Genuine Crafts Watercolor Paper Pad 2 Pack by Genuine Crafts - A4 8.3 in. x 11.7 in. - 30 Sheets - Cold Press Perfect Bound 140 Pound Acid Free Sketchbook - Textured Paper Great for Watercolor Paintin

It took me a few weeks to have the time to actually try this paper. And, honestly, I didn't know what to expect, as I am not an avid painter. However, when I opened the package, the first thing I took note of was the heft to the paper. Just a single touch, you can tell this will hold the watercolor well, and not drink it in, causing a fading of the colors you want to use. I allowed my kids to paint me a picture, and there was no bleed of the colors at all. It was mess-free for them, and now I am sketching the first painting I am ever going to try.The quality of the material is pretty good, and I think the quantity you get is decent for what you pay for it. These 2 pads are going to last us quite a while, and this paper pairs perfectly with the paint pens from the same company.Very satisfied with my purchase, will definitely replenish my stock from here when I need it.

I am new to watercolor for the record.I didn't expect much for the price and quantity. But I must say I am very pleased. The photos I added were a test page, some wet on dry and some wet on wet. The watercolor on dry paper was extremely smooth and crisp. I will definitely buy and use these papers for wet to dry painting in the future. Wet on wet is also smooth and crisp. However, as you can see from the back of the paper it does distort a bit. I used very little water in the spots I was testing. So I do not feel this would be great for large and slow wet on wet painting. However smaller pieces of work and not lingering to long I feel would still work out just fine.Also my daughter started scribbling on it, and that was smooth and buttery too. I would definitely use it for pencils, paints, markers and pens.Overall I am very happy with what I received, especially as a beginner. I will order again.

I watched a Kristy Rice YouTube video where she compared this watercolor paper to several other inexpensive papers. She was impressed enough to recommend it so I ordered some. The paper held water really well and I didn't have much trouble with warping or pooling. The texture is unlike any other watercolor paper I've tried though, it almost looks woven or grid like, so the appearance is a bit odd to me. My favorite feature is colors stay vibrant even after drying, similar to my experience with hot press watercolor paper. I usually practice on the cheap papers I find at Walmart but I like the GenCrafts paper better and plan to purchase again.

I love this watercolor paper. It's heavy and works great for making mixed-media projects using crackle and texture paste. The thickness allows for nice distressed edges on my card projects.

I have been using watercolors for about 3 years and started off using Canson XL. Did not like it much. Seemed thin and wrinkled easily when adding water. In my research, also saw the YouTube video comparing papers and decided to try the Gen Craft paper. What a great deal for 60 sheets. I actually like the texture in the paper.I was kind of concerned about the off white color of the paper, but it doesn't really affect the painting process...at least for me. It does allow for lifting color, but beware, don't be overly rough with it, the surface pills when attempting to remove paint or ink. A light touch, and removal can be achieved with minimal damage.As many have indicated, the size is a bit odd, but that has not been a concern. I utilize an Ikea Hovsta frame/mat size of 7.5 x 9.5 and made a few jigs to hold the paper flat and constrain the painting size (credit Andrew Pitts....UK watercolor artist. Look him up, does fabulous work and tutorials on YouTube). I will center it within the mat and only tape the top edge to the back of the mat, and to ensure the paper is supported and sandwich tight, added Golden State Art, 12x16 Picture Mat Matte Backerboard for Framing (purchased from Amazon as well), before closing it with the wood backer.