Qor Watercolor on Hahnemühle Britannia Cold-Press Watercolor paper. Princeton Quill Size 4 and Velvetouch Round Size 6.
Photo reference courtesy of Elizabby at Pixabay.
I did this painting for the Doodlewash prompt of Cactus back in February and for some reason never posted it here, probably hoping to use it in a review of Hahnemühle’s Britannia paper. Another review on my ever-growing list of reviews, lol.
The Britannia paper is one of Hahnemühle’s Akademie line, so it is student grade, but I really like it. That’s partly because it suits my style, but it is a sturdy paper. The weight is 140 lbs but it is stiff and feels more like a 200 or 300 lb.
It absorbs the paint quickly so it isn’t the best paper for even washes and there isn’t a great deal of movement – almost more like a hot press paper. But that gives you more control, especially since the stiffness prevents buckling. The texture is smooth for cold press, but not as smooth as hot press. It’s just enough texture for fantastic dry brush effects.
So – not as good for those loose, flowing effects, but good for detailed work and dry brushing.
Life Imitates Doodles 
This is gorgeous, truly lovely. I like the bits of background blue caught in the shadows on the cacti and range of textures you’ve painted.
I’ve sometimes watercolor painted on print making paper – I’ve forgotten brand and weight – but it has similar features to what you’ve described here. Also exhibits the same intensity of color so maybe we must surrender flexibility for vibrancy.
Thank you, Sharon! I think you might be right about the vibrancy – though the fact I was using Qor watercolor helped with that too.
Good review, Sandra, and lovely cacti, I must say! They’re in abundant bloom here in the desert. Yours look great!
Absolutely a fantastic painting.
I love it!