GenCrafts Watercolor Paper Pad (Pack of 2)

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 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 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.

For what I need, this is perfect. I turn and color wood with Fiber Reactive Dyes, and this works very well being a wood based paper. I have been creating color sample cards for my Dyes.

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.

Great for students. I’ll be combining the students artwork into a book for each. I use this paper to make sample paintings, brush and paint testing, watercolor cards and color swatching. I plan to make several watercolor sketchbooks with this paper. Nice paper for all these projects.

I wasn't sure about this brand since Id never herd of it but You tube painting guru suggested it as best value for quality and price. I t allows you to feel luxurious and unafraid to experiment since the pads are chock full at 30 PP each. Tear away ill easy peasy, no dripping, or difficulty. I will definitely be re-ordering to use for my acrylic practice and finished products on this multi-use paper. It responds well to gesso for those painters who want to stiffen up and make this like a canvas to a great degree.

Ok, I'm going to redo this review. I think this paper cannot handle a lot of wet on wet painting but I found it really good for painting without wetting the paper first. In fact I'm starting to like it so I think I just need to learn how to use it in a different way. 1st thoughts: This paper is terrible for wet on wet. It buckles and wraps easily. It has a strange graded texture that makes it hard to paint on. It does not flow easily over the page. Was very disappointed with this paper. (I changed my mind but I will use it differently now)