Arches Watercolor Block, Cold Press 10X14

Already working on the second sheet, 140 pound cold press is my default, raised on this paper, its like blue jeans.

Shipped quick! Good price and the best paper I have found for watercolors.

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.

Its absolutely the best you can buy for watercolor!

:)

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.

The paper has a nice tooth and is fairly absorbent, and keeping it on the block until the paint has dried ensures that your painting doesnt warp. Getting the paper off of the block can be a little tricky without scissors or an exacto knife, but that is to be expected. My only complaint is that the paper block separated from the cardboard that it was mounted to so that the actual paper block is loose inside the green cover. Not a big deal, just a nuisance.

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

My resident artist tells me that this paper is much better than the cheaper alternatives, although I cannot explain the difference. Something about the way it takes paint and flows. The block keeps the paper stretched until the work is finished, and then it is fairly easy to remove with a dull knife.

Too small