Stonehenge Aqua White Medium Weight Block, 140lb, Coldpress, 15 Sheets for Wet and Dry Media (9X12)

I have purchased a variety of watercolor paper this year as a new artist. I have personally experienced the things that inferior paper dies that inhibits success:—-Paper absorbing too slow—-Paper absorbing too fast—-Paper not allowing paint to be layered without mixing.—-Paper now allowing paint to be lifted.The Legion watercolor paper block of 140 pound 100% cotton paper contains 15 sheets glued all the way around except for about 2” in the center of the side that is in protected by the cover.I chose the 12”x16” size to make large floral wreaths and other floral designs. But this is also PERFECT for landscapes, and everything else.This particular size had an incredible price…versus the other sizes. I have heard that blocks are the most expensive way to buy paper.That may be true as a calculation, but I see the block form as another choice I make for the success of my project. I don’t want the other versions the paper comes in. I actually have loose cuts of Arches, but reach for my block of Legion first.The block format allows me to work without taping the loose sheet of watercolor paper to another hard backer-board. That saves space where I am painting, as well as lots of tape. The block keeps my artwork flat while it’s drying. If allowed t dry the watercolor piece on a block will end up flat. The block under my artwork will absorb some of the moisture. If I use a separate backer-board, the board won’t absorb any moisture, because it is waterproof. The artwork would dry slower for that reason. It takes discipline to allow the finished work to fully dry before removing the tape, or cutting it off the block.This 12”x16” block has allowed me to layering paints, lift paints, and to scrub off bleeds, blooms or hard lines without damage. This paper absorbs at a predictable rate and behaves well in all aspects. I’m delighted with it!And on top of my experiences I LOVE that the quantity is 20 sheets.CON: When my block arrived directly from Amazon, this expensive special product arrived with only the expected shrink wrap, …inside a thin Amazon envelope. I do not remember if it was paper or the vinyl bag. What I remember is that it was not in a cardboard box and it should have been. Each of the four corners of this block were bent. That was very disappointing. . Otherwise—-Fabulous!!

This watercolor paper is my choice brand. I have not tried Arches, but this is more affordable and I think is an excellent paper. I have seen many professionals say to find a paper you like and stick with it because you learn how that specific paper handles. I have also seen where several of the artists I have watched on YouTube have suggested this brand of watercolor paper or said that it is a very good brand to use.

While this isn't my favorite watercolor paper ever, it's affordable and reliable and does what I want it to do, and I use it to fieldtest different watercolor palettes because it gives me a fair basis of comparison. It takes pencil and brush pen well, has a nice surface texture, and generally responds well to masking fluid (although I've had a few tears- I live in a very humid area, and it might not have fully cured before removing). It can handle loads of water, and granulation is beautiful on this paper. My only complaint is I would like a bit more surface sizing and internal sizing- it tends to get a bit pulpy when it's too wet, and very easy to overwork at that point, but if you allow it to dry fully, that solves itself! Above examples are (almost) all painted on Stonehenge Coldpress- the exception is in the first photo, the illustration to the right was painted on Stonehenge Hotpress- I love that paper as well!

This paper is high quality, love that it’s on a block. I’ve even painted on the paper off of the block and it doesn’t curl too long which is great! When I lay down one layer of paint, it looks beautiful. However, I am working on a portrait and adding layers of water and paint tends to damage the paper easily because of how soft it is. It also absorbs quickly because of this, too. So you have to work quickly with the water you put down. I will use this paper for paintings that won’t require many layers.

The texture of the paper is good and takes water and watercolor well.

I honestly prefer this paper to Arches, it’s perfect and a little less expensive

The texture is somewhere between cold press and hot press with the best attributes of both. The color blending of cold press paper with the ability of painting fine details with hot. If you are used to glazing and applying many layers, I think it is possible but water control and a soft application will be important. Lifting and softening hard edges takes very little effort and if you have struggled with this with other papers this paper shines in that respect. If this paper is new to you my suggestion is to play with the first sheet, do some blending of color wet n wet and dry, let it dry and then add a glaze over top, find an area with hard edges and soften them. This paper has some great attributes that I think can be utilized in many different ways. I've used primarily Arches cold press for a long time as my go to paper, this paper is different but in a good way. With professional watercolor papers, the different attributes of the papers add to your tool box. I say give it a try and see if works for you, having just struggled through a painting of flowers (not my usual painting subject) this paper might be the right tool for me.

No me parece de gran calidad el papel, veo poca diferencia entre este y los de celulosa, a parte de que esto aguanta un poco mas las aguadas. El bloque viene con una esquina doblada.

The waterblock works well and it came in tact (no dented corners or damage to cover)

Quality and prompt delivery

Paper dries completely flat after many washes and colors look vibrant.

Took colour up but was easy to remove for light