Im a leisure painter but want to use the best mediums to get the best results from my humble attempts at botanical art. Your comparisons helped me at the right time when I was looking at paper. The manufacturer told me jacksons would be stocking Fluid 100 early in the new year and so I bought a pad as soon as it was available. I have been happily using it since thanks to you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience on this subject . Your videos are a joy to watch as well as being useful and your artistic skills just leave me in awe. Thank you again, this is the most comprehensive and enjoyable study on the subject from a truly talented artist.
I almost cried when I found out about the change in Fabriano Artistico. I was happy to stumble across this review and plan to try the paper out for myself. Thanks very much!
I'm alittle late in the day for 15th C crusading and seekign out holy relics, so I'm happy questing for my Holy Grail of papers instead, glad you liked the third and final part!
I loved seeing your videos of your quest and your results - you are right that we do all have different requirements - I'm not a botanical artist but I make my own art journals and the paper has to cope with watercolour or ink all over on both sides and when dry, folding and stitching then being able to cope with potentially more paint, ink, collage etc. etc.- your videos have made me wonder about at least doing tests of the papers that would best suit my needs!
Hope you enjoy it, anf that it's the right choice for you. Some folks say Fabriano is gettign better again now, but Im still cautious about it... Enjoy your painting and your paper!
Lovely to watch you work! I've had bad luck with Fluid 100, as it does not allow you to remove tape of any sort without shredding. Can't frame a border with drafting tape, which pretty much counts it out for my uses. I'll use it for studies and such, but not landscapes, etc. My favorites are currently Arches and Stonehenge Aqua.
Hi Bob, thanks for this. Also, glad that you have found a paper that doesn't tear. You're still happy with Arches, which is good. Someone told me that all of theses manafacturers tweak their sizing and paper recipes all the time, which does make me wonder how us poor consumers are meant to keep up! I heard that Fabriano classico is alright again now, but how long would it take to be sure what you're buying is the new one, not the dud batch from a few years back? Totally agree with you on Stonehenge aqua, and actually that reminds me that I need to go and order in another pad of it. Thanks, Bob.
Wow Lizzie, your working so small! I can’t believe the details your getting... just stunning. I really enjoyed the microscope view of the paper; I’ve never really thought about it before, but it was such an interesting thing to see when I work with watercolor paper every day. Thank you so. Much for your hard work.
The miocroscope thingy was a bit of a revelation to me too, I coudnt believe the difference in appearance on a microscopic level. Really informative. I fear my photos through the view finder of my microscope are slightly less informative!
Thanks for the comment Alice. But do remember that it truly is a very personal decision, and depends on how you paint and how the paper "feels" to you. On top of that, there's now talk that Fabriano might have sorted out the problems they had with their manafacturing, and that the old reliable Fabriano is being produced again. But how on earth, on sight alone (or if yorue buying online) could you tell which was old-stock fabriano (before the changes), rubbish Fabriano (after the changes) or new and improved Fabriano (the most recent developments)??? I think Ill give it a year or two to let the nasty stock work its way through the system before trying it again? Thansk for the comment, and Im so glad the video has been useful for you. X Lizzie
Hi!!! Me again 😊. May I ask, have you tried the artistico again recently? Has it by any chance changed again? The new one you tested was the enhanced surface? Or it may have changed yet again? I had a look in the art shop today ( but will go back and check again as I hadn’t looked at artistico in such a long time!!) & wondered if the surface appeared different again ( of course it’s hard to tell & wouldn’t know until working on it anyway !) … I’m not sure- it’s probably/ possibly me just HOPING it is amazing again. I’m just trying to get back into art again after an incredibly long break ! Just thought I would ask 😊 thank you so incredibly much again ! Ps the cuckoo flowers with the butterflies is just so incredibly beautiful and I’m so grateful to you for sharing all your talent with everyone! Incredibly generous of you!!
