Arches Watercolor Block, Cold Press 9X12

I love the paper

No review needed if you’re in the field. Just buy this paper if you’re a moderate or advanced watercolor artist.

Using this paper in my art classes. It makes a big difference using good paper with how the paint sits on the page and responds i.e how it is absorbed. Much nicer result.

Do yourself a favor. If you really want to paint watercolor, buy quality products. Believe it or not, paper can have more of an effect on your painting than paint (except for crappy, no-name, cheap paint). And a watercolor block is SO much easier to work with than a single sheet of paper. Especially if you travel, paint outdoors, dont always have access to your GatorFoam Board. You will be much happier with your results, using Arches paper.

it is nice to have and use for quick sketches and easy to carry with you

Only complaint: All the paper rips unevenly from the block. The black bonding is like a solid glue, rather than just binding to hold the block together.

Its a little spendy for beginning and play around. But I like it a lot.

I always use Aquarelle W/C Blocks 140 lb cold pressed and its a perfect size for my paintings..........and the price was very good!

Watercolor paper just doesnt get better than arches. The make THE highest quality paper that I have ever used, and I will need no other brand. The cold press paper is bumpy in comparison to the hot press and creates more muted tones from the paints. I like to use this for darker subject matter. It is still very easy to draw on with pencils and Micron pens. I also enjoy using water soluble sketch pencils with this paper. This paper is definitely more expensive that the stuff I started out with on the big pad from the craft store. But it is worth the price if you are looking for professional appearance and presentation in your works. High quality paper like this is labor and time intensive. When you compare how watercolor paint looks on this paper to another brand there is HUGE difference in depth and color. It really feels like the aper does most of the work!

Very durable. Holes up well. Probably a bit pricey for beginners.