Artecho Watercolour Paper A5 Pad (40 Sheets, 300gsm) with Brush & Pencil
Product description
If you’re learning watercolours or you just want a practical sketchbook you can actually use, the Artecho Watercolour Paper A5 Pad is the sort of kit that makes sense on paper. You get 40 sheets in A5, described as 300gsm watercolour paper, plus a watercolour brush and pencil—so it’s not just a pad on its own.
That said, it’s still worth thinking about what you’ll be doing most. Watercolour paper behaves differently depending on technique (light washes vs heavier wet-in-wet), and this one is positioned as an affordable, durable option rather than a premium, ultra-specialist surface.
The essentials
This pad is designed for painting, drawing, sketching and mixed media. The paper is described as acid-free and made from a very absorbent material, with a neutral pH. In practical terms, that’s aimed at helping colour sit nicely without the paper yellowing or degrading quickly over time.
The sheets are also described as thicker than “normal” watercolour paper pads, and that matters because thin paper can buckle, warp, or feel too fragile once you add water and pigment repeatedly. Here, the focus is on giving you a more resilient surface for both learning and everyday creativity.
You also have a two-sided, cold-pressed style sheet (one side rough, the other smoother). That gives you some flexibility: if you like texture for traditional washes, the rough side tends to be more forgiving for grain and character. If you prefer smoother blends and tighter detail, the smoother side can help.
What you’ll notice in use
A5 is a workable size—big enough for proper sketches and small paintings, not so big that it becomes a chore to carry. If you’re doing quick scene studies, practice colour swatches, or small composition sketches, this format is genuinely convenient.
The “wet and dry” angle is also a good fit for mixed sessions. For example, you can start with pencil marks, then add a light wash, and later come back with more controlled colouring. The pad’s cold-pressed, two-sided approach is meant to support that kind of back-and-forth.
Where it can feel limited is in the extremes. If you’re consistently pushing heavy pigment loads, very wet techniques, or expect “gallery-level” behaviour from your paper at all times, an affordable pad may not give the same crisp control as higher-end watercolour blocks. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a fair expectation check.
Key features and technical details
- Type: Watercolour paper pad / watercolour sketchbook
- Size: A5
- Sheets: 40
- Paper weight: 300gsm
- Sides/finish: Two-sided cold-pressed style (one rough, one smooth)
- Paper properties: Acid-free, neutral pH, very absorbent
Where it shines (and where it doesn’t)
It’s a solid pick if you want a decent surface for watercolour practice without overthinking your setup. It also suits you if you like doing mixed media—pencil, drawing, and then water-based colour on top—because the pad is positioned as versatile and durable.
It’s not the best choice if your priority is maximum wet strength and minimal buckling under very demanding wet-in-wet sessions. On lighter, controlled washes it should perform more comfortably than thinner alternatives, but the “economy kit” positioning suggests it’s aimed at learners and regular artists rather than people trying to perfect high-intensity techniques every time.
It may not suit you if you need a specific paper texture for a very particular style, because “rough vs smooth” gives versatility, but it’s still one paper type, not a wide range of speciality surfaces.
¿Merece la pena?
For many buyers, the main question is value-for-money: you’re not only getting paper, you’re also getting a watercolour brush and pencil included in the lot. If you’re starting out, revisiting watercolour after a break, or you teach and want affordable materials students can actually use, it looks like it has a clear purpose.
Check it more carefully if you already know you’re picky about paper behaviour—especially for heavier pours of water or very fast-drying workflows. Under that kind of pressure, a more expensive paper might be the smoother path.
Compatibility & requirements
This is meant to work with common art tools such as watercolour, acrylic, colour pencils, graphite pencils, pens, markers, charcoal, pastel, and similar media (as described). If you’re pairing it with very watery techniques, it’s still wise to test on a spare sheet first — paper reacts, and comfort can vary with how much water you put down.
Quick buying checklist
Before you buy, it helps to consider: - Do you mostly paint small to medium scenes where A5 is a good working size? - Are you after paper that should resist yellowing over time (acid-free, neutral pH), not just something you can try once? - Will you use both sides (rough for texture, smooth for detail), or do you prefer one consistent feel? - Is your technique more about light to moderate washes and sketching, rather than constantly pushing the paper to its limits?
If those answers line up, the pad is likely to feel practical rather than fussy.
Mini FAQ
Is this suitable for beginners?
On paper, yes. The kit is presented as an affordable option that’s recommended for learners, and the combination of paper plus brush and pencil makes it easier to start without sourcing everything separately.
Is the paper good for watercolours and mixed media?
That’s exactly how it’s positioned: it’s described for watercolour, dry media and mixed media, with a cold-pressed style surface on both sides.
What’s the point of having rough and smooth sides?
It gives you choice. Rough is typically more textured for character and softer granulation effects, while smooth can help if you want finer detail and cleaner washes.
How thick is the paper?
It’s described as 300gsm, and also thicker and denser than standard watercolour paper sheets—useful if you’re tired of flimsy pads.
Will it definitely prevent warping?
No paper can promise that for every technique. It’s described as thicker and absorbent, which should help compared with thinner sheets, but your results will still depend on how wet your washes are and how you handle the sheet.