Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad, Heavyweight White Paper, Foldover Binding, 30 Sheets, 9x12 inch

I used to shy away from Canson watercolor paper because most of the artists I was being influenced by never had much good to say about it. But the more I practice and learn my own style, the more I find that I really enjoy painting on Canson paper. I find it durable, versatile, and it holds up well against some of the more rigorous techniques (scrubbing, layering, lifting). It also works great with archival ink (I love Micron!). Would I use Canson watercolor paper to frame my most valuable artwork? Not necessarily. However, I find it’s a great option for those of us who don’t have an Arches budget. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I personally get more enjoyment out of painting on paper that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Affordable paper frees me up to be more creative and less stressed about making mistakes. I’ve recently started keeping a watercolor journal where I paint about little things that bring joy to my day and I love using Canson paper for this purpose! I recommend this paper for its affordability and excellent quality!**The attached photo is a picture of my Canson 7x10” spiral bound pad (XL)

I am artist who has always had a disdain for watercolor art.... until NOW! I finally forced myself to confront the medium I've so LONG dreaded and despised... initially as a challenge to my proud and competitive self, lol, but I have realized that so much more than idyllic lake scenes with mild flora and fauna can be rendered with vibrance, energy, and even abstraction in watercolor! Now that I'm jumping into the water...color... it's exciting and this paper is surely helping along with my success! I am not a formally trained watercolorist, so I'm learning as I go, but as long as I use my Frog Painter's Tape underneath the paper to bind to my masonite clipboards, with the four sides taped on the outer edge, I have no warped and curled up paintings. After several days of being allowed to dry with the Frog tape left on, the paper comes up from the board flat and beautiful. It's so thick, and the size is ideal for me. A few times, I've used my bonefolder to fold it in half and tear so that I can get two smaller paintings from just one sheet. I also recommend the Canson XL Mixed Media Pads! They are thick and smooth papers that aren't as thick as watercolor paper, but way sturdier than typical sketch/drawing paper and are great for printmaking/drawing/acrylic painting, even light watercolor works. Thank you, Canson!!!

I use a lot of this paper, because Im trying to learn how to watercolor. Iv tried in the past, but the paper was so doggone expensive, I didn't want to waste it. so, I didn't get a lot of practice that I needed.Im so glad I found this affordable good paper. It won't stand up to a lot of scrubbing, and layering like Ttrathmore or Arches, but its thirty sheets for half the price of a ten sheet arches block.I finally got brave enough to buy a big size paper, too. I got the big 18x24 too.I find the 9x12, is the perfect size for travel, and holds up better than the larger sizes. Iv used one a month for several months now, and Im actually seeing some decent progress in my abilities to end up with a nice watercolor.I gave landscape as a Christmas gift! He loved it, and got misty that someone would give him such a great gift.It is not matted, and put into a nice $6.00 frame.I use drafting tape for creating a nice boarder. other art tapes, and painters tapes tend to pull off the top layer of this paper, which is disheartening after ending up with a successful painting. Be very careful about how you pull the tape off this paper.Just as well, if not for the great price, how readily available it is, (its what walmart uses. I was so happy when walmart began to stock this paper)I get this paper as gifts now from my loved ones. they are actually taking calling dibs on my paintings now.Iv been posting a painting a day on facebook. My friends are calling dibs on some of them. one person has a collection four paintings that they kept offering to pay for!Im telling you all this, because it just wouldn't have been possible to learn anything while being afraid to waste expensive paper.If I do get a nice painting, this paper is still archival quality paper that will last, and it frames up very well.I think this is very funny, but I have another friend who keeps saying Im so talented. Im not.Iv been painting my tail off.30 pieces of paper for ten bucks. Iv gotten it as low as 7.99.No one would be calling dibs on my daily dabble if I hadn't found this wonderful affordable paper.good product, varying prices, and readily available just about anywhere.

The quality is amazing. It’s made me love drawing even more. And I keep coming back to repurchase it over and over.