Hiya. Now, this is interesting. I havent tried Artistico again personally. But youre not the first person Ive heard saying things have improved massively. I think perhaps there HAS been a change at manafacturing level, although i certainly dont know for sure. I think Im going to sit tight for about another year or so, and wait for any of the old "rubbish" Artistico to work its way through the system. They buy a couple fo sheets and see. Wouldnt it be amazing if it WAS good again? X
You are such a gifted artist! I so admire your talent. The colors you've mixed match exactly and the shading and highlights become so realistic it's hard to tell the art from sample of nature. Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
Christina, what a wonderful and flattering message! Thank-you so much! I reckon there's still tons I don't get right, but that's lovely to hear you think my work is inspiring. There;s no greater compliment than that!
Hello,I find your paintings just wonderful, it is so magical how they come to life on the paper, they look more vibrant as the natural plants.Would ypu mind telling me which brush you are using in this demos.Thank you for all information,
Hi Muhlenstedt, thanks so much for being so kind about my paintings, I'm loving the idea of them being vibrant, Ill take that! The brushes I use are invariably the (really rather horribly expensive but ultimately entirely worth every penny) Winsor and Newton series 7 roud brushes in a size 1 and 000. They hold their point, and they work. Thansk for the feedback!
Hiya Scottishcovenanters, it's a Pentel P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5mm lead, H. I have 0.3mm ones too, and often use HB leads. Theyre pretty easy to come by and only cost about £5, nothing better for getting crisp lines down fast, and when you want a sharp pint you just snap the edge of the lead on the desk, takes half a second and doesnt interrupt your flow. Hope this helps!
Thanks Terry, this is really helpful, thanks for contributing so much knowledge. I had no idea about the deterioration in pencils, this is really interesting, and lovely that you supply a solution too!
Terry Ilias I’ve noticed in the past several years how gritty some pencils have become. I see it the most with Derwent. I’ve actually had to throw some pencils away. Thanks for sharing all of this info.
Like many before me, we are enjoying your quest to find the ultimate watercolour paper replacement for the previous loved Fabriano. I have not used the old one or the new one for that matter but can see the differences! That's so strange that they would change their processes/manufacturing when Fabriano has such a good reputation ; why would they compromise on that?? You'd think if they wanted to try something different they'd have just made a new series of paper with a different name.. Weird. I'm wondering if maybe you and other artists should write into Fabriano and make a plea for them to 1. explain why it's changed and 2. possibly bring the old Artistico back as it seems they may be likely to lose loyal customers with this change and lower their rep in the process. Almost every artist I've ever spoke to recommends "Fabriano" as a brand but this will change with things like this. Fluid 100 sounds really promising and did look great :) It is also available in Australia which is exciting for me! :D Strathmore 500 and the W&N Medium Surface looks like something else I should look out for. May I ask - does it take you more than a day to do these videos? If you paint all these beautiful botanicals in like a sitting, I'm truly baffled.. I should probably just throw my brushes and paints out now LOL (you're too good lady!)
Dear Raechel, ah me, why indeed did Fabriano change the manafacture? Ive heard it's to do with an alteration to machinery, or to sizing, or to manafacturing different paper used for euros...No idea, but you're right, across the board it's lost it's reputaion as one of the "go-to" papers for botanical illustation which is such a shame. I should imagine they know about the outcry (it's quite noisy online!) and I'm guessing they would have acted on it by now if it was really detrimental to their business but yes, it is sad. Ooh, lucky you having Fluid 100! Im eking out the sample pack they sent me, waiting for our Art suppliers (Jackson's) to commit to a time frame for stocking it. Remember, these sketches are unfinished and really small. So yes, I do manage to get the tests done in one day; the editing and narration takes twice as long! I learnt a while ago that if I can speed up my rate of work I increase my rate of return (see the freelance illustrator trying to make ends meet!) and the knock on effect has been that I work pretty nippily now. I think sometimes it compromises the quality of my work, but hopefully not too much. I lvoe illustrators who spend weeks on one bud or petal, their work is astonishing in its depth and complexity, but alas in order to get food on the table I have to turn 'em around pretty quick! And dont you dare stop painting just cause I rush things! Thansk so mcuh for your commenst and feedback, and good luck trying the new papers!
