Watercolor blocks are designed to simplify the watercolor painting process, particularly by eliminating the need for stretching paper. Here's how to use them:
Understanding Watercolor Blocks
A watercolor block is a pad of watercolor paper glued on all four sides, except for one small section left unglued. This unique binding method prevents the paper from buckling or warping when wet. This eliminates the need to stretch the paper before painting, which is a time-consuming task when working with individual sheets of watercolor paper.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Workspace: Set up your painting area with your palette, water, brushes, and any other necessary supplies.
- Start Painting: Begin painting directly on the top sheet of the watercolor block using your chosen watercolor paints.
- Paint Normally: As you paint, the glued edges of the block will hold the paper in place, preventing it from warping or buckling.
- Dry: Allow your painting to dry fully on the block.
- Separate: Once the painting is completely dry, use a palette knife, dull butter knife, or a letter opener to carefully separate the top sheet along the unglued edge of the block. This will release your finished painting.
- Continue: The block is now ready for another painting.
Advantages of Using Watercolor Blocks
- No Paper Stretching: The primary benefit is the elimination of paper stretching, saving significant time and effort. This is especially useful for plein air or on-the-go painting.
- Flat Surface: The glued edges maintain a consistently flat surface for painting, preventing the paper from moving or wrinkling, providing a smooth surface for your watercolors.
- Convenience: Watercolor blocks are highly convenient and portable, making them ideal for artists who are short on time or want to paint in a variety of settings.
- Ready to Use: The blocks are pre-assembled and ready for use, streamlining the workflow and allowing you to focus on painting.
Tips for Using Watercolor Blocks
- Gentle Separation: When separating the painted sheet, be gentle to avoid tearing or damaging your artwork or the underlying sheets.
- Use a Thin Separator: A thin palette knife is ideal for separating the sheets.
- Clean Your Tool: Always make sure that the tool you are using to separate the sheets is clean before using to prevent smudging your artwork.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Glued Edges | Eliminates need to stretch paper; prevents warping. |
| Portable | Easy to transport for on-the-go painting. |
| Ready to Use | No preparation required, allowing focus on painting. |
| Flat Painting Surface | Provides a smooth and stable surface for painting. |
Watercolor blocks offer a practical and efficient way to approach watercolor painting. By understanding how they work and using the correct techniques, you can make the most of their benefits.
