Hello, everyone! I took advantage of the Easter break to slow down and recharge — spending some much-needed time with my potted and hydroponic plants, and finally picking up my watercolor brushes again. It’s a hobby I’ve missed dearly but had to set aside due to work, which I’ve shared more about in the blog post below. This time, I also had the chance to try out the watercolor papers from Taiwan: Umae and LadyBug. Here’s how they held up in my latest painting sessions.
(Please note that this isn’t a marketing post. I bought the paper block out of my own personal money and I don’t earn a commission for the mention of brand and store in this blog post.)
I recently got an UMAE watercolor block my favorite art store in Lazada which is Gifbox, Inc. If you remember, I have mentioned this Lazada store quite a number of times in this site in the past because it’s where I get my Baohong watercolor papers, Sinours watercolor sets (article below), paint brushes, and other painting supplies whenever I run out. It’s also worth mentioning that the owner of the shop is a fellow member of the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists (PGW). As far as I know, Giftbox, Inc. is the only authorized dealer of this Taiwan brand in the Philippines.
According to Giftbox, Inc., Umae and LadyBug — or simply UMAE, which translates to Olympic Horse in Chinese — is Taiwan’s answer to China’s popular Baohong watercolor paper. Beyond papers, UMAE has also started producing acrylics, gouache, watercolors, and pigments for Chinese painting.
Since I’m always on the lookout for affordable watercolor papers to try, I picked up a 19×13 cm block of UMAE cold pressed paper for just ₱295 (20 sheets – photo below). I usually start with smaller sizes before investing in the bigger ones — just in case the paper doesn’t work for me. But this time? I didn’t just like it. I loved it.
1. Coastal Bluff with Wildflowers and Boulders
Paper used: Umae and Ladybug Cold Press (CP)
This piece features a rugged coastline with gentle waves and windswept wildflowers and boulders. I used multiple washes to create depth in the ocean and rocks, and lifted pigment in the sky for soft cloud effects.
2. Red Cabin by the Lake
Paper used: UMAE and Ladybug Cotton Cold Press (CP)
In this calm lakeside scene, a red cabin sits among wildflowers with misty hills behind it. I tested soft gradients in the background and dry brush in the foreground flowers and grass. I went crazy with the flowers by using the spatter technique.
3. Lighthouse on the Cliff
Paper used: Umae and Ladybug Cold Press (CP)
This scene demanded sharper contrasts and controlled wet-on-wet transitions. The sky was built with a single wash, while the rocks were layered in deep earthy tones of iron oxide orange and blue mixed with a little bit of opera pink. This particular artwork is inspired by one of Matty Burnham.
4. Cottage by the Bay
Paper used: Umae and Ladybug Cold Press (CP)
This is my first artwork using this block so the strokes here are mostly uncertain. However, adjusting to the paper wasn’t hard at all especially after using Baohong papers whose characteristics I am most familiar with. This cottage reminds me so much of small houses I often find in provincial areas.
What I love about UMAE and Ladybug CP papers:
- Texture: Soft but consistent tooth; allows for fine detail while still showing watercolor granulation.
- Lifting: Excellent — clouds were easily lifted with a damp brush.
- Layering: Holds up well to multiple transparent washes without feathering.
- Edge control: Moderate; soft blends are achievable with careful timing.
What about you? What brand of papers do you like to use for your watercolor artwork?
Cheers,
Grass
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