Paper Review: WInsor and Newton Watercolor Paper: Watercolor Basics
Winsor and Newton has several watercolor papers under the ColArt parent brand- Winsor and Newton Watercolor Marker paper (review to come), Cotman watercolor paper, Bockingford watercolor paper (review to come), Arches, and Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper.
I'm not a fan of Cotman watercolor paper- in fact, I dislike it and strongly recommend against it, but I am a fan of Winsor and Newton's watercolor products in general. When I found out that they'd launched another paper aimed at their professional artist customers, I was eager to give it a shot, especially as I've tested over a dozen watercolor papers over the years.
Winsor and Newton's Artists' Water Colour Paper Pad is a spiral bound, mould made cellulose based paper with internal and external sizing to prevent buckling (source).
This watercolor paper is available in three sizes- 5"x7" which is the size reviewed today, 7"x10", and 9"x12", and all pads are spiral bound. There are 12 sheets to a pad, and the paper is 140lb.
Where to buy it:
Winsor and Newton's Site
Dick Blick (note, their site claims it's cotton paper, but the Winsor and Newton site states it's woodpulp based)
Amazon
Its World Watercolor Month! Lets celebrate it together- check out my watercolor all ages comic, 7" Kara, today! Now available as a webcomic.
Examples Of Use:
Textured paper can really handle a LOT of paint and many layers without paint sloughing off or becoming muddy.
Paint build up can become a bit shiny.
At almost every step, I sprayed this thing with water from a spraybottle to get the colors to run and mix- this paper can handle a LOT of water with minimal support.
In this demonstration, I wet individual flowers, sprinkled Brusho, spread the color, and allowed it to dry. With cheap watercolor papers, sometimes this will cause massive amounts of bleeding, but this was not an issue with the Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper.
Although the piece itself is overworked, the paper performed beautifully, and the colors, while dye based mainly (Brusho), are vibrant and clear.
In this attempt, I tried to allow the medly of colors within each Brusho 'color' stand for themselves. While still overworked, the paper held up admirably.
If you love watercolor reviews and tutorials like this review for Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper, keep in mind that I purchase all supplies out of pocket. My Patreon allows me to support what I do, and if you'd like to see it continue, please join the Artnerd community today. Artnerds (my Patrons) only need to pledge $2 a month to gain access to early releases, backer exclusive content, free mini copies, download access to Volume 1 of 7" Kara, and much more. It takes so little to support so much, so please join us!
Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour Paper is:
The Verdict:
Winsor and Newton watercolor paper isn't for everyone- I have artist friends who do beautiful watercolors who dislike it greatly. It has a bit of a soapy texture (perhaps due to external sizing), but colors are vibrant and jewelike, and it's a resilient and absorbent paper. I think it's worth picking up a 5"x7" pad to find out if it's right for your work, as I enjoy working on this paper, and find that it's a sturdy, inexpensive cellulose paper that can suit many needs.
Something similar: Jerry's Artarama Union Square Cold Press watercolor paper
Second Opinions and Outside Resources:
Amazon Reviews for Winsor and Newton Watercolor Paper
Dick Blick Reviews
I'm not a fan of Cotman watercolor paper- in fact, I dislike it and strongly recommend against it, but I am a fan of Winsor and Newton's watercolor products in general. When I found out that they'd launched another paper aimed at their professional artist customers, I was eager to give it a shot, especially as I've tested over a dozen watercolor papers over the years.
Winsor and Newton's Artists' Water Colour Paper Pad is a spiral bound, mould made cellulose based paper with internal and external sizing to prevent buckling (source).
This watercolor paper is available in three sizes- 5"x7" which is the size reviewed today, 7"x10", and 9"x12", and all pads are spiral bound. There are 12 sheets to a pad, and the paper is 140lb.
The Stats:
- Spiral Bound
- Cold Press/Not Press
- Mould Made
- Acid Free
- 140lb
- Internal and External Sizing
- Cellulose Paper
Where to buy it:
Winsor and Newton's Site
Dick Blick (note, their site claims it's cotton paper, but the Winsor and Newton site states it's woodpulp based)
Amazon
Its World Watercolor Month! Lets celebrate it together- check out my watercolor all ages comic, 7" Kara, today! Now available as a webcomic.
Examples Of Use:
Textured paper can really handle a LOT of paint and many layers without paint sloughing off or becoming muddy.
Paint build up can become a bit shiny.
Sample of Brush effect on this paper
Can handle massive amounts of water- this illustration is for an upcoming spray techniques demonstration. Colors remain vibrant and full of life. Paints used- Holbien, Winsor and Newton, Daniel Smith, and So Ho.
In this demonstration, I wet individual flowers, sprinkled Brusho, spread the color, and allowed it to dry. With cheap watercolor papers, sometimes this will cause massive amounts of bleeding, but this was not an issue with the Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper.
Although the piece itself is overworked, the paper performed beautifully, and the colors, while dye based mainly (Brusho), are vibrant and clear.
In this attempt, I tried to allow the medly of colors within each Brusho 'color' stand for themselves. While still overworked, the paper held up admirably.
If you love watercolor reviews and tutorials like this review for Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper, keep in mind that I purchase all supplies out of pocket. My Patreon allows me to support what I do, and if you'd like to see it continue, please join the Artnerd community today. Artnerds (my Patrons) only need to pledge $2 a month to gain access to early releases, backer exclusive content, free mini copies, download access to Volume 1 of 7" Kara, and much more. It takes so little to support so much, so please join us!
Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour Paper is:
- Smooth enough to ink on
Inked with a Sailor Mitsuo Aida
- Textured enough to hold pastels
Pan pastels and chalk pastels on Winsor and Newton Professional Water Colour paper, sealed with Krylon Matte Fixativ.
Winsor and Newton watercolor paper isn't for everyone- I have artist friends who do beautiful watercolors who dislike it greatly. It has a bit of a soapy texture (perhaps due to external sizing), but colors are vibrant and jewelike, and it's a resilient and absorbent paper. I think it's worth picking up a 5"x7" pad to find out if it's right for your work, as I enjoy working on this paper, and find that it's a sturdy, inexpensive cellulose paper that can suit many needs.
Something similar: Jerry's Artarama Union Square Cold Press watercolor paper
Second Opinions and Outside Resources:
Amazon Reviews for Winsor and Newton Watercolor Paper
Dick Blick Reviews
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