Soft press watercolor paper is right up my alley, as I like combining traditional pan/tube watercolors with watercolor pencils and inks. The smoother surface than cold press is friendlier to pens and pencils and allows for more intricate details, but the slightly rougher surface than hot press gives paintings an interesting texture and is more forgiving for washes.
Is soft press smoother than cold press NOT? Generally we find cold press in rough and torchon (rag) grades, but there is also a smooth NOT grade. I wonder if this is the Fabriano NOT or if it's something inbetween NOT and hot press.
Also one quick question and it’s a personal question do if you don’t feel ok answering I totally understand. But I was just wondering where you are from? You sound like you are from somewhere close to where I’m from.
This was very informative. I've been watching videos for like 2 years and I've learned more in this video than any other I've seen in the past. Thank you so much. I finally "GET" paper
Thanks for the informative video. You mentioned the research you did prior to purchasing the soft press; question: other than Fabriano sheets of soft press, did you come across other companies that sell this soft press paper? I’m intrigued. Great content. 👍🏼
Oddly enough I really prefer it in sheets, even though I never managed to calculate which is more economical, sheets or blocks. I think I like the edge so much it makes for all the difference. Plus, when you get that box, it feels like something really awesome and artistic is inside :D
I recently heard that Arches paper in sheets is so much cheaper than getting it in blocks. People make their own sketchbooks, so it doesn't look all that difficult if you look up some bookbinding tutorials and different stitches you can use on them
@@recoveringsoul755 Ye, I always prefered making my own, as I can improvise the format and mix some different papers in there. Must be an intuitive thing :D
I just ordered 10 sheets from cheap joes before watching this video, based on a comment on another video mentioning soft press and how velvety the texture is. I went with fabriano artistico, can't wait for it to arrive along with my hot press from the same
Quick questions about for my craft room makeover: I'm thinking about getting a "draft table" type of desk for painting watercolor, acrylic, and oils. Any drawback? Also, my craft room window faces West. Any suggestions for which wall I set up on or just plan on artificial light for consistency? Love your videos! Thanks, Cris
This video is going to be very helpful.😊 I just got in to watercolors 1 year ago and I have the same question. What is soft press watercolor paper? Gess I'm about to fin out. Finally!❤
@@patriciaizsak5993 I thought it was odd too, but it’s been around for as long as I’ve been watercoloring, which is more than a decade. Either way, it’s definitely worth a try.
I exclusively use 300lb/640gsm cold press paper (Khadi handmade, i get it from Talas, a bookbinding shop) but soft press sounds intriguing. hot press just doesn't work for me.
I have not tried it yet (I have some pads I've yet to crack open) but I've heard people describe Canson Heritage Hot Press as more of a soft press as it has some texture. Also Strathmore 500 Ready Cut Hot Press has a bit of texture to it as well. I do find Stonehenge Aqua Cold Press my favorite to draw on as it's not as textured as Arches.
Really interesting. Would like to know how it does with lifting color, stronger wet on wet.... basically how sturdy it is? How it holds up, like compared to arches or Dick Blick premier CP ?
I love Fabriano watercolor paper. I felt like I was hearing my twin talk when wanting something between hot press and cold press. I learned about the soft press a while ago and have found it to be one of my favorites overall.
Hi Carrie, Thank you for your very helpful watercolor tutorials. I love your work and teaching style! I am learning so much and so I also signed up for your online tutorial on watercolor paper stretching. I am lost of where to ask a question in the site so I thought I would reach out here. My question is what do you do once you remove the watercolor paper from the board and the staple holes are left behind? Do you need to cut the holes off for a more professional finish or cover them with white tape? Thank you.
