Arches Watercolor Paper Block, Cold Press, 9" x 12", 140 pound

It wasn’t packaged in a box, but it arrived in perfect condition, nonetheless - about the same price as Blick Art Supply. It is a good size for portability and being in a block makes it certain that the paper will dry flat. And, of course, Arches cold press is always the best paper available for watercolor.

No, Meeden and Yoohoo and Baohung doesn't hold a candle to the Arches blocks, especially in the larger sizes like this (and the heavier 300lb weight, too, with the teal cover). I haven't tried my Fabriano Artistico (I really should, and compare it), but when I want a real work of art, I'm grabbing the Arches blocks. I didn't think I'd ever paint this large, but you just end up needing to, and the 9 x 12" are more like practice technique papers now, and yeah, got the 16 x 20" too. And the rough pressed. It's 100% worth it, cold pressed is the exquisite quality paper; and I can scrub real hard, throw tons of water and paint on it, get lots of textures and ..the paintings almost paint themselves. I feel like I'm cheating, but the more you paint, the more you know this is the easiest contest: just pick the Arches and focus on your paintings, you'll come out WAY ahead in the long run. THIS IS WHAT TO GET.

Arches is the best, they have been in business since 1492. Now any problems with painting are the artists fault, not the materials.

Arches is ALWAYS the best quality. I use it for my cyanotype prints.

This paper is fantastic for watercolor. I have never tried to use it with acrylics but I will one day and report back when I do. The thickness and texture of this paper holds the watercolor paint well, even when I use it wet on wet. It buckles ever so slightly but nothing that a matting can't fix.

Excellent

The best watercolor paper.

This brand is a great watercolor paper, probably one of the most brands used by serious watercolotists.