How to Use a Watercolor Block

A watercolor block is a pad of 15 to 20 watercolor sheets that have been glued together on all four edges. A watercolor block is rigid, which makes it easy to take anywhere so you can do without a drawing board. Here are tips on how to effectively use a watercolor block--it can greatly add to your ability to create wonderful watercolor paintings.

Things You'll Need

• Fan Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Flat Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Palette Knives
• Round Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Watercolor Blocks
• Watercolor Brush Cleaners
• Watercolor Brush Holders
• Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Crayola Watercolor Pencils With Brush Kits
• Watercolor Paints
• Watercolor Paper

Instructions

1. Open the cover of the watercolor block.

2. Paint your picture on the top sheet of the block as you would on regular paper.

3. Allow your painting to dry completely.

4. Locate the opening in the glue on the back edge of the block. You will be able to see the edges of the stacked sheets of paper through this opening.

5. Insert a palette knife between the top sheet and the second sheet of watercolor paper.

6. Slide the knife gently and slowly around all four edges of the pad. This will separate the top sheet from the others.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect work in progress by folding the cover paper of the watercolor block over the top sheet.

• Watercolor blocks are usually made with sheets of 140-lb., cold-press watercolor paper, which is suitable for most watercolor projects.

• Since they transport well, watercolor blocks are especially good for landscape painting.

• Avoid using a sharp knife to separate paper from the block. This often results in unwanted cuts in the paper.