Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of watercolor paper, specifically focusing on Academy watercolor paper. If you're just starting your watercolor journey, or if you're a seasoned artist looking for a budget-friendly option, this review is for you. We'll explore everything from its texture and weight to how it handles different watercolor techniques. So, grab your brushes, and let's get started!

What is Academy Watercolor Paper?

Academy watercolor paper is often marketed as an economical choice for students and beginners. It's widely available in various forms, including pads, blocks, and sheets. Typically, it's made from wood pulp rather than cotton, which is a key factor in its affordability. But does the lower price point mean a compromise in quality? Let's find out.

When you're first starting out with watercolor painting, the sheer variety of papers available can be overwhelming. You've got hot press, cold press, rough, cotton, cellulose… the list goes on! And the prices? They can range from super affordable to eye-wateringly expensive. That's where Academy paper comes in. It's designed to be a more accessible option, especially for those who are just learning the ropes and don't want to break the bank experimenting. You'll often find it in art supply stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, and it's usually one of the least expensive watercolor papers on the shelf. This makes it really attractive for students, educators who need to supply entire classrooms, or anyone who just wants to practice without feeling guilty about "wasting" expensive materials. But before you stock up, it's important to understand the trade-offs. Academy paper, because it's usually made from wood pulp (also called cellulose), behaves differently than cotton paper. It tends to be less absorbent, which can affect how your colors blend and layer. It also might buckle or warp more easily when you apply a lot of water. So, while it's a great entry point, knowing its limitations will help you get the best results and decide if it's the right choice for your needs. In the following sections, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of those limitations and talk about how to work around them.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features of Academy watercolor paper. Usually, it comes in a cold press texture, which offers a nice balance between smoothness and texture, making it suitable for a range of watercolor techniques. The weight typically ranges from 90lb to 140lb. While 140lb is generally preferred for watercolor, the 90lb option might be more prone to buckling.

Texture: Academy paper typically comes in cold press, which is a really versatile texture for watercolor painting. Cold press paper has a slightly textured surface – not too rough, not too smooth – that gives the paint something to grip onto. This texture is created during the manufacturing process when the paper is pressed between textured rollers. The little hills and valleys on the surface of the paper are what define the cold press texture. For beginners, this texture is great because it allows you to create a variety of effects. You can get nice, even washes by letting the paint settle into the valleys, or you can use a dry brush technique to skip across the hills and create a broken, textured look. The cold press surface also works well with masking fluid and other mixed media techniques. However, it's worth noting that the quality and consistency of the cold press texture can vary between different brands and even different batches of Academy paper. Some may have a more pronounced texture than others. If you prefer a smoother surface, you might want to consider hot press paper (which is very smooth) or experiment with different brands of cold press to find one that suits your style.

Weight: The weight of watercolor paper is measured in pounds (lb) and refers to the weight of 500 sheets of that paper. Academy watercolor paper often comes in both 90lb and 140lb options. The 140lb paper is generally considered the standard weight for watercolor painting because it's thick enough to handle a good amount of water without buckling or warping too much. The 90lb paper is lighter and more economical, but it's also more prone to buckling, especially if you're using wet-on-wet techniques or multiple layers of washes. If you're using 90lb paper, it's a good idea to stretch it beforehand to minimize buckling. Stretching involves soaking the paper in water and then taping it down to a board until it dries. This pre-shrinks the paper so that it won't warp as much when you paint on it. However, even with stretching, 90lb paper might not be able to handle very heavy washes or scrubbing. For beginners, 140lb Academy paper is a safer bet because it's more forgiving and less likely to cause frustration. As you gain more experience, you can experiment with different weights and see what works best for your style and techniques.

Performance: How Does It Handle Watercolor?

So, how does Academy paper actually perform when you put watercolor to it? Generally, it's decent for light washes and layering. However, due to its wood pulp composition, it's not as absorbent as cotton paper. This means the colors might not blend as seamlessly, and you might find it harder to achieve smooth gradients.

One of the biggest challenges with Academy watercolor paper is its absorbency, or rather, its lack thereof compared to cotton paper. Because it's made from wood pulp, the fibers are shorter and less absorbent. This has a few key implications for how the paper handles watercolor paint. First, the colors tend to sit more on the surface of the paper rather than sinking in. This can make it harder to achieve those beautiful, soft blends that watercolor is known for. You might find that the colors stay more distinct and don't naturally feather or diffuse into each other as easily. Second, the paper dries more quickly. This can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it means you don't have to wait as long for your layers to dry before adding more paint. On the other hand, it gives you less time to manipulate the paint while it's wet, which can make it harder to create smooth gradients or fix mistakes. Third, because the paint sits on the surface, it's more prone to lifting when you add another layer of water. This can be frustrating if you're trying to build up depth or create glazes. To overcome these challenges, there are a few techniques you can try. First, use more water in your mixes. This will help the paint flow and blend more easily. Second, work quickly and decisively. Don't overwork the paint, as this can lead to muddy colors and lifting. Third, consider using a wetting agent like ox gall to reduce the surface tension of the water and help the paint spread more evenly. Finally, experiment with different brands of Academy paper. Some might be slightly more absorbent than others. While Academy paper might not perform as flawlessly as high-end cotton paper, it's still possible to achieve good results with practice and the right techniques.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros:

• Affordable: This is the biggest advantage. It's a budget-friendly option for practice and learning.
• Widely Available: You can find it in most art supply stores.
• Decent Texture: The cold press texture is versatile for various techniques.