Hiya. I made the film series a while ago and below is a list of the three blogs I wrote at the time with the papers tested. It was rather a random selection, based on suggestions from fellow illustrators so Im sure a lot of papers got left out. So there is a Saunders in there, Saunders Waterford. Bockingford is a paper I tried many moons ago, fresh out of college. It was too soft for me and left me with blurry edges. This was more than 20 years ago and is probably grossly unfair, who knows what gems they may be manufacturing now? But that's why they didnt make the cut. Thanks for your interest, and question. Below is the list of blogs and papers tested: lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/05/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-1/ Moulin du Roy, Canson Heritage, Arches, and Saunders Waterford lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/06/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-2/ Stonehenge aqua, Fluid Hot press, lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/10/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-3/ Clairefontaine hotpress watercolour paper, Winsor and Newton medium surface heavy weight Cartridge, Strathmore series 500 Imperial watercolour paper hot press, the new Fabriano artistico traditional white hotpress, Fluid 100 hotpress
Just found your channel while looking for watercolour paper reviews- thank you so incredibly much for the amazing comparison. May i ask, have you tried the Arches hot pressed 300 lb watercolour Paper and if so, what are your thoughts? Incredibly expensive and I've never used it (new to watercolours), but just wondered if you had tried it? I Hope they bring back the old fabriano! So happy i found your channel- your paintings are absolutely beautiful!! thank you!
Hiya Babydoll, welcome to the world of watercolour papers (sigh). Yes, I have tried Arches and I quite like it. Its crisp and decent. BUT recently two separate people have said to me that they think its quality is now inconsistent. ive not noticed it myself, but they say the paint "bled" into the page, leaving soft edges. So be aware. Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press of Fluid 100 Hot press, they'll do, and I think Jacksons art in the UK sotcks both (if yorue based in the UK...) Thansk for the question!
Hmmm, good question. I now just stick to Stonehenge aqua and Fluid 100, but graphite and charcoal is a whole different ball game. I should think a good, heavy catridge whould be ok, but Im not well aquainted with charcoal, to be honest. Good luck finding your perfect paper!
Huh. I dont think it likes lots of washes, although only a couple of layers works ok. Worth knowing that you've found it pills and catches the pigment in a irregular way. Thanks for that feedback, people, take note!
Astaroth Belial Agraz Yes, it very well could be. I don’t really want to spend the extra money to by another to find out if this is the case. It’s quite pricey. I’m using Stonehenge and Fluid thanks to Lizzie and I am very happy with the results.
@@onthehill3381 if you're using an Arches block you can use the quality control number on the inside to report the piece to the company, they might refund you or send another one I'm breaking in my new block personally and it's handling washes fantastically, so it's gotta be a defect in your case
I haven't found that it pills, but I have noticed that quality can vary even within a pad. I have had pads where the first few pages have been crisp, and deliciously vibrant, and the next page in will be soft, muted, and meh even when I have used exactly the same paint, brushes, technique, and source of water.
Your whole process - from drawing to finishing touches - is impeccable! Congrats from Brazil!💓👏
Thankyou Lindsay! x
Im a leisure painter but want to use the best mediums to get the best results from my humble attempts at botanical art. Your comparisons helped me at the right time when I was looking at paper. The manufacturer told me jacksons would be stocking Fluid 100 early in the new year and so I bought a pad as soon as it was available. I have been happily using it since thanks to you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience on this subject . Your videos are a joy to watch as well as being useful and your artistic skills just leave me in awe. Thank you again, this is the most comprehensive and enjoyable study on the subject from a truly talented artist.
I almost cried when I found out about the change in Fabriano Artistico. I was happy to stumble across this review and plan to try the paper out for myself. Thanks very much!
I know, it was indeed a bleak day. So im sticking with Stonehenge Aqua and Fluid 100 HP for now, but hope to test some other papers soon...
Thanks for another great episode of “The Quest!”
I'm alittle late in the day for 15th C crusading and seekign out holy relics, so I'm happy questing for my Holy Grail of papers instead, glad you liked the third and final part!
Exactly! I had the same problem with the Fabriano! So sad my favorite paper is gone!
I know. Although I have heard reports its back...but how to know which is good new stuff and which is the dodgy version...the mind boggles.
