These small paintings I`ve posted recently were painted on Meridian Drawing Paper made by Pentalic. It was 100% rag, about 72 lb., tough and heavily sized. It took watercolor beautifully. Because it was relatively inexpensive I felt free to try anything. For over 20 years I used this paper for everything. Then I ran out. Ordered 100 new sheets without a thought. When I went to paint on it I knew immediately something was wrong. It was like blotting paper. The paint sank into it and dried to a dull finish. The opposite of what it had been. Well, I researched it and the 'recipe' had been changed! Only a painter would understand what a calamity this was. In 2004 I didn`t paint a single watercolor. I`m still really upset. I`d pay handsomely to get some of the old stuff. Seems we all have a horror story like this. Painting is it`s own challege, we don`t need the distraction.
