I use Qor because a watercolor teacher recommended that brand as good pigment for the price, though I haven’t really played with enough other brands to know a difference. I do *adore* the Coliro metallic set I have; depending where you are, I think the brand is also known as Finetec. I do know paper makes a HUGE difference, so spend some money there.
Discussion
Omg thank you so much. Also, what paper do you like?
I like 300 g/m2 paper (always look at the g/m2 NOT the lb. value). I haven’t done enough to prefer cold or hot press or rough - it just depends how much texture you want. If you can, go Arches. If you’re just practicing brushwork and brush control and you don’t care that much about the output, you could do Canon or Strathmore at as high a g/m2 as you want to spend. My 32 sats worth. 👍