I loved seeing your videos of your quest and your results - you are right that we do all have different requirements - I'm not a botanical artist but I make my own art journals and the paper has to cope with watercolour or ink all over on both sides and when dry, folding and stitching then being able to cope with potentially more paint, ink, collage etc. etc.- your videos have made me wonder about at least doing tests of the papers that would best suit my needs!
Thank you for this! I just received an order of Fabriano that I’m returning in favor of the Fluid 100! You’re the best!
Hope you enjoy it, anf that it's the right choice for you. Some folks say Fabriano is gettign better again now, but Im still cautious about it... Enjoy your painting and your paper!
Thank you! Your work is beautiful.
Thank you too, and thanks for leaving a comment (and for the flattery)!
Brilliant- I'm just starting out in this area and am off shopping now! Thank you for this.
My pleasure, glad to be of help!
Thanks for the research. I loved all three videos.
Lovely to watch you work! I've had bad luck with Fluid 100, as it does not allow you to remove tape of any sort without shredding. Can't frame a border with drafting tape, which pretty much counts it out for my uses. I'll use it for studies and such, but not landscapes, etc. My favorites are currently Arches and Stonehenge Aqua.
Hi Bob, thanks for this. Also, glad that you have found a paper that doesn't tear. You're still happy with Arches, which is good. Someone told me that all of theses manafacturers tweak their sizing and paper recipes all the time, which does make me wonder how us poor consumers are meant to keep up! I heard that Fabriano classico is alright again now, but how long would it take to be sure what you're buying is the new one, not the dud batch from a few years back? Totally agree with you on Stonehenge aqua, and actually that reminds me that I need to go and order in another pad of it. Thanks, Bob.
Stippling is so arduous to do, the leaf is brilliant!!!!!
Thankyou! Yeah, stippling does my head in. Thanks for sharing the pain!
Wow Lizzie, your working so small! I can’t believe the details your getting... just stunning. I really enjoyed the microscope view of the paper; I’ve never really thought about it before, but it was such an interesting thing to see when I work with watercolor paper every day. Thank you so. Much for your hard work.
The miocroscope thingy was a bit of a revelation to me too, I coudnt believe the difference in appearance on a microscopic level. Really informative. I fear my photos through the view finder of my microscope are slightly less informative!
Thanks for this useful video. That is exactly what I need to make decision.
Thanks for the comment Alice. But do remember that it truly is a very personal decision, and depends on how you paint and how the paper "feels" to you. On top of that, there's now talk that Fabriano might have sorted out the problems they had with their manafacturing, and that the old reliable Fabriano is being produced again. But how on earth, on sight alone (or if yorue buying online) could you tell which was old-stock fabriano (before the changes), rubbish Fabriano (after the changes) or new and improved Fabriano (the most recent developments)??? I think Ill give it a year or two to let the nasty stock work its way through the system before trying it again? Thansk for the comment, and Im so glad the video has been useful for you. X Lizzie
Just excellent!!
Thanks so much for the positive feedback!
Hi!!! Me again 😊. May I ask, have you tried the artistico again recently? Has it by any chance changed again? The new one you tested was the enhanced surface? Or it may have changed yet again? I had a look in the art shop today ( but will go back and check again as I hadn’t looked at artistico in such a long time!!) & wondered if the surface appeared different again ( of course it’s hard to tell & wouldn’t know until working on it anyway !) … I’m not sure- it’s probably/ possibly me just HOPING it is amazing again. I’m just trying to get back into art again after an incredibly long break ! Just thought I would ask 😊
thank you so incredibly much again !
Ps the cuckoo flowers with the butterflies is just so incredibly beautiful and I’m so grateful to you for sharing all your talent with everyone! Incredibly generous of you!!
Hiya. Now, this is interesting. I havent tried Artistico again personally. But youre not the first person Ive heard saying things have improved massively. I think perhaps there HAS been a change at manafacturing level, although i certainly dont know for sure. I think Im going to sit tight for about another year or so, and wait for any of the old "rubbish" Artistico to work its way through the system. They buy a couple fo sheets and see. Wouldnt it be amazing if it WAS good again? X
You are such a gifted artist! I so admire your talent. The colors you've mixed match exactly and the shading and highlights become so realistic it's hard to tell the art from sample of nature. Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
Christina, what a wonderful and flattering message! Thank-you so much! I reckon there's still tons I don't get right, but that's lovely to hear you think my work is inspiring. There;s no greater compliment than that!
