Paper is one of those materials that really matter. Standard wisdom is, the better your materials, the better the result. And in general, that's a reasonable equation. If you're just starting with watercolours, don't worry too much about the paper you use. And try new papers, don't just stick with one as you learn, you'll find real differences between them. If you want to know more about how to choose a watercolour paper, a good place to start is this page.
The single best general paper I've found for use with Copics and watercolours - my two primary mediums - is an inexpensive one, and not one recommended by the manufacturer for wet media. Strathmore's Bristol Vellum is a lovely paper with enough weight to hold up to my heavy-handed way with wet pigment, and it is a delight to use in very small sizes; I frequently paint in miniature - 1x2" for example. When I first started using Copics, I used them with heavy cold-pressed watercolour paper, which meant I blew through a LOT of ink, especially expensive with Copics. The advantages were that the paper gave the work a look of watercolour (I find Copics a lot easier to manipulate than watercolours), and it allowed for much nicer blending than any other paper, resulting in a lack of demarcation lines as is frequently seen with markers.
Another thing I don't generally worry about is "archival quality" paper. UNLESS I'm working on a large (2x3 feet, for example) piece, using $35/sheet watercolour paper and my most expensive watercolours, for which I will probably charge over $1000, I don't believe that the work needs to be around forever. I like the Buddhist ideal of impermanence, so, for me, my art doesn't merit the additional expense and trouble of archival materials unless it's a particularly good piece. Maybe not even then... :-) If you're interested in more information on archival materials, there's a lot available on the Net. Here's an article on archival materials I found interesting.
So that's a little on paper. I haven't talked about tissue or handmade papers, and maybe I will, another time. So what kind of paper do you use that really works for your art?
