

The right paper makes a bigger difference than most beginners expect. Proper watercolour paper handles water, pigment, and layering in a way regular paper simply can’t – paint flows more smoothly, colours lift cleanly, and the finished work holds up beautifully over time.
We’re building our paper selection carefully, starting with one of the best sketchbooks available at this level – the Baohong Academy. More paper options will be added as our range grows.
All paper is available for in-studio pickup only. We don’t offer delivery at this time.

Baohong Academy Watercolour Sketchbook
The Baohong Academy sketchbook is a serious sketchbook at an accessible price point. Made from 100% cotton with gelatine sizing, it performs like professional paper — paint lifts effortlessly, washes dry evenly, and the surface handles multiple wet layers without buckling or breaking down.
It’s the kind of sketchbook you actually want to paint in rather than save for special occasions. Compact, well-made, and genuinely good to work on – whether you’re sketching outdoors, practising at home, or working up studies between classes.


What Size Canvas Do You Need?
For home practice alongside your classes, a medium size – around 30×40 cm or 40×50 cm – gives you enough space to work comfortably without being overwhelming. Smaller formats are good for quick studies and colour experiments. Larger formats suit more ambitious finished pieces once you have some experience.
Your instructor can advise on the best size for the specific techniques and projects you’re currently working on – just ask at your next class.
All supplies are available for in-studio pickup. Just add to cart and collect at your next visit or get in touch to arrange a time.You’ll leave with a finished piece, a deeper understanding of the technique you worked on, and the kind of insight that’s simply not available in a regular class — because it comes directly from someone who has spent a lifetime mastering their craft.
FAQ
At this time we offer in-studio pickup only. Browse online and collect your order from the studio at a time that suits you.
No – all materials are included in every class. Our shop is for students who want to practise at home between sessions.
Yes – a canvas primed with gesso is suitable for both acrylic and oil painting. If you’re working in oil, some artists prefer to add an additional layer of oil-specific primer, but it’s not essential for most purposes.
Cotton canvas is the most commonly used and what most students work on. Linen is more expensive, more durable, and has a finer texture – preferred by some professional artists for finished work. For classes and home practice, cotton canvas is perfectly suited and what we stock.
