooth transitions. This guide provides some of the top water papers available in the market, catering to different painting styles and preferences. They are suitable for professional artists and students alike to experiment with and produce stunning watercolor artworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is water paper used for?
Water paper is specifically designed for painting with watercolors and other forms of water-based paints. It is suitable for use by both professional artists and students alike.
What are the different types of water paper available?
There are different types of water paper available in the market, varying in texture, thickness, and absorbency. Artists should choose the type that best suits their intended artistic results.
What is the best water paper for beginners?
Beginners might prefer water paper with a smoother surface and lower absorbency to make it easier to control the flow of water and paint.
What is the best water paper for experienced artists?
More experienced artists might prefer water paper with a rougher texture and higher absorbency to achieve specific artistic effects.
How to choose the right water paper?
When choosing the best water paper, artists should consider their painting style, intended results, and factors like absorbency, thickness, and texture.
