It’s Not You, It’s Your Supplies

It's Not You, It's Your Supplies: The Importance of Watercolor Paper

If you're a watercolor artist—or even just beginning your journey with this medium—you've likely experienced frustration when your paintings don’t turn out as expected. Maybe the colors aren’t vibrant, or the brushstrokes seem uneven. While it's easy to blame yourself for these results, there’s a good chance the issue lies not with your technique but with your supplies, specifically your choice of watercolor paper.

Let me show you what I mean. Below, you'll find two images of the same painting, created using the same paint and brush strokes. The only difference? One was painted on Canson watercolor paper and the other on Arches cold press watercolor paper.

The difference is undeniable.

Canson Watercolor Paper

Arches Watercolor Paper

Cold Press

The Paper Makes All the Difference

On the Arches paper, the colors are rich, the blending smooth, and the details clear and defined. The paint sits beautifully on the paper’s surface, allowing for vibrant layers and subtle transitions. On the other hand, the Canson paper struggles to handle the same amount of water, leading to patchy, inconsistent results. The colors are duller, and it’s harder to control the paint.

Why? Arches cold press watercolor paper is made from 100% cotton fibers, which gives it excellent water absorption and allows for better pigment distribution. It handles multiple washes without breaking down, offering more control when blending and layering. Meanwhile, Canson paper, made from wood pulp, simply can’t compete with that quality. It absorbs water unevenly, making it difficult to achieve the vibrant, smooth finishes that make watercolor so magical.

If You’re Frustrated, It’s Not You

So if you’ve been using something like Canson and feeling like your paintings aren’t quite coming together, don’t lose heart—it’s likely your paper. The good news? Simply upgrading to better-quality supplies like Arches can drastically improve your painting experience and your final results.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re eager to elevate your watercolor art, start with the basics: your materials. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into techniques that will help you get the most out of those materials, check out my Watercolor Techniques for Beginners virtual course. In this course, I guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right supplies to mastering essential techniques.

Sign up on my website and start creating the vibrant, beautiful watercolors you’ve always dreamed of!