An Important Instrument for Stretching Watercolor Paper

Johannes Vloothuis has not solely devoted himself to portray however has additionally shared his information with numerous college students worldwide by way of his widespread “Paint Alongside” reside occasions. Artists Community is eagerly celebrating a momentous milestone in our relationship with Johannes. This July, we are going to commemorate his one hundredth Paint Alongside! This occasion is a testomony to Johannes’ dedication to sharing his creative journey and distinctive insights with college students from across the globe. One fixed in his watercolor portray course of is the usage of Guerrilla Painter Watercolorboard™.

Since I first skilled the Guerrilla Watercolorboard, I’ve fully deserted the archaic technique of stretching paper. The extent of management it provides over the paint deciding on the floor is unparalleled

-Johannes Vloothius

Stretching Watercolor paper

How watercolor paper is ready can have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome. Listed below are a number of the challenges with portray on single sheets of watercolor paper:

1

Buckling: Watercolor paper tends to buckle or warp when it absorbs moisture. This could create uneven surfaces, making it difficult to realize a easy and even software of paint.

2

Time-consuming course of: The normal technique of stretching watercolor paper includes soaking it in water after which securing it to a board with staples, tape, or gum. This course of may be time-consuming and requires cautious dealing with to keep away from tearing or damaging the paper.

3

Restricted measurement choices: Stretching bigger watercolor papers may be tougher as a result of elevated threat of buckling. Artists could discover it tough to stretch and safe large-sized papers successfully, resulting in potential points with warping.

4

Inconsistency: Even with cautious stretching, there’s nonetheless a chance of the paper not stretching uniformly. This can lead to areas of the paper remaining much less taut, resulting in uneven paint absorption and potential buckling in particular areas.

5

Reusability: Stretched watercolor paper is commonly single-use, as eradicating it from the stretching board can harm or tear the paper.

WhatDoes Johannes Use?

As talked about above the normal strategy to getting ready watercolor paper includes soaking cotton rag watercolor paper, laying it flat on a board, and securing it with staples, masking tape, or gum tape. The first goal of this stretching method has been to stop buckling, which occurs when the paper swells and types uneven surfaces. Guerrilla Watercolorboard™ is designed to make this stretching course of simple by way of its use of grooves specifically designed to accommodate metallic clamps that stretch the paper and maintain it in place. It’s additionally out there in numerous sizes, together with full-sheet, half-sheet, and quarter-sheet choices.

Johannes portray with Guerrilla Watercolorboard™

If stretching watercolor paper is a chore, try Johannes’ suggestion. This may very well be a game-changer! What’s your course of for stretching watercolor paper? Share your ideas within the feedback under!


Johannes Vloothuis Headshot

Meet Johannes

Since 2011, Johannes has taught reside on-line artwork workshops for Artists Community.

Jo has acquired a number of awards equivalent to the highest prize within the nation of Mexico granted by the Watercolor Museum, the distinguished Pastel Society of America listed him beneath “Masterful Artists”  and has impressed and helped develop the abilities of  over 18,000 artists.  

Johannes is taken into account a grasp painter in all of the main mediums. He has had 20,000 on-line college students, each amateurs and professionals. Johannes, an acclaimed worldwide artist, has grow to be one of the crucial widespread artwork instructors on the earth. His ample instructing and portray expertise assist budding artists overcome the traps most artists fall into that impede them from going as much as the subsequent stage.