Choosing the Right Watercolour Paper for Your Style: An Expert Guide
Selecting the right watercolour paper is crucial for achieving the best results in your artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, understanding the different types of paper can make a significant difference in how your watercolour paints interact with the surface. In this guide, we’ll explore key factors such as the materials used, textures, and surface sizing, while also highlighting popular brands and their best offerings.
1. Materials: Cotton, Wood Pulp, Bamboo, and Sugarcane
Watercolour paper is primarily made from cotton, wood pulp, and, more recently, bamboo and sugarcane fibres. Each type of material has its own characteristics that affect the texture, absorbency, and durability of the paper.
- Cotton Paper: Known for its durability and absorbency, cotton rag paper is often the top choice for professional watercolour artists. It’s incredibly versatile, holding colour well and allowing for excellent control during painting. Examples: Fabriano Artistico and Arches Watercolour Paper are famous for their cotton-based composition, offering premium quality with a variety of textures (cold-pressed, rough, and satin).
- Wood Pulp Paper: Typically, more affordable, wood pulp paper is made from wood fibres and is often used by beginners. While it may not offer the same premium performance as cotton, it can still provide decent results for lighter watercolour work. Example: Canson XL Watercolour Paper offers a good balance of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for students and hobbyists.
- Bamboo Paper: Made from fast-growing bamboo fibres, bamboo paper is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to cotton and wood pulp papers. Bamboo has natural antibacterial properties and offers a smooth, durable surface that can handle watercolour techniques, although it’s not as commonly used. Example: Hahnemühle Bamboo Watercolour Paper combines sustainability with a smooth texture, ideal for intricate details and layered washes.
- Sugarcane Paper: Also known as bagasse paper, this is made from the fibrous waste left after extracting juice from sugarcane. It’s highly sustainable, making it a great choice for eco-conscious artists. The texture is often smooth and resilient, ideal for light watercolour applications. Example: Hahnemühle EcoQua Watercolour Paper is an eco-friendly option made from sugarcane fibres, offering good performance for sketching or light washes.
2. Paper Weight and Thickness
Watercolour paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square meter) or lb (pound). The heavier the paper, the more it can absorb water without warping.
- Lightweight (190-250 gsm): Great for lighter washes and dry techniques. Often used by beginners or for sketches.
- Medium Weight (300 gsm): Ideal for most general watercolour techniques. It can absorb multiple layers of paint without warping. Canson XL Watercolour falls into this category, making it a reliable option for students.
- Heavyweight (600+ gsm): Best for large-scale pieces or when you need maximum absorbency. This paper doesn’t need stretching and is perfect for intense layering. Arches offers heavyweight, premium options that artists often use for professional work.
3. Paper Texture: Cold-Pressed, Hot-Pressed, and Rough
The texture of the paper, also called “not” texture, has a significant impact on your painting technique and the final result.
- Cold-Pressed (NOT): This texture is a popular choice for watercolourists. It has a slightly textured surface that creates beautiful, soft transitions in watercolor washes. Example: Arches Cold-Pressed Watercolour Paper is perfect for smooth washes and detailed work.
- Hot-Pressed (HP): A smoother surface, great for fine details, controlled washes, and glazing. This texture is ideal for artists who prefer more control over their paint application. Example: Fabriano Artistico Hot-Pressed Paper is known for its smooth, even texture and ability to handle delicate details.
- Rough: For a more textured and dramatic look, rough paper allows for rougher brushstrokes and creates a unique finish with more pronounced texture. Example: Hahnemühle Rough Watercolour Paper offers a more textured surface that adds an interesting element to the painting process.
4. Sizing: Internally Sized vs. Externally Sized
Sizing refers to the process of treating the paper to control its absorbency. There are two main types of sizing: internally sized and externally sized.
- Internally Sized: The sizing is mixed into the paper pulp, providing a consistent absorbency throughout the sheet. This makes the paper more versatile and suitable for multiple layers of watercolour without excessive absorption. Example: Arches Watercolour Paper is internally sized, which helps it maintain even colour saturation.
- Externally Sized: The sizing is applied to the surface of the paper, making it more resistant to water and allowing for better control over paint application. This is often found in papers intended for heavy washes. Example: Fabriano Artistico offers externally sized paper, which gives it excellent handling properties and resistance to buckling.
5. Choosing the Right Paper for Different Stages
- Beginners: If you’re just starting out, look for an affordable, durable option like Canson XL Watercolour Paper. It offers a smooth surface that is forgiving for learning different techniques without breaking the bank.
- Intermediate/Advanced Artists: As you gain more experience, you might want to explore premium options like Arches Cold-Pressed or Fabriano Artistico. These papers provide more control and produce professional-quality results, especially when working on larger projects or layering multiple washes.
- Landscape vs. Portrait Painting: For landscape artists, a rough or cold-pressed paper like Hahnemühle Watercolour Rough Paper can add texture and depth to the scenery. For portrait artists, a smoother paper such as Fabriano Artistico Hot-Pressed would be better for delicate details and soft transitions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right watercolour paper is essential for getting the best results from your watercolour paints. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there are various factors to consider such as material, texture, and weight. By understanding the properties of different papers—such as cotton, bamboo, and sugarcane—you can find the perfect surface to complement your artistic style. Brands like Fabriano, Canson, Arches, and Hahnemühle offer some of the best options available, ensuring that your watercolour projects have the perfect foundation.
