StrathmoreWTRCLR 400 12X12 TAPE 12SH

The pad arrived warped and bent... will be difficult to use😞

I have a 9x12 spiral bound pad of this paper, and I expected this to be the same due to the fact that the image on this listing is the 9x12 spiral bound pad! I was surprised to get a 12x12 glue pad -- but really that's totally fine for my purposes, and the listing text does say that that's what it is, so that's my own confusion! I mostly use this for practice paper, for playing with techniques, and the size isn't a huge issue, though I do prefer spiral-bound to keep it all together and tidy when flipping through for future reference.TLDR; The product is just fine and totally meets the textual/written description, but someone might want to revise the (inaccurate) photo on this listing!

This is a great watercolor 12 x 12 pad. I do love this brand for my watercolor paintings and washes, however this is not the best paper there is and it will NOT hold up to lifting or scraping. I know it says it will, but trust me, it doesnt. As long as you know this, you will be fine with this paper.I have used Strathmore paper and Arches paper for many years and it has held up beautifully, however please know this is student grade and not pro grade like arches. I use it mainly for quick gift watercolors, testing out new ideas before putting it on pro paper like arches, testing out different effects and in my watercolor paint parties I hold twice a month with my girlfriends.This is a great paper if you are just starting out in watercolors due to its price. I prefer the pads as you dont have to worry about taping it to a board. Getting your painting off the pad once you have painted it and it has dried is very simple using your pallet knife or even a butter knife. Make sure your painting is dry before removing it off the pad, this keeps the painting stretched and flat.

I have bought this watercolour pad a few times before from Hobby Lobby and I noticed it's not a popular size.. However, I don't really mind the size and have used an Xacto knife to cut it to a preferred size when need be. The paper itself is great and there is some buckling when too much water is applied, but overall it handles a wash fairly well. Using this paper it's VERY easy to lift colour when I need to, so that's a bonus if you make a mistake or want to lift colour for a desired effect. If you are worried about that while painting, be sure to use a soft, good quality brush and allow your previous layers to dry completely before adding another glaze. Lastly, there is a very nice texture to the paper if that is something you enjoy. I really love Strathmore's 400 series paper and their Visual Journal is *awesome*- if you're curious about this paper, I would say try it and experiment with different techniques on it. I'm sure you will be satisfied. :)P.S- I've attached some paintings I've done on this paper. :)

As a beginner watercolorist, this paper works very well for my needs. If I was advanced and selling my work, I would opt for a higher quality paper, like "Arches" probably.

Great quality paper. We love it and the little one loves working with it. We only bring it out on special occasions as the littles can go through it quickly but its nice to have their art on saveable paper sometimes. This takes the paint well and the effects are exactly what you want from water colors. Definitely recommend.