Looked everywhere to find an A5 sketchbook with acid-free good quality paper. Well, well, well! I looked no more. Utterly thrilled with this book, I chose Hot-Pressed paper, I'm a miniaturist, and an HP finish to paper is imperative for fine detail. My book has Arches paper, absolutely spot on for fine detailed drawing and colour sketching. What was a real bonus to me, included a simple scrap of paper with the sketch book, instructions on how to open the book to gain the best possible ease of use. I had not come across these instructions before and found them extremely helpful, and of course it ensures I get the utmost use of every single page in the sketch book. Delighted with my purchase, and highly recommend these books to any serious artist, be they amateur or ... MoreLooked everywhere to find an A5 sketchbook with acid-free good quality paper. Well, well, well! I looked no more. Utterly thrilled with this book, I chose Hot-Pressed paper, I'm a miniaturist, and an HP finish to paper is imperative for fine detail. My book has Arches paper, absolutely spot on for fine detailed drawing and colour sketching. What was a real bonus to me, included a simple scrap of paper with the sketch book, instructions on how to open the book to gain the best possible ease of use. I had not come across these instructions before and found them extremely helpful, and of course it ensures I get the utmost use of every single page in the sketch book. Delighted with my purchase, and highly recommend these books to any serious artist, be they amateur or professional.

Amazing!

Well, the legends are true: Your painting won't buckle if you paint on a block. Especially if it's THIS block. As a novice gouache painter I was amazed. I was skeptical at first because I did notice ever so slight buckling under the first layer of wet paint... but as it dried, it flattened right back out. And I had no further buckling at all with subsequent layers. I now have a perfectly flat finished painting to be proud of, without the hassle of having to stretch the paper beforehand. And of course the Arches paper itself is legendary for a reason. Even as a beginner I can tell the difference. Note that when you open the cover of these blocks, you'll see a black page at first - that's just the protective page on top. The regular paper is underneath. Find the ... MoreWell, the legends are true: Your painting won't buckle if you paint on a block. Especially if it's THIS block. As a novice gouache painter I was amazed. I was skeptical at first because I did notice ever so slight buckling under the first layer of wet paint... but as it dried, it flattened right back out. And I had no further buckling at all with subsequent layers. I now have a perfectly flat finished painting to be proud of, without the hassle of having to stretch the paper beforehand. And of course the Arches paper itself is legendary for a reason. Even as a beginner I can tell the difference. Note that when you open the cover of these blocks, you'll see a black page at first - that's just the protective page on top. The regular paper is underneath. Find the little gap in the side of the block (on these it's easy to find because it's a large gap in the glue) and carefully insert your palette knife. Gently run the palette knife all around the block. And the protective top page will pop right off. Same process to remove your paintings from the block when you finish them. Perfect!

Arches watercolor blocks are great

I began taking watercolor classes one year ago. The instructor rcommeded Arches paper. I used books of paper at first, but if you use a block, you don't need to tape the corners to keep the paper flat. I love using the block paper, so you can paint with the paper as part of the block. Give it a try; you'll be glad you did. It is available in several sizes to fit your needs. #sweeepstakes

Awful Disgusting Smell

I have purchased Arches blocks in the past. This is the first time I bought one in an 8x10 size. I started using it as in the past, doing wet on wet. All of a sudden I smelled a nauseating odor and then realized that it was coming from the paper. It smelled like fish that was left out in the sun. The odor gave me an awful migraine and I had to stop painting, This project is also a commission and I am concerned that it will continue to smell even once dried. Needless to say, I'm questioning whether to ever buy Arches again which is highly upsetting as the quality is overall the best but this experience is not one I want to relive.

Been using this for years!

I've been using Arches paper for over 40 years for both watercolor and pen and ink. I use hot press for more detailed work and cold press for looser paintings/drawings. The paper is exceptionally workable and there is virtually no bleeding of inks or watercolors. A 'block' like this, sealed on all four sides, enables me to work very wet without worrying about the paper curling or about color bleeding into the sheets below. Depending on how you work, you may need to sponge it lightly to remove some sizing before painting - although I never do. Highly recommended.

Depends on how the block gets protected!

The first delivery of the watercolor block came damaged. You replaced it; I suggested that it be shipped with cardboard corner-blocks so the corners wouldn't get damaged in the event the package got dropped. No corner blocks...again, one corner was very slightly damaged, but not enough to return. It's a good idea to protect corners...saves everyone time and expense to stave off an easy mishandling! Thanks.

