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Subject: Watercolor blocks

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vikingwife

Posts:878
09/11/2007 7:00 AM Alert 
I have a question to the watercolor people out there.... I was looking at a watercolor block yesterday and the packaging said that the block was sealed on all sides. So....I know I'm probably just clueless....but how do you use these? Do you still remove a sheet and stretch it? Or can you paint right on the block? And if you CAN paint on the block, how do you remove the picture without damaging it and the rest of the paper? And are the Arches blocks any better quality than buying a normal piece of Arches watercolor paper separately? Any answers would be great Jess
gene
Posts:1236
09/11/2007 7:51 AM Alert 
I have used the watercolor blocks many times. What I do, is mask off about one quarter inch in each side of the whole block with about an inch wide piece of masking tape.Then I wrap the remaining masking around the whole block, preventing any water from soaking the rest of the sheets.   Then I go ahead and paint using the block as my support. Then when I am finished I use my hair dryer to gently warm up the masking tape before peeling it off. It comes off very nicely without damaging any of the paper. If you look at the side of your block you will find an unsealed inch or so where you can insert a sharp knife and then tear that top sheet off. I love to use them, because you don't have to stretch the paper. They are particularly good for painting outside.I then keep the backing board, which is very sturdy cardboard (I think) as a backing for other types of painting.    They come in a few different sizes, also. I have bought many of them whenever Hobby Lobby has a 40% off coupon. You can get the coupons at www.hobbylobby.com. and print off as many as you want. You can only use one a day, but can use up to seven in a week. It really is a great deal. Good luck with your painting...................Gene
gtummino

Posts:30
09/11/2007 10:32 AM Alert 
Another good website to shop for watercolor blocks or any art supply is Dick Blick at www.dickblick.com. Good luck!
Grace
vikingwife

Posts:878
09/12/2007 7:51 AM Alert 
Hi Gene....thanks for answering my questions. I think I'll go ahead and buy a block. The biggest reason that I don't paint more often is the whole paperstretching business. With fall coming....I'd really like to do some painting outside.....so it sounds like these blocks might be a good fit for me. I get a 40% coupon from AC Moore in the mail once a week....so I'm all set there as well Question....when you are painting on the top sheet.....doesn't it soak thru into the sheets underneath?

Grace....boy do I wish they had Dick Blick OUTLET stores with coupons here!!! I hate to pay shipping costs. But I'm at the point now where I may just have to suck it up and do it. You just can't find EVEYTHING at these discount art stores!

Jess
vikingwife

Posts:878
09/12/2007 7:54 AM Alert 
Gene.....I just re-read your post...

Is there a backing board between each sheet of paper? I guess that would answer the last question I posted

Jess
Jerry

Posts:98
09/20/2007 3:54 PM Alert 

Jess

There is nothing between the sheets on the block. I have never had a problem with the sheet below getting damaged from water on the top sheet.

As mentioned you will see that there is a little space where the sheets are not sealed and that is where you would insert the knife blade and then slide it all the way arount the sheet. I have found that if I just start it part way and just pull the paper off sometimes I have damaged my paiting.

I have never put tape over the edge but I could see that if you used a LOT of water that would prevent bleed.

Pads are a great way have paper ready to go and you can always find them on sale someplace.

Good Luck

JTG
We Seal The Deal
vikingwife

Posts:878
09/20/2007 4:33 PM Alert 
Thanks Jerry

I actually DID find a block on sale but I haven't tried it out yet. Thanks for telling me about the possibility of damaging the painting if I just pull it out. I would be VERY upset if that happened....as I usually spend a lot (perhaps TOO much) of time on my projects.

Jess
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