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An Essential Tool for Stretching Watercolor Paper
Johannes Vloothuis has not only dedicated himself to painting but has also shared his knowledge with countless students worldwide through his popular “Paint Along” live events. Artists Network is eagerly celebrating a momentous milestone in our relationship with Johannes. This July, we will commemorate his 100th Paint Along! This event is a testament to Johannes’ dedication to sharing his artistic journey and unique insights with students from around the globe. One constant in his watercolor painting process is the use of Guerrilla Painter Watercolorboard™.
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Since I first experienced the Guerrilla Watercolorboard, I have completely abandoned the archaic method of stretching paper. The level of control it offers over the paint settling on the surface is unparalleled
—Johannes Vloothius
Stretching Watercolor paper
How watercolor paper is prepared can have a big impact on the final result. Here are some of the challenges with painting on single sheets of watercolor paper:
1
Buckling: Watercolor paper tends to buckle or warp when it absorbs moisture. This can create uneven surfaces, making it challenging to achieve a smooth and even application of paint.
2
Time-consuming process: The traditional method of stretching watercolor paper involves soaking it in water and then securing it to a board with staples, tape, or gum. This process can be time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid tearing or damaging the paper.
3
Limited size options: Stretching larger watercolor papers can be more challenging due to the increased risk of buckling. Artists may find it difficult to stretch and secure large-sized papers effectively, leading to potential issues with warping.
4
Inconsistency: Even with careful stretching, there is still a possibility of the paper not stretching uniformly. This can result in areas of the paper remaining less taut, leading to uneven paint absorption and potential buckling in specific areas.
5
Reusability: Stretched watercolor paper is often single-use, as removing it from the stretching board can damage or tear the paper.
WhatDoes Johannes Use?
As mentioned above the traditional approach to preparing watercolor paper involves soaking cotton rag watercolor paper, laying it flat on a board, and securing it with staples, masking tape, or gum tape. The primary objective of this stretching technique has been to prevent buckling, which happens when the paper swells and forms uneven surfaces. Guerrilla Watercolorboard™ is designed to make this stretching process easy through its use of grooves specially designed to accommodate metal clamps that stretch the paper and hold it in place. It’s also available in various sizes, including full-sheet, half-sheet, and quarter-sheet options.
If stretching watercolor paper is a chore, check out Johannes’ recommendation. This could be a game-changer! What’s your process for stretching watercolor paper? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Meet Johannes
Since 2011, Johannes has taught live online art workshops for Artists Network.
Jo has received several awards such as the top prize in the country of Mexico granted by the Watercolor Museum, the prestigious Pastel Society of America listed him under “Masterful Artists” and has inspired and helped grow the skills of over 18,000 artists.
Johannes is considered a master painter in all the leading mediums. He has had 20,000 online students, both amateurs and professionals. Johannes, an acclaimed international artist, has become one of the most popular art instructors in the world. His ample teaching and painting experience help budding artists overcome the traps most artists fall into that impede them from going up to the next level.
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