Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into the world of watercolor paper, specifically focusing on Academy watercolor paper. If you're just starting out with watercolors or looking for a budget-friendly option, you've probably stumbled upon this brand. But is it any good? Does it hold up to the demands of watercolor painting? Let’s find out!

First Impressions: What is Academy Watercolor Paper?

When you first pick up a pad of Academy watercolor paper, you'll likely notice the price point. It's generally quite affordable, making it attractive for beginners or artists who go through a lot of paper. Academy paper usually comes in pads, either glued on one side or spiral-bound, and is available in various sizes. The paper itself is typically a student-grade watercolor paper, meaning it's designed to be a more economical option compared to professional-grade papers. This often translates to a less robust construction and different fiber composition than its higher-end counterparts.

One of the first things to consider is the weight of the paper. Academy watercolor paper often comes in weights like 90lb (190 gsm) or 140lb (300 gsm). The weight determines how well the paper can handle water without buckling or warping. Lighter weight papers, like the 90lb, are more prone to buckling, especially with wet-on-wet techniques or multiple washes. Heavier weights, such as the 140lb, generally perform better in this regard, offering more stability and allowing for more layering of washes without significant distortion. However, even at 140lb, student-grade paper might still require stretching for very wet techniques to prevent buckling entirely. This is a common practice among watercolor artists, where the paper is soaked in water and then taped or stapled to a board to dry, creating a taut surface.

Another initial observation is the paper's texture, or tooth. Watercolor paper comes in hot press, cold press, and rough textures. Hot press paper is smooth, ideal for detailed work and fine lines. Cold press has a slightly textured surface, offering a good balance between detail and texture. Rough paper has a very pronounced texture, perfect for creating dramatic effects and capturing the granular appearance of pigments. Academy watercolor paper is most commonly found in cold press, which is a versatile option for a variety of watercolor techniques. The texture of the paper affects how the paint behaves, how it settles into the paper, and how it reflects light. A more textured paper will create more granular effects, while a smoother paper will allow for smoother washes and finer details. When evaluating Academy watercolor paper, pay attention to the texture and consider how it aligns with your preferred painting style.

Performance: How Does It Handle Watercolors?

Okay, so it's affordable, but how does Academy watercolor paper actually perform when you start painting? This is where things get interesting. The paper's ability to handle water is crucial for watercolor painting. As mentioned earlier, the weight of the paper plays a significant role. A lighter weight paper will buckle and warp more easily, which can be frustrating when you're trying to create smooth, even washes. With Academy watercolor paper, especially the 90lb variety, you'll likely need to use less water or stretch the paper beforehand to avoid excessive buckling.

The paper's sizing also impacts its performance. Sizing is a substance, usually gelatin or synthetic polymers, added to the paper during manufacturing to make it less absorbent. Good sizing helps the watercolor paint sit on the surface of the paper, allowing you to manipulate it and create smooth washes. Poorly sized paper will absorb the paint too quickly, making it difficult to blend and lift colors. Academy watercolor paper, being a student-grade option, may have less sizing compared to professional-grade papers. This can result in colors appearing less vibrant and washes drying unevenly. However, this doesn't necessarily make the paper unusable. It just means you might need to adjust your techniques, such as working in smaller sections or using more concentrated pigments.

Another factor to consider is the paper's ability to withstand scrubbing and lifting. Watercolor painting often involves lifting color to create highlights or correct mistakes. Some papers can handle this process better than others. With Academy watercolor paper, you might find that the surface is more delicate and prone to damage when scrubbing or lifting. This is because the fibers are not as tightly bound together as in higher-quality papers. If you tend to use lifting techniques frequently, you might need to be more gentle or consider using a different paper altogether. However, if you're just starting out and learning the basics, this limitation might not be a major issue. It can even encourage you to be more careful and deliberate with your brushstrokes.

