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 use the block to save stretching, and convenience. You will find they are not glued 100% on all 4 sides. One side with have an opening midway along the side. Into this you slip something thin - a butter knife will work OK, and gently slip in anc slide to release the top sheet. Hope that explains it ok. I knew of someone once who was using an exacto knife to separate, and butchering her sheets!. Let me know. You should find the opening. ~Jillian

[artistjillian]

anc = and

[twotimetravelers]

Checking for opening.... Jillian another stupid questions... Should I do my watercolor before I try to separate the paper then? Lee

[sunshinesketches]

Jillian, I hope she kept the weird-shaped pages. Sometimes those are a good jumping-off point for a creative journal page!

[artistjillian]

I'm sorry I told her then, Karen. ;) I do my watercolors straight onto the block. Great for plein air art. ~Jillian

[twotimetravelers]

okay...am gonna go give it try... *puts thinking cap on to 'find da' muse'* Lee

[laartgallery]

Another great tool for getting them apart, I use my handy dandy pottery tool, which never gets to see the light of clay anymore.. 😞 It doesn't indent the paper, and is thin enough to squeeze through.

[artistjillian]

Yes, a palette knife works well, too. But be careful.

[laartgallery]

Also, if your thinking bout dong watercolor, you might want to join the new group watercolors wet n wild, it's ONLY for watercolors though.

[laartgallery]

Oh Cripe, I just thought about what I typed, I'm sorry I hope that was okay Jillian.??? Eeeck, shruggs shoulders, don't know if thats in the rules or not.

[artistjillian]

You're fine la. People can belong where they want. Hopefully we are all artists and people who look for others to expand and grow in all they do. ~Jillian

[artistjillian]

lee ... the suspense is killing me ... did you find the opening?

[laartgallery]

LMAO Jillian..

[laartgallery]

LMAO I remember my first time too Jillian... 🙂