BAOHONG Academy Grade Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Cold Press Textured, 20 Sheets per Block (2 of Cold Press 10.2"x7" Block)

I've been using this block for a couple months. I have now used 18 of the 20 included sheets. So, I've had sufficient experience with this 5 x 7 Academy block by Baohong. I like to do wet on wet and I like using watercolor blocks. I have tried several, and this is the first that has impressed me. Firstly, it comes with 20 sheets. Secondly, the texture is beautiful under my paintings. Thirdly, this is very much the nicest paper I've worked with.Yes, I use a lot of water. Yes, the paper does buckle a little, but not like others I've worked with. Yes, my work has become more complex and detailed than in the past and I'm always growing as an artist, but still, I think this paper improves the look of my work. A lot, my friend.However, I don't recommend you purchase this block. Why, you might ask? I bought this block to test the brand, and found I strongly prefer it over others I've tried. (Excluding expensive Arches.) Because I like it so much, I've purchased the full roll of Baohong Cold Pressed for a very reasonable price here on Amazon.I would recommend you purchase the roll yourself, but I know that's a big leap. I would suggest you purchase the Baohong Sample Pack to see if you also approve of the quality and then buy the roll if you find the paper to your liking.Additionally, I would like to end by letting you know I'm a legit watercolor supply snob. I prefer top quality. I use Daniel Smith paints and Princeton Aqua Elite brushes. If this sounds like you, you'll probably like this paper. If you're happy with the products you use, don't switch!Stay wet, my friend.

Pros for this paper are that you don't have to worry about the paper buckling or bleeding through. Nice and thick paper hold the paint beautifully! The only con I can think of is that it's a bit difficult to separate the pages after you finish. But that a small issue really.

The quality and value of this paper cannot be beat! I have used several other brands of 100% cotton watercolor paper, but this is my favorite based on how the water and paint react on the paper.

I wanted to use this paper to try out things before painting a larger work - maybe a background I wasn't sure about or colors I was tinkering with. It was perfect to do a brush sketch. Nice lines and color looks nice. One big area of difference is how it handles a lot of water, especially when I drop watery mixes onto a wet page. The paint does not move across the paper nearly as far or as quickly. I kept adding water till I had a swimming pool but the paint pretty much stays where you put it which can be bad or good depending on what you want to do. It also does not readily bloom which also can be good or bad. In my case it meant I couldn't use it to try out some new techniques for backgrounds.

Baohong 100% cotton Academy student grade watercolor paper is right next to Arches. It's affordable and great for creating watercolor scenes of any kind. It is great for all mixed media. I get excited when I begin painting on cold press/acid free paper. Love it!!

Very good paper.

The size is perfect to carry along for outdoor sketching or color studies. The paper is cold pressed with a nice texture, allowing for a number of painting styles.

I LOVE this paper. I have 3 different sizes and 2 different finishes. HP and CP and both the academy and the professional. I've watched a lot of reviews on YT and most of the people reviewing the paper all love it. I LOVE it and I am going go a step further and say I like it a lot better than Arches (I bought some at michael's just to see what all the hubbub was about I wasn't impressed. And for the price???!!!) I really appreciate the bauhuang paper. The quality, the pricepoint and that I can just click on it here without having to spend $30 in gas just to get to the store where they sell the Arches (on top of paying the outrageous amount for the paper itself). I know a lot of people are going to give me flak about my opinion, but then again, it's just that, this is MY opinion, my story and I'm a stickin to it!

Excellent paper to watercolour from.Horrible delivery though. Dumped in bldg lobby. Did not use buzzer # provided. My good neighbor brought to me before thieves could steal.

First time using this paper with water soluble graphite. Takes many layers, love that it is in a block so I don’t have to tape down to a board. Reasonably priced. I think this paper will now be my go to for watercolor.

As a beginner, I am very happy with this paper. Price is good & it performs well, given my experience. Would buy again.

Best alternative to Arches that I've tried. Love it!

I love working on this watercolour paper. Great quality!