{"id":1309124,"date":"2023-06-19T13:10:43","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T19:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artistsnetwork.com\/art-mediums\/oil-painting\/5-great-plein-air-painting-books-copy\/"},"modified":"2023-11-16T11:47:27","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T18:47:27","slug":"an-essential-tool-for-stretching-watercolor-paper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artistsnetwork.com\/product-recommendation\/an-essential-tool-for-stretching-watercolor-paper\/","title":{"rendered":"An Essential Tool for Stretching Watercolor Paper"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2122.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/p>\u2014Johannes Vloothius<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stretching Watercolor paper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Reusability: Stretched watercolor paper is often single-use, as removing it from the stretching board can damage or tear the paper. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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WhatDoes Johannes Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2122 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Johannes painting with Guerrilla Watercolorboard\u2122<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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