The drawing block

One of the most important aspects of aquarelle painting is the drawing block (paper), the quality of which can directly affect your end results.

When buying a drawing block take care that the block is glued; this means that the single pieces of paper are bound together. Ideally, the block should be bound on both sides or, better still, on all four sides. The paper tends to make a wave effect when adding aquarelle colour with lots of water, hence it is important that the block is glued and the paper is fixed to the block until it is dry.

There are 3 different kinds of paper available.


Hot pressed paper:
Is a fine grained paper with a very smooth and flat surface. This is suitable when an equal colour application is required.

Cold pressed paper:
Is available in two different variations.
The paper is available in a rough (middle grain) and a very rough (coarse grain).

We recommend using rough or extra rough paper for your first painting design.
The Colour gradient is better manageable on this kind of paper than on a very smooth one.

Another very important factor is the bulk of the paper. The ideal paper is 250 to 300 grams per square meter.
This kind of paper is very frugal and supports many aquarelle techniques.
For superb results we recommend you use the wet on wet or Gradient technique.

Which paper for which intention? A little overview.

Fine grained (185 – 640 gr/m2)

  • Has a very smooth surface
  • Colours dry very slowly
  • Suited for glazing and ink drawing

Middle grained (185 – 300 gr/m2)

  • Very even surface
  • Colours dry very quickly on paper
  • Ideal for every technique, apart from wet in wet

Middle grained (640 gr/m2)

  • Is very resistant
  • Little texture on the surface
  • Colour dries very slowly

Coarse grain (185 – 300 gr/m2)

  • Rough, corned surface
  • Colour dries very quickly
  • Suited for all aquarelle techniques without painting exact details

Coarse grain (640 gr/m2)

  • Rough, corned surface
  • Colour dries very quickly
  • Very resistant, good for extreme use


You should test for yourself, which kind of paper is better for you.

Many manufacturers offer blocks with different paper grades. This is a good opportunity to try different types of paper.