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Hello Friends,

We have had a recent discussion in our Facebook group about the conundrum of buckling watercolor paper and how to avoid it. When you prepare your paper in advance, you can avoid the frustration of wrinkling paper! Every artist has their favorite method for preparing the paper. Here is mine, in a nutshell.

We are going to discuss this, and other items of preparation in our March 5 workshop, "How to Plan Your Painting."

Avoid Headaches - Prepare your Paper

Size of watercolor paper: The watercolor paper should be larger than the size of your painting. I tend to add at least 2 inches to each edge of the watercolor paper so there is room for for staples, or tape, or whatever you wish to use to keep your paper flat.

Stretch the Watercolor Paper avoid wrinkling

• Soak the watercolor paper in water for at least 3 minutes or even longer - 4 to 5 minutes.
• I place a large plastic container in my bathtub and fill with water. Rinse out the container before filling with water to avoid pet hair, dust, etc.

Keep the Paper Flat During Your Painting

• After soaking, while the paper is wet, attach it to some kind of sturdy board to keep it flat during the painting. I like to use Gatorfoam Board. ​
• My favorite method - staple the edges of the wet paper to gatorfoam board. Inexpensive, standard staples. Place the staples close together to prevent buckling in between the staples.
• Some artists like to use water-activated tape to adhere the paper to the board - really, it's personal preference.

Allow the paper to dry completely

• The paper may buckle while wet - it's ok! When dry, it will be flat.
• It will take a number of hours for the paper to dry. Place it somewhere safe, away from pets.

Keep the paper attached (stapled, taped) to the board for the entire painting.

• This will keep your painting flat.
• Sometimes, when using a lot of water, the paper begins to buckle. It's ok. It should dry flat.
• I like to use a hair dryer to dry the paper more quickly.

Remove staples or tape

• When the painting is finished, you can remove the staples or tape.
• I use my fingernail or a butter knife to remove the staples.
• Then, I use a scissors to cut off the "messy" edges of the paper.

This is one of the subjects we will discuss in our March 5 workshop entitled "How to Plan your Painting."

When you make it a habit to prepare your paper in advance, you can move into your painting with confidence and avoid headaches! I hope this is helpful. I'd love to hear how you prepare your paper!

Upcoming Workshops - Join Us!

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Wednesday, March 5: How to Plan your Painting ($12.00)

We will discuss how to prepare for a strong start to your painting, including:

• Finding photos
• Selecting a size
• Deciding on the layout of you painting
• Choosing colors
• Creating the drawing
• How to prepare the watercolor paper
• How to transfer drawing to watercolor paper

Wednesday, March 26: Brush Techniques, Solutions ($12.00)

We will discuss techniques and solutions including:

• Consistency and Value
• Softening Edges
• Creating impression of contour
• Glazing, layering colors
• Simple fur techniques
• Creating wrinkles

Wednesday, April 23: How to Paint Complex Subjects ($12.00)

We will discuss solutions for challenges such as curls, fuzzy fur, complex shapes, and mixed colors. Plus, I invite you to share your own photos and questions. I anticipate this to be a one day workshop, about 90 minutes.

Upcoming Workshops: May, July

Paint Your Pet: Beginning May 5, 2025, an 8-week adventure (price t.b.a.)

This is a guided, personalized course. Rebecca will work with you to create a painting of your own subject. Instruction includes live lessons and individualized feedback. You can purchase this workshop April 15, 2025. Space will be limited.

Space will be limited. Join the Waitlist to learn more and be the first to receive new information. Learn more, Join the Waitlist

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July 14 - 18: Watercolor Animal Week for Beginners (price t.b.a.)

Our popular workshop is returning! This will be a 5-day workshop for beginners. We will begin with materials and simple techniques. Then, move to eyes, noses, and fur. Finally, we will put everything together to paint an animal. Mark these dates on your calendar! A waitlist will be coming in May.

I wish you all the best,

Rebecca Rhodes