Interesting article, Yuri. May I point out one more paper: Hahnemühle Expression is an excellent universal paper at a reasonable price. It's 300 gsm, 100% cotton with a matte white surface (cold pressed). For watercolors it absorbs water very well as it is designed to do. The tooth is sufficient to take soft pastels, colored pencil, and graphite pencil well w/o too much texturing. It is strong enough to also withstand expressive brush strokes with gouaches and acrylics. A good paper to have in stock at all times.

Under normal (non-pandemic) circumstances, this paper goes for about 15-20 EUR (20 sheets 30x40). I have noticed the price going up considerably in recent times. I suspect Hahnemühle is passing on the current wood supply shortage in Germany to their customers. (Even though there is no cotton shortage AFAIK :-)