Arches Watercolor Block, Cold Press 9X12

I have been using this paper for years and I love it. When doing watercolor it’s forgiving, meaning if you make a mistake it’s easier to fix. I would recommend it even for beginners because you won’t be as frustrated as with other papers.

Just what I needed! Perfect for painting!

Costly but worth it, never have to worry that the paper will be a cause of a mistake. For me, that makes it worthwhile.

Always the best paper I use.

This block is an excellent price being sold here on Amazon. In stores they are almost doubled in price. Cutting out the middle man is in dead worth it. I love blocks for a couple of reasons. First is that the stretching of paper or taping is eliminated. Just flip back the cover and youre ready to go. But the other thing I like is that there is a protective page inside the cover that protects the first piece of paper and this way you wont have to worry about fingerprints and oils from hands ruining that piece by causing a resist of watercolor. I cant tell you how many times I purchased a pad of paper in a store and people handle the pages ruining it for me. I have stopped buying books in stores because of this. But if you must, then choose from underneath the stack! You may have better luck that way. The tooth on this paper is perfect. Not too rough but just right allowing fabulous results with dry brushing. I ordinarily use these blocks for paintings, not for exercises. I use my Strathmore 400 series for that. When I can afford to order nothing but arches I will. Beginning with buying full sheets to cut down. Absorbency on arches is great. Colors that sit on top stay on top and others that absorb and spread, do it well. In watercolor painting, Arches paper is considered one of the most popular papers used among watercolor artists. There are also other brands out there that are excellent but I havent tried them yet. I may in the future. Arches is the only favorite I know. But if you cant afford it make sure you always buy 140lb 300gsm or higher paper. Cold press is the norm for watercolor. Hot press is used in certain circumstances but if youre starting out, you need to read labels and do not buy 90lb paper for watercolor. You will hate this style of painting and wonder how anyone does it. Artists dont use 90 lb in watercolor. If you have never used a block, it is very easy. It has the gummy stuff you see on tablets of paper all the way around it except for a little over an inch. You can take a sharp non serrated knife or exacto and cut carefully around to remove that page after it has completely dried. Be careful when cutting. I always am my blade slightly downward into the stack to prevent cutting the edge of my painting.

Best all round paper for watercolor painting. Reliable and sturdy. Takes lifting and erasing well. When you find it on sale, stock up!

Arches is always the best!

Ive always used Strathmore Watercolor Blocks. Although the quality of Strathmore is nice, now that Ive used Arches I cant imagine using anything else. Arches seems to be in a category all its own when it comes to paper quality. Arches is substantially thicker, holds water and color very well, and when using the watercolor block does not buckle even when using a lot of water. You can use tons of water and layers of paint, and it never effects the paper underneath the piece youre working on. I couldnt be happier. Plus the price of this paper when buying from Amazon is fantastic and affordable.

I purchase this often because I love it. I just wish it were less expensive

wonderful wonderful paper.. love the pad format.. and the size is perfect for me a great buy