A Case Study in Quality: The Arches

Watercolor Blocks

In the realm of quality watercolor papers, Arches Watercolor Blocks occupy a significant position, embodying all the essential attributes artists seek in their creative journey.

Take, for instance, their Cold Press 9″ x 12″ Artist Watercolor Blocks. The blocks are a testament to the timeless elegance of traditionally crafted paper, containing sheets made with natural cotton fibers on a cylinder-mold machine.

This artist-grade watercolor paper, built for a variety of mediums including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and airbrushing, promises versatility and adaptability. The paper's robust quality is highlighted by its natural gelatin sizing, which adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring the paper's ability to withstand repeated washes and adjustments.

Each block comprises 20 sheets of natural white, acid-free, 100% cotton paper, with a weight of 140lb / 300g — a desirable weight that keeps the issue of warping at bay. Notably, these blocks are glued on all four sides, a feature designed to prevent buckling and maintain the paper's smoothness while you paint, eliminating the need for stretching.

Upon completion of a painting, the artist can easily separate the top sheet from the block using a palette knife or a similar tool.

What stands out about Arches Watercolor

Blocks is their embodiment of the six essential attributes of good watercolor paper their composition is pure 100% cotton, their weight is ideal, they're available in a versatile cold-press texture, the color is a vibrant natural white, the quality is artist-grade, and they're made through the reliable cylinder-mold process.

With this all-encompassing quality, Arches Watercolor Blocks serve as a dependable partner for artists, allowing them to fully express their creativity and technique in every brushstroke.