Which paper do you use? The difference between cold pressed and hot pressed water color paper.

You know when you enter the art store and you see tons of paints, brushes, papers and another artifacts that you have no idea what are they for?
Yes, that’s me too.

I know I want it all, that I know.

For so long I waited to try watercolors, because it was well known for the past Ishani, that watercolors are an ancient, difficult, for just a few people painting technique.

Not such a good idea. But anyway, one day hubby bought me this amazing set of Van Gogh Watercolors and I bought a paper block and painted 2 roses, which I uploaded and sale them (yay)

Then I started studying and going to watercolor workshops, etc. That does work, no thinking that you can’t.

Anyway, there’s a lot of watercolor papers and blocks and notebooks out there, and there, clueless, I started to research and ask and TRY.

I discover you can’t be cheap on paper.
No. The better the paper the better the quality of the final piece.
Edge pasted blocks
Are my favorite. The glue in the edges helps the paper not to bend when you use a lot of water (like I do)
Cold pressed paper
Is thick and what defines it the most is the texture. If you (like me) are crazy about paper, this is you kind. It makes the watercolor stains more defined.
Hot pressed paper
Smooooth…it has a smooth non textured surface. I just used it for a commission, and I can say I really like it. Cold pressed is still my favorite (because of the craziness for texture). But this hot pressed one should work depending on the kind of piece you want to create.

So, when I know we are talking of comparison here.
Cold pressed versus Hot pressed. And it’s funny how the mind works. Because while I was painting on the hot pressed my mind was comparing all the time, but as soon as I noticed it I stopped and started enjoying this new experience of this new paper. Brand new. Compare with nothing. And it was amazing! I really enjoy painting on a smooth surface and discover all the wonders and the magic that a new experience can bring.

And then I realized that this comparison happens in art and in life also.

Have you ever compared your art with others, your work, your body, your life?
Sometimes that might hurt.

Different is perfect.
Is all needed.
Each paper, each life has its own purpose. The goal would be to appreciate it and enjoy it.

Your art is perfect, your style is unique and amazing, you are perfect and needed.
As the cold pressed and hot pressed paper.

Try new papers, new paints, new mediums! Try different styles. Enjoy it all.
Try, try, try! and accept who you are and rejoice.

See you soon amigos!