Review on 🎨 Art-n-Fly Professional Grade Watercolor Paper Cylinder Mold, 15 Sheets, 100% Cotton, 140lb/300gsm by Michelle Langley

I really wanted to like this paper. Unfortunately, at least when painting with watercolors, this will not happen. The sizing appears to be on the surface of the paper so the ink floats on the sizing rather than making contact with the paper even though it is 100% rag paper. This means the wash glides and glides instead of settling on the paper. Other wet-on-wet techniques will not work on this paper either, and when the image dries it will appear dull. Applying a second coat usually removes the first coat of paint rather than allowing the second coat to build up, leading to undesirable results. I did a direct comparison with 140lb Arches cold pressed paper and the difference is very clear. In the photo, the image on the left is Art-n-Fly paper, on the right Arches - both are made with Mijello Mission Gold color and using the same technique. Both are first washes. I understand that for those who are just starting out, as well as those who are addicted, the price of paper can go up quickly. Unfortunately, when you try to learn or improve your drawing skills on poor paper, you can get very frustrated because your results don't live up to your expectations. it happened to me When I finally decided to just use rag paper (I used Arches) I couldn't believe the difference. Now with this paper, I've found that frustration comes back, but now I know it's the paper, not me. I will keep this paper and use it for other applications (colored pencil or pastel) but not watercolor.