HahnemühleWatercolour Block, White, Medium

I’ve now bought six watercolour blocks of this paper it’s so good and have an A2 sized one ‘Expressions’ ordered. I’ve been patiently trying other makes and telling myself that I’m learning and still have a long way to go but this paper really allows me to move the colours around. The water needs a little coaxing at first with big washes , so I wet it twice , but really it just soaks in , dabs off , easily is pulled into a groove by a twig or the end of a paint brush and even after paint has dried the depth of colour can be softened again by removing paint with a damp brush.I’ve included one photo of ‘red hibiscus flowers’ and three showing the stages of the ’Pale roses’ paintings that I’ve done , just to show the quality of the paper... 👍🏼The first was a YouTube tutorial and the second an exercise from a book.Like I said I have a much to learn , but I sure can feel the difference great paper makes and I’m not sure even practicing on anything else will really teach me about watercolour- because the heart of it is how water , paint and paper interact and they have to do that for me to learn....So my conclusion is ... this is the paper for me. As good as the best but much much better price!

(edit: I have removed a star as this paper rips quite easily when low tack masking tape is pulled off and masking fluid 8/10 times also rips the paper. I am going to use the rest of the pad for ink as I don't want to ruin anymore paintings)This is not the greatest watercolour paper in the world. It is very, very white and has a strange Not-ish texture to the touch but is almost, but not quite, hot pressed under the brush.It is very good at taking water and drying flat but it behaves quite unlike other papers, being more absorbent than I expected. This allows a lot of control once you have realised that your puddle won't spread without help from you.It's not in the same league as Arches, and the finish does not look as good as expensive papers but it is a fraction of the price and is certainly decent enough for most purposes.I would not sell a piece painted on this paper because it looks almost cheap (in the unpainted areas) but as paper that you can use without worrying about waste it is wonderful.Recommended for practice and pieces that require a lot of wet work.

I love this paper. It costs hardly any more than 300gsm and is much better. Don't know what to say, it is probably overkill for a complete beginner but for an intermediate watercolorist like myself it is perfect. Not quite up to the standard of a really professional 100% cotton like Arches but has just the right amount of texture and is satisfyingly heavy.

Being new to watercolours, I found this pad at an art show originally and was delighted when I could buy this on-line.I like it because I don't have to stretch it before I use it, the quality is very good and I like the finish of my paintings. This is a great product for beginners and I would think those with a little more experience too.

Will noty buy again as the surface is too eaily damaged by masking fluid and overlaying of washes.