Hello,I find your paintings just wonderful, it is so magical how they come to life on the paper, they look more vibrant as the natural plants.Would ypu mind telling me which brush you are using in this demos.Thank you for all information,
Hi Muhlenstedt, thanks so much for being so kind about my paintings, I'm loving the idea of them being vibrant, Ill take that! The brushes I use are invariably the (really rather horribly expensive but ultimately entirely worth every penny) Winsor and Newton series 7 roud brushes in a size 1 and 000. They hold their point, and they work. Thansk for the feedback!
So enjoyed your video...I have ordered Fluid 100 to check it out! Thank you....- Beautiful work!
Ooh, exciting. Let me know how you get on with it. Im still pretty enamoured of it, after 2 years of constant use. Enjoy!
ALWAYS love what you have to teach. Thank you for this series. Please, please tell me what brand of graphite drawing pencil you are using?????
Hiya Scottishcovenanters, it's a Pentel P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5mm lead, H. I have 0.3mm ones too, and often use HB leads. Theyre pretty easy to come by and only cost about £5, nothing better for getting crisp lines down fast, and when you want a sharp pint you just snap the edge of the lead on the desk, takes half a second and doesnt interrupt your flow. Hope this helps!
Thanks Terry, this is really helpful, thanks for contributing so much knowledge. I had no idea about the deterioration in pencils, this is really interesting, and lovely that you supply a solution too!
Think Ill get onto them now, not an unreasonable price at all. Is it the Ohto conception range you like to use?
Terry Ilias I’ve noticed in the past several years how gritty some pencils have become. I see it the most with Derwent. I’ve actually had to throw some pencils away. Thanks for sharing all of this info.
@@chainsawkitten3766 Derwent's decline in quality is very sad.
Like many before me, we are enjoying your quest to find the ultimate watercolour paper replacement for the previous loved Fabriano. I have not used the old one or the new one for that matter but can see the differences! That's so strange that they would change their processes/manufacturing when Fabriano has such a good reputation ; why would they compromise on that??
You'd think if they wanted to try something different they'd have just made a new series of paper with a different name.. Weird. I'm wondering if maybe you and other artists should write into Fabriano and make a plea for them to 1. explain why it's changed and 2. possibly bring the old Artistico back as it seems they may be likely to lose loyal customers with this change and lower their rep in the process. Almost every artist I've ever spoke to recommends "Fabriano" as a brand but this will change with things like this.
Fluid 100 sounds really promising and did look great :) It is also available in Australia which is exciting for me! :D Strathmore 500 and the W&N Medium Surface looks like something else I should look out for.
May I ask - does it take you more than a day to do these videos? If you paint all these beautiful botanicals in like a sitting, I'm truly baffled.. I should probably just throw my brushes and paints out now LOL (you're too good lady!)
Dear Raechel, ah me, why indeed did Fabriano change the manafacture? Ive heard it's to do with an alteration to machinery, or to sizing, or to manafacturing different paper used for euros...No idea, but you're right, across the board it's lost it's reputaion as one of the "go-to" papers for botanical illustation which is such a shame. I should imagine they know about the outcry (it's quite noisy online!) and I'm guessing they would have acted on it by now if it was really detrimental to their business but yes, it is sad.
Ooh, lucky you having Fluid 100! Im eking out the sample pack they sent me, waiting for our Art suppliers (Jackson's) to commit to a time frame for stocking it.
Remember, these sketches are unfinished and really small. So yes, I do manage to get the tests done in one day; the editing and narration takes twice as long! I learnt a while ago that if I can speed up my rate of work I increase my rate of return (see the freelance illustrator trying to make ends meet!) and the knock on effect has been that I work pretty nippily now. I think sometimes it compromises the quality of my work, but hopefully not too much. I lvoe illustrators who spend weeks on one bud or petal, their work is astonishing in its depth and complexity, but alas in order to get food on the table I have to turn 'em around pretty quick!
