Back when I became a serious watercolor painter in 1964 200lb or 300 lb rough paper was the most popular paper used by watercolorists.  Now it seams cold pressed paper seems the choice.  The sparkle of rough paper is delightful. 

Today watercolorists seem to paint almost photographicly there seems an absence of "Self" in the art works.  The free fast strokes seem to have departed from watercolors.

I was away from watercolor for about ten years and I admit on returning I've gone to coldpress paper, but that is because I now only paint small paintings mostly from memories of Asia.

Yes Johanna a painting without the artist's "Self" in the painting is similar to a corpse.  Might just as well frame the photograph from which the painting was copied.  A good copy of the photograph does indicate a good illustrator.

So good to hear from someone else that feels that way about art.