www.paperartistsonline.com

I remember learning about watercolor paper and evidently, I've defragged my brain since then. Now I can't remember anything I need to know about watercolor paper.

Cold press? Is that what I want?

I recently learned about watercolor paper blocks - where two (or more) sides are adhered to help prevent the wrinkling. I see one on Amazon and the same brand/price on DickBlick.

Anyone else have a great source for watercolor paper (price-wise)?

Thanks!

I get mine at Cheap Joes.
Its based in Boone (and they have physical stores there and here in Charlotte)
Google them, on my phone and copy paste url is hit or miss for me.

Thanks!

This is a really interesting explanation with examples of the two types of paper:
http://letspaintnature.com/2009/10/29/d ... hot-press/

Thank you!
I've seen a few videos recently where the women use watercolors to create such lovely, subtle backgrounds. I want to try some using my mists as paints. What I've done so far has been much more random than I want.

I typically use 140 lb cold press. The cold press is found at Michael's, AC Moore and etc. Canson and Stratmore are pretty good brands. You can use a coupon or they are on sale quite often. Sometimes they are buy one get one free.

The brand doesn't matter to me unless I'm doing a speciality watercolor piece. I usually buy in spiral pads. The block you mentioned is usually more expensive and again used for specially pieces. The block helps the paper from buckling or you can tape sides down while working on single pages.

Hot press is smoother and more expensive. It's also harder to find. I buy in large sheets and rip to make the size I want.

If you're using sprays and making backgrounds, I'd suggest cold press.

So, if you are using the block you paint your picture, let it dry, and then tear it off the block?

Yes, make sure it's dry before removing from the block.

Son of a Gun! I have been doing it all wrong. Do you have any tips for easy removal? Sometimes it is so hard to get it started.

I usually take a pallet knife and slip in the hole. Then slowly go around the block until paper is removed.

how big is the block

The blocks come in different sizes.

thank you

Ink Stains with Roni Blog spot
just did comparisons of different papers
with watercolors and the results using
different watercolor products and
different paper products, good
comparison results

here's a link to the blog
http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/

I had read a lot of positive feedback about the Fabrino (?) line. I might try it when I use up the block I just ordered.
Thanks for that link Elizabeth. It was extremely helpful!