Pros and Cons: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Let's break down the pros and cons of using Academy watercolor paper:

Pros:

• Affordable: This is the biggest advantage. It's a budget-friendly option, perfect for practicing and experimenting without breaking the bank.
• Readily Available: You can find Academy watercolor paper in most art supply stores and online retailers.
• Decent Texture: The cold press texture is versatile and suitable for a variety of watercolor techniques.
• Good for Beginners: It's a great option for beginners who are just starting to learn watercolor painting.

Cons:

• Buckling: Lighter weights (like 90lb) can buckle easily, especially with wet-on-wet techniques.
• Sizing Issues: The paper may have less sizing, which can affect the vibrancy of colors and the smoothness of washes.
• Delicate Surface: The surface is more prone to damage when scrubbing or lifting colors.
• Not Archival: Student-grade papers are typically not archival, meaning they may yellow or deteriorate over time.

Who is Academy Watercolor Paper For?

So, who should be using Academy watercolor paper? Here's my take:

• Beginners: If you're just starting out with watercolors, this is a great option to learn the basics without investing in expensive materials. It allows you to practice different techniques and experiment with colors without worrying about wasting money.
• Students: Art students who need to produce a lot of work will appreciate the affordability of Academy watercolor paper. It's a practical choice for completing assignments and exploring different styles.
• Practicing Artists: Even experienced artists can use Academy watercolor paper for practicing new techniques, sketching, or creating preliminary studies. It's a good way to save money on materials when you're not working on a final piece.
• Mixed Media Artists: If you're using watercolors in conjunction with other media, such as colored pencils or markers, Academy watercolor paper can be a suitable option. However, be mindful of how the paper interacts with the other materials and whether it can handle the combined techniques.

Alternatives to Academy Watercolor Paper

If you're not convinced that Academy watercolor paper is the right choice for you, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Canson XL Watercolor Paper: This is another popular student-grade option that offers good value for money. It's slightly more expensive than Academy watercolor paper, but it generally performs better in terms of buckling and sizing.
• Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper: This is a mid-range option that offers a good balance between quality and affordability. It's a step up from student-grade papers and provides better performance in terms of water handling and durability.
• Arches Watercolor Paper: This is a professional-grade paper that is considered the gold standard by many watercolor artists. It's significantly more expensive than student-grade papers, but it offers exceptional quality and archival properties.
• Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper: Another excellent professional-grade option, Fabriano Artistico is known for its beautiful texture and ability to handle a wide range of watercolor techniques.

Tips for Using Academy Watercolor Paper

If you decide to give Academy watercolor paper a try, here are some tips to help you get the best results:

1. Stretch the Paper: If you're using a lighter weight paper or plan to use wet-on-wet techniques, stretch the paper beforehand to prevent buckling. Soak the paper in water for a few minutes, then tape or staple it to a board and let it dry completely.
2. Use Less Water: Avoid using excessive amounts of water, especially with lighter weight papers. This will help to minimize buckling and prevent the colors from becoming too diluted.
3. Work in Layers: Instead of applying thick, heavy washes, work in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to build up depth and prevent the colors from becoming muddy.
4. Be Gentle with Lifting: If you need to lift color, be gentle and use a soft brush or sponge. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the surface of the paper.
5. Use Artist-Grade Paints: Even though you're using student-grade paper, using artist-grade paints can make a big difference in the vibrancy and longevity of your artwork.

Final Verdict: Is Academy Watercolor Paper Worth It?

So, is Academy watercolor paper worth it? The answer depends on your needs and expectations. If you're a beginner looking for an affordable option to practice and experiment with, then Academy watercolor paper is definitely worth considering. It's readily available, easy to use, and won't break the bank. However, if you're a more experienced artist looking for professional-grade results, you might want to invest in a higher-quality paper. While Academy watercolor paper has its limitations, it can still be a valuable tool for learning and exploring the world of watercolor painting. Just remember to adjust your techniques and be mindful of the paper's limitations, and you'll be able to create beautiful artwork on a budget!

Happy painting, everyone!