Watercolor painting has long been a favorite medium for artists, offering incredible versatility and a unique way to express creativity.
The choice of paper significantly impacts the final result, as it affects the paint’s absorption, texture, and overall fluidity.
For professional artists, the right paper can elevate a piece, making the distinction between a good painting and a great one.
Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper is a top choice among many professionals, known for its high quality and excellent performance.
This paper is crafted from 100% cotton, providing durability and a luxurious feel that enhances the watercolor experience.
It comes in various weights and textures, allowing artists to select the best fit for their specific techniques and personal preferences.
When buying watercolor paper, consider factors like weight, texture, and whether it is cold-pressed or hot-pressed.
Cold-pressed paper has a textured surface that captures paint beautifully, while hot-pressed paper is smooth and often preferred for detailed work.
These aspects play a crucial role in the painting process and can influence how the colors blend and interact.
I explored several options to pinpoint the best Fabriano Artistico watercolor papers available for professional artists.
Best Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper for Professional Artists
I’ve explored a range of Fabriano Artistico watercolor papers to find the top choices for professional artists.
Whether you’re painting detailed landscapes or vibrant abstracts, these papers provide the quality and texture needed to enhance your artwork.
Check out my selection of the best options available!
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block
This watercolor block offers fantastic quality for any artist looking to elevate their watercolor painting without breaking the bank.
- Very absorbent, great for wet techniques.
- Sturdy and glue-bound on all sides, perfect for travel.
- 100% cotton composition ensures longevity and a premium feel.
- Limited sheet count may not last long for frequent users.
- Price is slightly higher than other brands.
- The cold press texture might not suit everyone’s style.
Using the Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block has really upped my painting game.
The absorbent surface allows for rich color saturation, which brings my artworks to life.
I’ve tried various brands, but this one feels unique, especially when working with wet techniques.
The colors blend beautifully, making mixing on the paper a smooth experience.
Traveling with this block is a breeze.
Since it’s glue-bound on all sides, I can easily throw it into my bag when heading outdoors.
The convenience of painting without needing a flat surface is a game-changer.
No more worrying about losing my composition while setting up.
While the price is a bit on the higher side, the quality justifies it.
The texture adds a lovely depth to my work, though it may take some getting used to if you’re more accustomed to smoother paper.
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block
This watercolor block is a solid choice for anyone seeking high-quality paper that performs well across various mediums.
- Made from 100% cotton, offering excellent durability.
- Cold press surface provides a lovely texture for painting.
- Easy to remove sheets, making it convenient for outdoor painting.
- The color may be slightly off-white, which some users might find unexpected.
- Smaller size could limit larger projects.
- Price may be higher compared to other options.
I’ve been using the Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block for several projects lately, and I appreciate how well it holds watercolor without buckling.
The 5×7 size is perfect for quick sketches and smaller pieces, allowing me to experiment without feeling the pressure of creating a masterpiece every time.
The texture of the cold press surface feels just right for my style, capturing washes beautifully while still allowing for detailed work.
Plus, being gluebound on all sides means I can easily take my block outdoors or to a friend’s house without the need for additional surfaces.
It’s great for those of us who love art on the go.
However, I did notice that the paper has a slightly off-white hue compared to some other papers I’ve used.
While this hasn’t hindered my work, it’s worth noting for anyone expecting a bright white finish.
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block
I really enjoyed using this block for my recent projects, and I think it’s worth considering for any professional artist looking for quality watercolor paper.
- Made from 100% cotton, providing excellent durability.
- Smooth hotpress surface allows for detailed work.
- Ideal for various media beyond watercolor.
- A bit pricier compared to other options.
- Some users may struggle with streaking.
- Paper texture might not suit everyone’s style.
Using the Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block has been a solid experience for me.
The sheets are bright white and absorbent, which really brings my colors to life.
I’m impressed with how well it handled multiple layers without warping, making it ideal for both bold washes and fine details.
The gluebound design is particularly convenient for painting outdoors or when I don’t have the space to set up a full workspace.
I can easily tear off a sheet when needed, which adds to its portability.
While I’ve found it works beautifully with watercolors, there were moments when I noticed some streaking.
It might be a matter of adjusting my technique, but it was something I had to keep in mind.
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block
This watercolor paper block is a solid choice for artists looking for quality, especially when traveling or painting outdoors.
- Made from 100% cotton, ensuring durability.
- Gluebound on all sides for easy on-the-go use.
- Lightly textured surface enhances paint application.
- Occasional issues with paper adhering properly.
- Pricey compared to some alternatives.
- Some users reported inconsistencies in quality.
I recently tried the Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Block, and I was surprisingly impressed by its performance.
The cold press surface offers just the right amount of texture, allowing paint to flow smoothly without feeling too slick.
I found it easy to apply multiple washes without the paper warping.
One of the best features is its portability.
With it being gluebound on all four sides, I could easily paint outside without needing a flat surface.
The 9 x 12 size is manageable too, making it simple to carry around in my bag.
However, not everything was perfect.
I did face a few issues with the paper not sticking on one side after some use.
Additionally, the price point might be a bit high if you’re used to more budget-friendly options.
Fabriano Artistico 140 lb. Hot Press
This watercolor paper is a great choice for artists who want a smooth surface and vibrant colors.
- Excellent texture for detailed work
- 100% cotton composition ensures durability
- Wide color response with minimal absorbency issues
- Arrives with occasional shipping damage
- Can slightly warp when wet
- Some users report block integrity issues
I’ve used Fabriano Artistico watercolors and can’t say enough about how the extra-white surface makes my colors come alive.
The high-quality 100% cotton composition provides a lovely texture that holds up beautifully to layering.
I often find myself appreciating the smooth surface when I’m trying to get intricate detail in my work.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their watercolor painting.
On the flip side, I did encounter some issues with shipping—one of my blocks showed up with a small dent.
Thankfully, the paper itself was unharmed, but any slight compromise in the edges is something to keep in mind if you’re picky about presentation.
Additionally, while the paper generally performs well under heavy washes, I’ve noticed some minor warping, particularly when using a lot of water.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right watercolor paper is essential for achieving the best results in your artwork.
Here are some key features I consider when selecting Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper.
Weight and Thickness
The weight of the paper is crucial.
Typically, I look for paper that is at least 200 lb (or 800 gsm) to handle heavy washes without warping.
Texture
The surface texture can greatly affect the final look of my paintings.
I notice that there are a few common textures:
- Rough: Great for texture and layering.
- Cold Press: Versatile for various techniques.
- Hot Press: Smooth and excellent for detailed work.
Acid-Free
I always ensure that the paper is acid-free to prevent yellowing and degradation over time.
This keeps my artwork looking fresh and vibrant.
Sizing
I pay attention to sizing, as it affects how the paint interacts with the paper.
Good sizing helps control water absorption.
Format and Sheets
Lastly, I consider if I want to buy sheets, pads, or blocks.
Sheets give me flexibility, while blocks prevent warping.
Pads are great for convenience.
When purchasing, I evaluate these characteristics based on my personal style and the techniques I prefer.