The difference between cotton and cellulose watercolor paper: Cotton watercolor paper is made of cotton fibers, which are longer and stronger than cellulose fibers. It has a higher quality and durability compared to cellulose paper. Cotton paper is more elastic and flexible, which prevents it from tearing or wrinkling with water. Additionally, it has a greater capacity to absorb and retain water and pigment than cellulose paper. Cotton paper allows for creating layered washes without losing color intensity or definition of brush strokes. It also offers a greater variety of textures and tones. Cellulose watercolor paper, on the other hand, is made of wood pulp, which is shorter and weaker than cotton fibers. It is more rigid and fragile, which causes it to deteriorate or yellow over time. Cellulose paper tends to saturate or blur with excess water or pigment. It usually has a more uniform and artificial texture, and a bright white or artificial tone due to added bleachers. These differences make cotton watercolor paper more recommended for professional or advanced artists seeking high-quality and performance paper, while cellulose paper may be more suitable for beginner or amateur artists who want more affordable and accessible paper.