Excellent quality

Arches 300 gsm watercolour blocks are my ‘reliable’ choice when I want a great result for watercolour paintings that are going to be hung in my own home or someone elses. Each sheet can take on a lot of water provided the paper is fully dried between washes. I can do multiple washes to gain great backgrounds and still use brushes loaded up with water to attain value in the details of the painting. I would recommend these blocks for those who, for whatever reason, do not want to stretch their own paper.When using a lot of water I always keep an eye on the top centre of the block where their is a small section without adequate protection.I find my work bench seems ‘neater’ when using blocks.I also choose Arches watercolour sheets when I do not need blocks because ... MoreArches 300 gsm watercolour blocks are my ‘reliable’ choice when I want a great result for watercolour paintings that are going to be hung in my own home or someone elses. Each sheet can take on a lot of water provided the paper is fully dried between washes. I can do multiple washes to gain great backgrounds and still use brushes loaded up with water to attain value in the details of the painting. I would recommend these blocks for those who, for whatever reason, do not want to stretch their own paper.When using a lot of water I always keep an eye on the top centre of the block where their is a small section without adequate protection.I find my work bench seems ‘neater’ when using blocks.I also choose Arches watercolour sheets when I do not need blocks because in my opinion Arches is the best quality watercolour paper available at Eckersley’s with gsm’s to suit various needs + always made with 100% cotton

I've tried a lot of different brands, but Arches... WOW!

I'm not sure what can be said that hasn't already been said about Arches Watercolor Paper. I've tried a lot of different brands. One or two of these brands come close, but nothing can compare with Arches. It absorbs the water & pigment in such a way that it remains simple to lift in order to correct mistakes, the way the paint blends into the paper and with other colors is magnificent. Many times I'm pleasantly surprised with how the paint settles into the paper once dry; creating beautiful soft blends. I won't use any other type of paper now.

Nothing beats Arches. Seriously.

In an attempt to save money, I've tried cheaper brands suggested by other artists. Canson Watercolor XL, Fluid blocks, those cheap watercolor postcard things you get on Aliexpress - nothing compares to Arches. Seriously. For one, Arches absorption capacity for multiple layers of watercolor pigment is unparalleled. Arches paper is 100% cotton, which means you can build up extremely saturated and near-endless layers of watercolor to get VIBRANT paintings! You can also scrub at the paper pretty vigorously to lift paint without damaging it (though obviously, you can go overboard and damage it - it's not invincible). Compared to a cheaper paper like, say, Canson XL Watercolor, the pigment on the cheaper paper just SITS ON TOP OF THE SHEET, meaning every stroke with more ... MoreIn an attempt to save money, I've tried cheaper brands suggested by other artists. Canson Watercolor XL, Fluid blocks, those cheap watercolor postcard things you get on Aliexpress - nothing compares to Arches. Seriously. For one, Arches absorption capacity for multiple layers of watercolor pigment is unparalleled. Arches paper is 100% cotton, which means you can build up extremely saturated and near-endless layers of watercolor to get VIBRANT paintings! You can also scrub at the paper pretty vigorously to lift paint without damaging it (though obviously, you can go overboard and damage it - it's not invincible). Compared to a cheaper paper like, say, Canson XL Watercolor, the pigment on the cheaper paper just SITS ON TOP OF THE SHEET, meaning every stroke with more color lifts the layer underneath. If you want super saturated washes of color, Canson XL Watercolor paper is the WRONG CHOICE.It's barely worth practicing on for vibrant color washes if your primary art medium is watercolor. It just doesn't take watercolor pigment the same way Arches does! I would HIGHLY suggest Arches for watercolor artists. It might be on the pricier side, but it's WORTH IT. As for the Canson XL Watercolor paper, you're better off using acrylic or gouache on its surface as the pigment in these media are larger and behave how you'd expect on this type of sheet. I've attached a few pictures of the types of illustrations and saturation values I've been able to achieve using Arches! #sweepstakes

Very pleased and plan to purchase again

Although I am not a professional artist, a few years ago I started painting again fairly regularly. I have tended to purchase what I could afford as I practice, practice, and practice some more. I recently decided to upgrade my paper choice from Blick's Premier watercolor blocks to try Arches. I had used Arches drawing paper in college (years ago!) and recalled that it had a nice quality. I purchased the 12" x 16" cold press 140# variety and am currently completing my first painting. I've been working on it daily for the past week and have experienced good things. To begin with, I'm pleased that the glued edges seem to be holding together well. With the Blick brand, pages tend to separate from the block and even from the base board. Secondly, I am pleased with the ... MoreAlthough I am not a professional artist, a few years ago I started painting again fairly regularly. I have tended to purchase what I could afford as I practice, practice, and practice some more. I recently decided to upgrade my paper choice from Blick's Premier watercolor blocks to try Arches. I had used Arches drawing paper in college (years ago!) and recalled that it had a nice quality. I purchased the 12" x 16" cold press 140# variety and am currently completing my first painting. I've been working on it daily for the past week and have experienced good things. To begin with, I'm pleased that the glued edges seem to be holding together well. With the Blick brand, pages tend to separate from the block and even from the base board. Secondly, I am pleased with the way the paper absorbs and holds color whether I am doing a loose wash of color or fine detail. Finally, I appreciate the texture of the paper. It's just a bit rougher than the texture of the Blick brand which gives a satisfying sensation to the touch, but the texture does not interfere with my ability to capture line details. Overall, my first impressions are positive and I look forward to trying other versions of the Arches papers (hot and rough press, and 300#) for comparison. I am hesitant to give the product five stars because I haven't been using it long, but am hopeful that it will measure up to a five star rating as I continue to use it. #sweepstakes