Watercolor paper block-How do you use them?

[twotimetravelers]

I just got some watercolor block. 15 sheets per block. 140# cold press. I have never used paper blocks before. I have a silly question perhaps. It appears all 15 sheets of paper are 'glued' together to form the 'block'. How do I separate the sheets without wrecking the edges of the paper? What is the logical reason for use of these blocks too... (Always one who craves new ideas and 'gettin' edda-caded') *giggles* Lee

[artistjillian]

I don't, I was drunk 😉

[artistjillian]

HAHHAHAHAHHAHAH! Just joking... I couldn't resist la - forgive me all!

[laartgallery]

too funny.. AND HEY,by the way.. I"M OUT OF PAPER!!!!!!!! Ship soon, please.. ;-0

[sunshinesketches]

You guys are funny! 😄

[kengillam]

The whole idea of blocks is that you can paint without having to stretch the paper first, so cutting off the sheet beforehand rather defeats the object of them. Can't say that paper stretching is much of a problem with ACEO's. Now with 1/4 and 1/2 Imperial, the size I usually paint, thats a bit different. Thick ply and a staple gun! Ken

[orion713]

Yeah if you don't use the block as a block you are paying extra money for it. Sheets are usually cheaper than blocks. My Fabriano block has the opening up on one corner...most are as Jillian mentioned in the center somewhere. -Amy

[judyc0302]

I only use blocks if I am going on field trips; really wonderful for taking when you don't want to carry too many supplies. A block, a couple of brushes, paints, a jug of water, & you're off!

[twotimetravelers]

Thanks for all the tips about the blocks. I will soon show some of my 'work in progress' Lee

[twotimetravelers]

oh ...*giggles* I found the opening too...!

[artistjillian]

*giggle* *giggle* I'm happy now. 🙂

[mugwump57]

I prefer the blocks. You can paint several aceo's for example on one sheet, let them dry without any curling and then cut them out. Also as mentioned, blocks are more portable, great for painting out doors etc. Candy 🙂

[twotimetravelers]

Candy that is exactly what I am doing! *smiles* I messed up on my first 'cut'though...I learned really fast to always 'lift' carefully when cutting it off the block...never to let the 'blade' put too much pressure if any on the fresh paper below...(leaves marks!) So...anyways...*coughs* Still working on my creations *smiles* Lee

[rockitart]

I paint directly on the block too. I am taking water color 111 at a NAU extension campus here in Lake Havasu. Our class start Tuesday. I do not do well at water color. Too many years with oils and acrylic I guess. Show us something you paint on your block. Diane rockitart

[twotimetravelers]

While listening to Dreamflight music by composer and performer, Herb Ernst...I found my 'muse' for my continuing effort into the mer-world of my mind's eye... The first ascending school of mermaids (with darker hair) is messed up because of 'indentations' I did not see until after I started the composition. The second is coming along the way I want it too... Both are far from being completed...*smiles* There will be four different 'schools' of mermaids... Not sure I will list the first messy one or not... we shall see...*smiles*
When I scanned them...I forgot to make them viewable in 'landscape' and that is how I am paiting them... So there they are...ascending Lee

[artistjillian]

Great work Lee. I was going to say that when you slip the knife or whatever between the sheets, sorta lift it rather than press down, but didn't sorta kinda know how to explain it. Sometimes, I 'sacrifice' the top sheet of a new block if I haven't used it before, just so I can see how cleanly and easily I can separate the sheets. Sorry you learnt the hard way. Love those mermaids though. :) ~Jillian