Review on 🎨 Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper Block, 140lb Cold Pressed, 9x12, White - Professional Grade by Barbara Simmons

I am returning to watercolor painting as it was my favorite medium at school. I wanted this newspaper to be liked, but it has "problems". I've tried many cheaper papers that are good for some techniques or to create colored die-cut papers. Although this paper is 100% cotton, it performs just as well as cheaper paper. The density and texture are pleasant. But when you add water and color, there's no control. I don't usually work from the block but cut the paper into smaller sizes and glue them to the glass. When I put my wet brush on this paper, at first the surface is really dry and melts. I tried to slightly pre-dampen the paper, but then drops started to flow. If I add a little more moisture to my ink strips to get them moving, the paper will warp and the ink will puddle and control is impossible. The absorption is really bad, but mostly too dry at first and then random. Wet on wet is pretty much a disaster. I'm far from a professional artist, but using Arches greatly improves my ability to create a decent painting as the absorbency of this paper (used in exactly the same way) is dependable, itself never warps or causes unpleasant puddles of control. So before you think, "I'll never be a good watercolor artist," try better paper than this. They are definitely worth the extra money.