Cons:

• Not as Absorbent: Colors might not blend as smoothly as on cotton paper.
• Buckling: The 90lb option is prone to buckling, and even the 140lb might warp with heavy washes.
• Lifting: Colors can lift easily when layering.

Tips for Using Academy Watercolor Paper

To get the best results with Academy paper, here are a few tips:

• Stretch Your Paper: If using 90lb, stretch it to minimize buckling.
• Use Less Water: Avoid overly wet techniques to prevent warping.
• Work in Layers: Build up colors gradually instead of applying heavy washes.
• Experiment with Techniques: Try dry brushing and other techniques that work well with the paper's texture.

One of the best ways to make the most of Academy watercolor paper is to embrace a layered approach. Instead of trying to achieve the final color or value in one go, build it up gradually with multiple thin washes. This has several advantages. First, it allows you to control the intensity of the color more precisely. You can slowly add more layers until you reach the desired depth, rather than risking over-saturating the paper with a single heavy wash. Second, layering helps to create more complex and nuanced colors. By layering different hues on top of each other, you can achieve a depth and vibrancy that would be difficult to achieve with a single color. For example, you could start with a light wash of yellow, then add a layer of red to create a warm orange. Or you could layer different shades of blue to create a sense of atmospheric perspective. Third, layering can help to minimize the effects of the paper's lower absorbency. By applying thin washes, you're giving the paper a chance to absorb the paint gradually, rather than overwhelming it with a large amount of water all at once. This can help to prevent buckling and lifting. When layering, it's important to let each layer dry completely before applying the next one. This will prevent the colors from mixing together and becoming muddy. You can speed up the drying process with a hairdryer, but be careful not to overheat the paper, as this can cause it to buckle. With practice, you'll learn how to layer colors effectively and create beautiful, luminous effects on Academy watercolor paper.

Alternatives to Academy Watercolor Paper

If you're looking for alternatives, consider student-grade cotton paper options like Canson XL Watercolor Paper or Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper. These offer better absorbency and performance while still being relatively affordable.

If you find that Academy watercolor paper isn't quite meeting your needs, or if you're ready to step up to something a bit higher quality without breaking the bank, there are several excellent alternatives to consider. One popular option is Canson XL Watercolor Paper. This paper is also made from cellulose (wood pulp), but it's generally considered to be a step up from Academy paper in terms of quality and performance. It's slightly more absorbent, which means the colors tend to blend a bit more smoothly. It also comes in a heavier weight (usually 140lb), which helps to prevent buckling. Another great alternative is Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper. This paper is a favorite among many watercolor artists because of its reliable performance and reasonable price. It's made from a blend of cellulose and cotton fibers, which gives it a good balance of absorbency and strength. It also has a nice, even surface texture that's suitable for a variety of techniques. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you might also consider Arches Expression Watercolor Paper. This paper is 100% cotton and is considered to be one of the highest quality watercolor papers available. It's incredibly absorbent, which allows for beautiful, seamless blends. It's also very durable and can withstand a lot of scrubbing and layering. While Arches paper is more expensive than Academy paper, many artists find that the improved performance is worth the investment. Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your budget, your skill level, and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and types of paper to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try something new!

Final Verdict: Is Academy Watercolor Paper Worth It?

So, is Academy watercolor paper worth it? For beginners and students on a tight budget, absolutely! It's a great way to practice and learn the basics without worrying about wasting expensive materials. However, keep in mind its limitations and be prepared to adjust your techniques accordingly. If you're looking for professional-quality results, you might want to invest in higher-grade cotton paper.

In conclusion, Academy watercolor paper serves a valuable purpose in the art world. It provides an accessible entry point for aspiring watercolorists, allowing them to explore the medium without a hefty financial commitment. Its affordability makes it ideal for practice, experimentation, and classroom settings. While it may not possess the same level of performance as artist-grade cotton paper, its limitations can be overcome with the right techniques and a bit of patience. For those seeking professional-quality results or who prioritize seamless blending and layering, investing in higher-grade paper is advisable. However, for beginners and budget-conscious artists, Academy watercolor paper offers a worthwhile opportunity to develop their skills and discover the joys of watercolor painting. Remember to embrace its unique characteristics, adapt your approach accordingly, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process!