Description

The difference between Baohong Classic Watercolour Paper and Baohong Masters’ Watercolour Paper:
Both are made from 100% cotton, but there are key differences in the quality of the cotton, the speed of the production process and the type of gelatine used.

Baohong Masters’ – Better absorption and better colour development

• Made from the highest quality cotton shreds with very long fibres.
• Production speed on the circular sieve is slower.
• Granulation is more pronounced.
• Better ability to lift.

Baohong Classic – Attractive price point.

• Made from cotton with slightly shorter fibres.
• Production speed on the circular sieve is faster.
• More subdued granulation.

The History of Baohong Masters’ Watercolour Paper:
Baohong Masters’ Choice Watercolour Paper has rapidly gained a reputation among artists worldwide, challenging the dominance of long-established brands. Its journey is a testament to a combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovative techniques and a collaborative spirit.

Meeting of Minds
The story unfolds with a pivotal meeting between the owner of a small, family-run paper mill in Northeast China and renowned Australian watercolour artists Ross Patterson & David Taylor.
This mill, steeped in a long tradition of papermaking, had a vision: to craft a world-class watercolour paper. To bring this vision to life, Patterson and Taylor, alongside Luke Senior, an Australian distributor for Daniel Smith Watercolours, embarked on an intensive three-year journey of trial, error, and refinement. As the project progressed, the expertise of Joseph Zbukvic was sought to further perfect the paper’s quality, particularly the delicate balance of gelatine used in its production.

Crafting a Masterpiece
The artists provided invaluable input, guiding the mill in developing a paper that met the exacting demands of professional watercolourists. Key considerations included:

• Raw Materials: 100% cotton was chosen for its strength, absorbency and longevity.
• Manufacturing Process: Traditional methods were combined with modern technology to ensure consistent quality.
• Sizing: A meticulous sizing process, both internal and external, using traditional gelatin, was crucial for controlling watercolor flow and to prevent buckling.
• Surface Texture: A range of textures were developed to cater to different painting styles, from the smooth, hot pressed surface ideal for fine detail to the more textured cold-pressed and rough surfaces suitable for expressive washes.
  Paper That Performs

The culmination of this collaborative effort was the birth of Baohong Masters’ Choice Watercolour Paper.
Its key characteristics include:

• Exceptional Watercolour Performance: The paper readily accepts multiple washes without buckling or pilling, allowing for seamless blending and lifting techniques.
• Longevity: Acid-free and pH neutral, the paper is designed to withstand the test of time, preserving artwork for generations.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of watercolour techniques, from delicate washes to bold impasto.
• Affordability: Offered at a competitive price point, the paper makes high-quality watercolour painting accessible to a broader audience.

Working Characteristics
Baohong Masters’ Watercolour Paper has exceptional wet strength, allowing artists to work with multiple layers of wet media without paper deterioration. This strength comes from the careful fiber selection and processing, resulting in a paper that can withstand demanding techniques like scrubbing and lifting.

Paper Making Process
The creation of Baohong Masters’ Watercolour Paper involves several meticulous steps that contribute to its unique properties. The process begins with the careful selection of raw materials, utilizing highest-quality cotton fibers to create a pulp that balances strength with absorbency.

What sets it apart?
What sets Baohong Masters’ Paper apart is the unique sizing process. The paper receives multiple layers of internal and surface sizing, creating a surface that allows watercolour pigments to settle beautifully while preventing excessive bleeding. This careful balance makes Baohong Masters Watercolour Paper suitable for even the most demanding and delicate watercolour techniques.

Perhaps most notably, Baohong Masters’ Watercolour Paper is its unique absorbency characteristic.
Baohong Masters’ has a unique slow absorption rate, allowing artists more time to manipulate colour and pigment. This property aligns with traditional Chinese painting techniques that require precise control over colour flow. The paper’s controlled absorbency allows for the most subtle gradations essential in delicate watercolour painting techniques.

Future
Baohong continues to innovate, expanding its range of watercolour papers to meet the evolving needs of artists. The brand’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and affordability ensures that Baohong Masters’ Choice will remain a significant player in the watercolour paper market for years to come.

The story of Baohong Masters’ Choice watercolour paper is a testament to the power of collaboration between artists and manufacturers. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, the brand has created a high-quality, affordable paper that is inspiring a new generation of watercolour artists. As the popularity of watercolour continues to grow, Baohong Masters’ Choice is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of this timeless art form.