GUIDE TO WATERCOLOR PAPER
MEDIUMS: SPOTLIGHT ON ARCHES
WATERCOLOR BLOCKS
Watercolor painting is a popular and accessible form of artistic expression. It allows artists to bring their imaginations to life with a distinct blend of colors and textures. However, every watercolor artist knows that the quality of their work isn't just about the paints they use, it's also heavily influenced by the paper medium they paint on. There are several types of watercolor paper mediums available, each with unique properties that can dramatically affect the outcome of a painting.
This article aims to reveal more understanding of these mediums.
Understanding Watercolor Paper Mediums
Watercolor paper is typically made of cotton or a blend of cotton and wood pulp.
The three major types of watercolor paper are hot press, cold press, and rough.
Hot Press Paper
Renowned for its smooth surface, hot press paper is a top choice for artists who enjoy crafting fine detail work or delight in executing sharp, precise edges in their compositions. The process of 'hot pressing' the paper during manufacture lends it a surface akin to that of a polished stone.
The absence of significant texture allows the artist's brush to glide smoothly, making it easier to create detailed linework and intricate designs.
This type of paper, due to its smooth surface, tends not to hold washes as well, but it is excellent for rendering sharp details, such as pen and ink lines, over watercolor washes.
Cold Press Paper
Cold press paper boasts a lightly textured surface, which strikes a balance between the smoothness of hot press and the ruggedness of rough paper. This harmony of texture has made cold press paper the most versatile and universally popular choice among artists.
Its surface has a slight tooth, giving it the ability to hold onto water and pigment, which is great for achieving both detailed work and looser, more expressive styles.
The texture is also advantageous for various techniques such as lifting, scrubbing, and multiple washes.
Rough Paper
Living up to its name, rough paper possesses the highest degree of texture among its counterparts. It's specifically designed to assist artists in creating loose, expressive works, enabling them to make full use of its textured surface.
Techniques like granulation, where pigment particles accumulate in the paper's grooves to create a grainy effect, find a perfect partner in the rough paper.
The visible tooth of the paper also catches more pigment and water, making it ideal for dramatic, broad washes of color and emphasizing the organic, granulated qualities of watercolor paint.
How to Best Utilize Watercolor Paper
Mediums
The selection of the right watercolor paper aligns closely with the artist's style, the techniques they use, and the desired outcome of the artwork.
For artists who aim to achieve a high level of detail in their artwork, hot press paper is the way to go. Its smooth surface enables the creation of intricate designs and techniques, making every fine line and precise stroke stand out.
Conversely, cold press paper, celebrated for its medium texture, serves as a versatile option. It's able to hold more water compared to hot press paper, allowing the artist to create detailed work as well as beautiful washes of color. The cold press paper's adaptability to both fine details and expressive washes makes it a reliable choice for a wide variety of artists.
Lastly, the highly textured rough paper is the preferred choice for artists who love creating artwork that lean towards broad, bold washes of color. The pronounced texture emphasizes the watercolor paint's granulated characteristics, lending a sense of depth and vibrancy to the painting.
In essence, understanding the different watercolor paper mediums and how they can be harnessed is key for any watercolor artist. By selecting the right medium, artists can take full advantage of their chosen paper's unique characteristics to create watercolor art that is both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
Arches Watercolor Blocks: A Case Study
Let's take a closer look at Arches
Watercolor Blocks, specifically the 9"x12" cold press variety. These blocks are composed of 20 sheets of natural white, acid-free, 100% cotton paper. They're created with natural cotton fibers using a cylinder-mold machine, lending them a consistent and durable quality.
Image Credit: Arches Paper User Community Art Contribution
The cold press texture of these blocks makes them a fantastic all-rounder choice, suitable for a range of artistic styles. They're not only ideal for watercolors but also work wonderfully for gouache, acrylic, and airbrushing.
One unique feature of the Arches
Watercolor Blocks is that the sheets are glued on all four sides. This helps to prevent warping as the paper dries after painting. Once a piece is complete and dry, the artist can use a palette knife or similar tool to separate the top sheet from the block, revealing a fresh canvas below. Additionally, these blocks are made with natural gelatin sizing. This gelatin acts as a protective coating, reducing the paper's absorbency and allowing the colors to sit on the surface rather than soaking into the paper. This makes the colors more vibrant and prevents them from blending too much.
Wrapping up the thoughts on Watercolor Paper
Mediums Understanding the differences between hot press, cold press, and rough paper can significantly enhance the end result of your artwork.
If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality choice, Arches Watercolor Blocks are worth considering.
The cold press version, in particular, offers a fine balance between texture and smoothness, making it a great choice for artists of various styles and techniques.
