Arches Watercolor Block, Cold Press 10X14

Recently I began using Derwents Inktense pencils. You activate them with water and they change into the most intense ink colors. I used to work with paint instead of pencils. I had always preferred Arches ROUGH version when I worked in paint. Changing to the Inktense Pencils changed that preference. They do not like the rough version. So I bought one block in the cold press (this one) and another in the hot press. So far, out of the three, this one emerges as the winner. When the pencils are activated by water, they bloom nicely and the work becomes a very vivid watercolor. I had less success with the hot press. The colors do not bloom and run at all. They stay exactly where you put them when you activate them with water. The colors simply become vivid. I like the way watercolor blurs and blooms--all the distinctive markings we associate with watercolor. In sum, this paper is the best choice if you switch to water soluble pencils instead of paint. I never even considered switching from Arches watercolor block to another product. Ive used it for decades and it is the best. I had to switch from paint to pencils because of health problems with mobility (age 68). I am next going to try water soluble oil pastels on the paper. I am expecting this one will also be the winner but I could be wrong. The key thing to remember is that the materials you choose as your paint will affect the paper choice. If you switched painting materials, like I did, there seems little choice but to try all three types, just like I did.

This paper is the best of the best... full stop. Excellent price and excellent quality. This is now my goto paper for watercolors. It holds color with a minimum amount of bleed. If you are looking for some good paper for watercolors, look no further. I also do mixed media, and this paper is just brilliant.

If you want to do good work you must have good tools. And that means this paper!

Arches is a wonderful watercolor paper. It takes a lot of abuse without pilling. I highly recommend it.

Happy to receive my Arches! :) Worth the money!

Fantastic watercolor paper and much cheaper than chain art store near my home.

Good paper.

Im still a beginner at watercolors, but this paper is definitely the best Ive used so far. The paper absorbs the paint nicely and colors bloom perfectly. I love the block format of this paper as well. It prevents it from buckling when really wet.

great watercolor paper!!

great water color paper and came delivered fast