The Best Watercolor Paper – Baohong Watercolor Block: A Top Choice for Artists
Baohong Watercolor Block stands out as a top choice for artists seeking high-quality watercolor paper. This product offers 20 sheets of 100% cotton, acid-free paper glued on all four edges. The paper is strong and durable, making it suitable for wet, dry, and mixed media painting techniques.
Baohong Watercolor Block provides excellent value with its 140lb/300gsm weight paper, rivaling more expensive brands in quality and performance. I love that it is affordable, but still has a very good quality. I’ve paid twice as much for other brands and noticed only marginal differences.
Many watercolor artists, including some well-known professionals, have embraced Baohong paper for its consistent quality and affordable price point. Its popularity has grown in recent years, with some users considering it a close second to premium brands like Arches. The paper’s smooth surface and absorbency make it a versatile choice for various watercolor styles and techniques.
Features and Qualities of Baohong Watercolor Paper
Baohong watercolor paper offers artists a high-quality surface for their creative expressions. This paper stands out for its construction, specifications, and versatility with various techniques and media.
Construction and Material
Baohong watercolor paper is made from 100% natural cotton fibers. This pure cotton composition gives the paper strength and durability. It’s acid-free, which helps preserve artwork over time.
The paper is sized with traditional gelatin. This sizing allows for better control of paint on the surface. It also helps the paper resist buckling when wet.
Baohong offers their paper in block format. These blocks are glued on all four sides. This feature keeps the paper flat and reduces the need for stretching before use.
Paper Specifications
Baohong watercolor paper comes in different weights and textures. The most common weight is 140lb/300gsm. This weight provides a good balance of stability and absorbency.
Three main textures are available:
- Cold Press: Has a slightly textured surface
- Hot Press: Offers a smooth finish
- Rough: Provides a more pronounced texture
The paper’s whiteness allows colors to appear vibrant and true. Its absorbency helps control paint flow and blending.
Appropriate Techniques and Media
Baohong paper supports a wide range of watercolor techniques. It works well for both wet and dry methods. The paper’s surface allows for lifting and delicate watercolor techniques.
Artists can use various media on this paper:
- Watercolors
- Inks
- Mixed media
The paper’s durability lets artists work with multiple washes without damaging the surface. It can handle scrubbing and other more aggressive techniques.
Baohong paper is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Its quality and versatility make it a good choice for many types of watercolor projects.
The Artist Experience with Baohong Blocks
Baohong watercolor blocks have gained popularity among artists for their quality and performance. Many notable watercolorists have endorsed these papers, praising their unique surface and ability to handle various techniques.
Notable Artists and Approvals
Several famous watercolorists have given their seal of approval to Baohong watercolor blocks. Joseph Zbukvic, Alvaro Castagnet, Thomas W Schaller, Ross Patterson, and David Taylor are among the well-known artists who have used and endorsed these papers.
The Baohong Papermill worked closely with world-renowned watercolor artists to develop their products. This collaboration lasted three years, resulting in paper that meets the high standards of professional painters.
Many artists appreciate the traditionally sized sheets and blocks offered by Baohong. These sizes range from small 12.5 x 18 cm blocks to larger 46 x 61 cm options.
Performance in Practice
Artists find that Baohong watercolor blocks perform well with various techniques. The paper’s unique surface allows for good control when applying colors and creating washes.
Lifting techniques work effectively on Baohong paper, giving artists the ability to make corrections or create highlights. The paper resists pilling, maintaining its integrity even with repeated washes or scrubbing.
Many painters note that the paper handles wet media exceptionally well. It allows colors to blend smoothly while still maintaining their vibrancy. The cold press surface provides a good balance of texture for dry brush techniques and smooth washes.
Artists often comment on the paper’s ability to stand up to multiple layers of paint without buckling. This quality is particularly valued for complex paintings that require many washes.
