Le Big Bang. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 23-24 is going to feature Arches watercolor paper; 140 lb weight in cold press or rough. $2.49 per sheet. Arches is the world’s best known watercolor paper and in terms of quality and customer preference, is head and shoulders above Winsor & Newton paper. Strathmore may be close but in the absence of more feedback, Arches is number one. The paper has been around apparently since 1492 and is still hung up to dry on wires in much the same manner, except back then when the paper drying business was quiet they may have used the premises to hang heretics and witches. They’re not sayin’. Maximum: 24 sheets per customer.
From Canson:Arches watercolor paper is a 100% cotton paper. Arches Watercolor Paper is a professional grade watercolor paper of the highest quality. Manufactured in the same French mill since 1492, Arches watercolor papers are produced on a cylinder mould with pure French stream water. Made with natural gelatin sizing; naturally white containing no optical brightners offers optimal longevity. Each sheet of Arches watercolor paper is hand inspected to ensure consistency and durability. Arches is strong enough to handle multiple washes of color, masking fluid, scrubbing and artist tape without damage to the surface. Each sheet is permeated with sizing to give each fiber a consistent feel and absorbency. It is an ideal paper for watercolor and other wet media, and can also be used for drawing and printmaking.
very informative video from Dick Blick. Madame Pickwick’s prices are better…