Paul Rubens Watercolor Sketchbook, High Absorption, Artist Quality Watercolor Paper, Acid-Free 100% Cotton, 7.87x5.43'', 140b(300gsm), Pack of 2 (40 Sheets), Art Supplies for Beginners, Professionals

I thought it was a book like journal. I still love it. The paper is good and Hansel’s the water and paint very well. Great price too

When I first learned to paint with watercolours, someone told me we don't paint on the paper, we paint with the paper. And it's true. The quality of the paper, matching it to the style of the painter, and the paints... this all makes a huge difference.This cold-pressed watercolour paper block is my favourite so far.Being a block, all four sides of the paper are glued down to make it easier to paint without the paper warping out of shape. There's a gap on one side where we can get a palette knife (or plastic leaf tool - if anyone knows where I can get one, please let me know, this doesn't come with the plastic leaf) in between the sheets and lift off the finished painting. BE VERY CAREFUL as inattention can damage the painting or the next layer of paper. But so long as I'm not distracted, it's very easy to do.The paper is thick enough that the paint doesn't go through to the next layer and the glue protects the edges. It's not enough to stop it completely from buckling or warping - for that look up "stretching" watercolour paper. But having the paper in a block is hugely convenient and enough for anything I do that isn't a soppy wash.The back of the paper makes good scrap and has a similar texture to the front so if I mess something up, I can just use the back for practice.Lifting (depending on the paint) is easy. Layering works fine - I usually do three glazes, but can do 10 without the paper getting angry at me. How it handles tape depends on the tape. It does okay with art masking tape or washi tape, but hates painter's tape like for the green stuff for walls.On the whole, this is my favourite for value and quality.I would recommend this for beginners and intermediate painters and for rough drafts for professional painters. It's a solid, mid-grade paper so long as you know the difference between a block and a book.

This paper is good but it has a lot of texture, so it depends on your preference. It works for some of my paintings. It’s a great price though.

I purchased the two pack Paul Rubens 100% cotton watercolor blocks, cold pressed. However, once I received the package I realized right away this is not cold pressed paper, instead it's hot pressed. After using the paper I realized this is comparable to junky cellulose paper. It's listed as 100% cotton, but that's questionable. I'm no professional, but I have painted in watercolor long enough to know for certain I do not like how the paper performs. If you have to do a wash it starts pilling quickly. The paint absorbs so quickly you can't maneuver it around. I have mine packed up ready to return.

Each page is stuck together on the edges. I needed to box cut through each page