Legion PaperPainting and Drawing, 10x14, Multicolor

I had some samples of watercolor paper from the Legion Paper company and loved them, particularly the 275 lb HP paper. I liked the 140 lb HP samples as well, so I ordered two blocks of that one here. The price point of the Legion Stonehenge paper is significant - much more affordable than competitors.This purchase: Most of my watercolor painting is botanical, using the wet in wet technique most of the time. I applied the first water glaze and little raised dots started to show through the water. With only water, the dots were a yellowish-brown color. I "charged" (applied) the paint and the dots showed through as a darker color from the rest of the painted petal. I let the painting dry overnight before applying any more paint or water. The next day the dots remained and they were a darker color from the paint color applied. The rate of plain water absorption was much quicker than it was with the samples I used previously. The temperature in the room was the same each time I painted. I have tried to think of any variable that may have been the culprit and I haven't been able to come up with anything. I tried paint from several different manufacturers to see if that made a difference (Sennelier Artists Watercolor, Daniel Smith Extra Fine, Da Vinci Artists, Mission Mijello Fine Artists, QoR Artists, and Winsor & Newton Professional watercolor paints). There was no difference - the dots appeared with each. I am wondering if possibly there was an issue with the sizing in the paper run these blocks came from. I have emailed Legion and I hope to hear from them this week (today is 4-7-2021). If I find out anything I will come back here to update this review. If anyone reading this knows what may be the cause, please comment below.I think this must be a single issue - not one that affects the 140 lb HP paper in general. I liked using it and the 275 lb. paper in samples and I will purchase this again, but next time I will buy it in the large 22 x 30-inch single papers. The caveat when purchasing this way is the shipping costs, which is why I was glad to see the blocks here on Amazon. I hope the company will start offering the large sheets here in Amazon in both the 140 lb and 275 lb HP. The shipping cost when ordering the large sheets from art supply stores online is ridiculous and that offsets the attractiveness of the better price point for the paper. There are many times I may only need several sheets of paper. In the area where I live there are only "big box" stores, no art supply stores that carry fine art paper. I would buy fine art watercolor paper here on Amazon if it was offered and over a year's time I would buy a lot. I need different weights of paper for different projects so buying 10 large sheets at a time just doesn't work for me. Fingers crossed that paper manufacturers will recognize the market here on Amazon.

The paper is nice, but no matter what I did paper would cause the top layer to come off. Of course, this is a glued pad and you don't have to use tape to tape it down, I just personally prefer to have a border, and also sometimes I tape a piece of tracing paper on the surface or I cut the paper down to smaller sizes which will then need to be taped. This paper was a really good price for 100% cotton, but just be aware.

I had tremendous difficulty with this paper when it came to using masking tape and masking fluid. Even tape left on for an hour ripped up the paper. Forget about the masking fluid. Tore all over the place. It ruined my watercolor. I also find the paper to be thirstier than Arches, so you need more care when attempting blends because the water and paint dry up almost immediately. A challenging paper to work with.

This is beautiful paper with just enough tooth to hold pigment. It doesn't buckle as easily as some papers and is well priced. I'm glad it was recommended and that I followed through and gave it a try. Love it.

Very good for watercolor and colored pencil. Allows multiple layers fo colored pencil and keeps crisp lines of watercolor.

Very good paper for watercolor

This is not yupo paper

Nice bright white!