New paper for a new year
Posted: January 8, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 10 CommentsOur postal strike is finally over in Canada, and the backlog of mail is trickling in. A few days ago I received Etchr Lab’s new 9″ x 12″ 100% cotton watercolour paper block. As always, when I am testing out new products, I paint something easy, like the paint tubes on my table.
If you use Etchr sketchbooks, you’ll recognize the feel of this block. It’s the same paper as in their Perfect sketchbooks, just a little thicker. I’ve filled many of these sketchbooks, so I know it’s a paper I like to use for both ink and pencil drawings, and it takes the colour really well. Like the book, the block has a cold pressed surface so it stays wet for while, allowing me to deepen washes like I did in the cast shadows of this sketch.
So why use a block instead of a book? I don’t know about you, but I don’t cut pages out of my sketchbooks. But sometimes I want to create a sketch with the intention of giving it as a gift. Or I want to put it in a frame for a small format exhibition. That’s when a block comes in handy. It’s easy to transport, doesn’t need taping to a board, and stays pretty much flat as you work. And it’s a definite plus if you are familiar with AND like the properties of the paper.
If you’re going to frame a painting for a show or give as a gift, will the block prevent the piece from warping? Is it easy to remove the piece from the block once it’s dry?
Hi Maureen.
I usually remove the paper from the block with a palette knife or an X-Acto. And unless you dump tons of water on the block, the paper is flat when you remove it (after it dries).
Shari
Great to know this, Shari! I love Erchr’s Perfect Sketchbook so I’m happy to know their watercolor block is the same paper. My other top favorite Sketchbook is Etcher’s once a year Sketchbook issue with deckled edged Fabriano paper.
De, I have that book. It’s so nice that I haven’t sketched in it yet. I know it’s ridiculous but I am afraid to mess it up!!
Thanks Shari, I love the paper in the Etchr Perfect Sketchbooks (you told me about them originally) so I am pleased to hear they have a block in a great size to throw in a suitcase just in case I want to paint a stand alone painting.
Sandy, it’s so nice to hear from you. Glad this was useful!
Shari. I always love your paintings of paints! Wishing you a healthy and joyfilled 2025!
Laura W
Always wonder what brand of paper they use…
Happy New Year, Shari! Thanks for this info-I’m in need of a new sketchbook, so I’ll have to look into this. I might also challenge myself and try out a larger format, a change from my usual small (4×6 ish) books!
I haven’t tried the Etchr paper yet. You always have the labels on the tubes you paint come out looking so realistic with just a few marks. Mine never look right to me and I obsess over them and make them look worse. lol Thanks for sharing!