And dont you dare stop painting just cause I rush things!
Thansk so mcuh for your commenst and feedback, and good luck trying the new papers!
I must try this. But 1st must find where I can get a sample. Thanks for sharing.
Any luck?
You may have done a follow up I haven't seen, but I don't see Bockingford or Saunders in your lineup of paper reviews...is there a reason?
Hiya.
I made the film series a while ago and below is a list of the three blogs I wrote at the time with the papers tested. It was rather a random selection, based on suggestions from fellow illustrators so Im sure a lot of papers got left out.
So there is a Saunders in there, Saunders Waterford.
Bockingford is a paper I tried many moons ago, fresh out of college. It was too soft for me and left me with blurry edges. This was more than 20 years ago and is probably grossly unfair, who knows what gems they may be manufacturing now? But that's why they didnt make the cut.
Thanks for your interest, and question. Below is the list of blogs and papers tested:
lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/05/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-1/ Moulin du Roy, Canson Heritage, Arches, and Saunders Waterford
lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/06/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-2/ Stonehenge aqua, Fluid Hot press,
lizzieharper.co.uk/2017/10/botanical-illustration-comparing-hp-watercolour-papers-3/ Clairefontaine hotpress watercolour paper, Winsor and Newton medium surface heavy weight Cartridge, Strathmore series 500 Imperial watercolour paper hot press, the new Fabriano artistico traditional white hotpress, Fluid 100 hotpress
Just found your channel while looking for watercolour paper reviews- thank you so incredibly much for the amazing comparison. May i ask, have you tried the Arches hot pressed 300 lb watercolour Paper and if so, what are your thoughts? Incredibly expensive and I've never used it (new to watercolours), but just wondered if you had tried it? I Hope they bring back the old fabriano!
So happy i found your channel- your paintings are absolutely beautiful!! thank you!
Hiya Babydoll, welcome to the world of watercolour papers (sigh). Yes, I have tried Arches and I quite like it. Its crisp and decent. BUT recently two separate people have said to me that they think its quality is now inconsistent. ive not noticed it myself, but they say the paint "bled" into the page, leaving soft edges. So be aware. Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press of Fluid 100 Hot press, they'll do, and I think Jacksons art in the UK sotcks both (if yorue based in the UK...) Thansk for the question!
@@LizzieHarperillustrator it is inconsistent, and not just between different batches but, bizarrely even pages from the same pad.
@@gaelhillyardcreative How wierd is THAT? And how very tiresome! x
out of this which one i can use for graphite & charcoal portraits n available in roll smooth or medium textured ..
Hmmm, good question. I now just stick to Stonehenge aqua and Fluid 100, but graphite and charcoal is a whole different ball game. I should think a good, heavy catridge whould be ok, but Im not well aquainted with charcoal, to be honest. Good luck finding your perfect paper!
I found that Arches hot press pills very easily. The surface balls up and the pigment catches on it.
Huh. I dont think it likes lots of washes, although only a couple of layers works ok. Worth knowing that you've found it pills and catches the pigment in a irregular way. Thanks for that feedback, people, take note!
That's odd, most people seem to report the opposite, maybe you just got a defective piece?
Astaroth Belial Agraz Yes, it very well could be. I don’t really want to spend the extra money to by another to find out if this is the case. It’s quite pricey. I’m using Stonehenge and Fluid thanks to Lizzie and I am very happy with the results.
@@onthehill3381 if you're using an Arches block you can use the quality control number on the inside to report the piece to the company, they might refund you or send another one
I'm breaking in my new block personally and it's handling washes fantastically, so it's gotta be a defect in your case
I haven't found that it pills, but I have noticed that quality can vary even within a pad. I have had pads where the first few pages have been crisp, and deliciously vibrant, and the next page in will be soft, muted, and meh even when I have used exactly the same paint, brushes, technique, and source of water.
LHarper ... my new favorite utub channel
Whheeee! Now THAT'S not something you hear every day! Thanks, Rodolfo!