Watercolor painting is a delicate and beautiful art form that requires not only skill but also the right materials. One of the most critical components of watercolor painting is the surface you choose to work on. The right paper can significantly influence the quality and outcome of your work. In this guide, we will explore various watercolor surfaces available at Art Lounge, comparing their materials, finishes, texture types, weights, levels, formats, and costs. This comprehensive comparison chart will provide detailed information on multiple watercolor paper brands.
Art Essentials watercolour papers are available in two types: Artists paper, suitable for professionals and art students, and Studio Paper, ideal for beginners and art students. Both are 100% cotton watercolor paper in a cold press finish with Artists paper being fine grain and Studio paper in rough grain texture. The weight of the paper 300gsm and is available in polypacks, blocks, spiral pads, and sheets. This paper offers versatility at a cost of ₹140 onwards.
Lanaquarelle watercolor paper is made from 100% cotton and is available in rough, cold, and hot press finishes. Artists can choose from rough, fine, and satin grain textures. The 300gsm weight caters to professional artists, with formats including polypacks, blocks, and sheets. Prices range from ₹499 onwards.
Speedball's Fluid series offers watercolor paper in both 100% cellulose and 100% cotton options. Available in cold and hot press finishes, with fine and satin grain textures, this paper comes in 300gsm and 640gsm weights. Suitable for both students and professionals, it is available in block and roll formats, with prices from ₹530 onwards
Winsor & Newton provides watercolor paper in 25% and 100% cotton options. Available in rough, cold, and hot press finishes, with rough, fine, and satin grain textures, the 300gsm weight is perfect for both students and professionals. Formats include spiral pads, blocks, sheets and rolls, priced from ₹795 onwards.
Chitrapat offers handmade, 100% cotton watercolor paper with a cold press finish. Artists can choose between rough and matte grain textures, with weights of 220gsm, 270gsm, and 440gsm. Ideal for art students, this paper is available in spiral pads, blocks and sheets with prices ranging from ₹240 onwards.
Scholar :
Scholar watercolor paper is crafted from 100% wood-free cellulose, providing an excellent alternative for students. Available in both cold and hot press finishes, it features rough, fine, and satin grain textures. The 300gsm weight ensures a sturdy surface for painting. Formats include polypacks, blocks, and spiral pads, priced between ₹180 and ₹700.
Canson Montval series watercolor paper is made from 100% cellulose, offering a reliable surface for students. It comes in cold press finish with a fine grain texture, available in two weights: 200gsm and 300gsm. It's suitable for various formats including rolls, blocks, and spiral pads, making it a versatile choice for art students. The price range starts from ₹120, making it an affordable option.
Arches:
Arches watercolor paper is renowned for its 100% cotton composition, available in cold and hot press finishes with fine, satin, and rough grain textures. Offering various weights including 300gsm, 185gsm, 850gsm, 640gsm, and 356gsm, it caters to professional artists. Available in block, roll, and sheet formats, Arches paper is priced from ₹900 onwards.
Strathmore watercolor paper, made from 100% cellulose, comes in a cold press finish with a fine grain texture. The 300gsm weight is ideal for students, offering a durable and high-quality surface. Available in block format, this paper is priced from ₹600 onwards.
Baohong offers 100% cotton watercolor paper in rough, cold, and hot press finishes. With rough, fine, and satin grain textures, the 300gsm weight suits both students and professionals. Available in block format, this premium paper is priced from ₹710 onwards.
Choosing the right watercolor surface can significantly impact your painting experience and the quality of your artwork. Whether you are a student or a professional artist, there are various options available to meet your needs and preferences. From cellulose to cotton papers, and from fine to rough textures, each type of paper offers unique characteristics that can enhance your masterpieces. Consider your requirements, budget, and the nature of your work to select the best watercolor surface for your next masterpiece.
All surfaces are available at Art Lounge, ensuring you have access to the best materials for your watercolour painting journey. Happy painting!