In the beginning of your watercolor journey, as you are no doubt watching a lot of tutorials and trying to learn, you may hear different perspectives on supplies. Some may tell you that your paints don’t matter, your paper doesn’t matter–that any old thing will do. Years of experience and a good while being frustrated in the beginning of this journey has taught me otherwise.

Yes, not having the professional version of everything is okay. Having student paints when you first start is fine. Paper, however, is another matter.

If you want to follow along with tutorials and have your efforts come out anything like the piece you are attempting to copy, then your paper really does matter. If you begin with cheap, cellulose paper, your work will not look like the beautiful watercolors you see online and in galleries.

With cellulose paper. the paint sits on top of the paper. It is incredibly easy to create backruns in your pictures and the colors will never be as bold and vibrant as they are on cotton paper.

100% cotton paper is not cheap, but it is worth the investment if you are serious about progressing. Arches cold press is the most forgiving, but also one of the more expensive choices in the world of cotton papers. It holds up very well to heavy washes, repeat wetting. lifts and whatever else you might put it through in the course of your painting.

A few other good choices are Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico, Baohong, or Hahnemuhle.

If you choose to use a lesser grade paper, then Fabriano 1264 is better than some. It is a 25% cotton blend, and although not as good as those listed above, it is a bit better than straight wood pulp paper.

Keep in mind that watercolor blocks are more expensive than other choices. Is it really worth it? Yes. If you have built up a supply of cheap paper, don’t throw it out. You can still use it for mixing tests, swatches and planning, but go for the good stuff when you want to create something you are proud of.

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