Arches Watercolor Blocks contain natural white, mouldmade watercolor paper that is cut and tape bound in convenient blocks. Sheets are 140 lb (300 gsm) weight, with 20 sheets per block, ready for you to create and then cut out your artwork. Arches high quality watercolor papers are made in France, with 100% cotton fiber content. They are acid-free, pH-neutral, gelatin-sized, and air-dried.
12" x 16" sheets
Hot press paper has a smooth surface and flexible page. Whereas cold press paper has a gritty, textured surface with a stiff body.
Arches has a long, proud history. The paper mill was built in the village of Arches in Northeastern France in 1492. One year later, paper from the mill was used in the Nuremberg Chronicle with illustrations by Durer. In the 1830’s when sizing with rosin became popular, Arches continued using gelatin sizing. This decision further isolated Arches from competition. Renowned for clear color, transparent layers, and low page deformation. It’s prized so highly for conservation that in 1990, the spaceship, Discovery, sent 250 works on Arches paper into space for the future.
