How not to destroy your Arches Watercolor Paper

 For a couple of years I have been wanting to paint on Arches Watercolor Paper; however, since starting my Studio I have been focused on producing not so much on experimenting.  This year I decided it was time to experiment, grow my ideas and my artwork.

I purchased Arches Watercolor Cold Press 140 lb paper and began drawing on it. Now, I am not the type of artist that can draw something in one try.  I am an artist who likes to draw, erase, draw, erase...etc. Unfortunately Arches Watercolor Paper is not recommended for this type of work.  On my first drawing, I destroyed the paper with the erasing. I was surprised by this.  In addition, I found some of my pencil lines couldn't be erased.  After doing a little bit of research, I found that quite a few artist will draw on paper and then trace to Arches.  It is an extra step but it keeps the paper from being damaged. I do love wetting the paper and dropping the watercolor paint onto this paper. Also, I find you need a lot of water to move the paint around. I do like that the paper can hold lots of paint..........so layering is a plus. Check out the mess ups on my first drawing. I circled the damage to the paper. Also I realized I should have been using a watercolor pencil compared to a soft pencil: 

Arches Cold Press Watercolor paper with mess ups

I still love my Grumbacher Watercolor 140 lb paper. Something about the hills and valleys. I definitely create less damage with my drawing on this paper.......and maybe this will be my go to paper.  I am still experimenting.  Although, I feel I can't add as many paint layers on this paper compared to Arches.  So I guess it depends on your style of painting.  I like to create loose washes, and this paper is great for that. Check it out. Here is an example of a loose watercolor on Grumbacher Watercolor Paper: 

Grumbacher Watercolor Paper with hills and valleys

Then there is the Canson watercolor paper.  I do like to draw on this paper but for watercolor it is ok.  The paper is basic with hardly any hills and valleys to hold the paint; which makes fixing mistakes very difficult.  I have overworked an area of a painting with this paper and the paper balled up. It never fails that this would happen with the painting was almost complete. LOL.  Check it out. This paper is fine for a simple watercolor like this vine work: 

Canson Watercolor paper, hardly any hills and valleys

I hope this post helps anyone attempting watercolors. Of course if anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

Enjoy creating.

Christin