Description

Baohong Masters’ Watercolor Paper: History
Baohong Masters’ Choice watercolor 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 renowned Australian watercolor artists Ross Patterson
and David Taylor and the owner of a small, family-run paper mill in Northeast China. This mill, steeped in
a long tradition of papermaking, had a vision: to craft a world-class watercolor paper. To bring this vision to
life, Patterson and Taylor, alongside Luke Senior, an Australian distributor for Daniel Smith Watercolors,
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 watercolorists. 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 and evenness.
• Sizing: A meticulous sizing process, both internal and external, using traditional gelatin, was crucial for
  controlling watercolor flow and preventing buckling.
• Surface Texture: A range of textures was 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 watercolor paper. Its
key characteristics include:

• Exceptional Watercolor 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 watercolor techniques, from delicate washes to bold impasto.
• Affordability: Offered at a competitive price point, the paper makes high-quality watercolor 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 fibre 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 Baohong Masters’ 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 watercolor 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
color 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 watercolorists. As the popularity
of watercolor continues to grow, Baohong Masters’ Choice is poised to play an increasingly important role in
shaping the future of this timeless art form